Montezuma-Cortez sweeps action in Grand Junction
Montezuma-Cortez High School extended its unbeaten start over the weekend with three victories, including two against former Southwestern League opponents. The Panthers edged 5A top-10 Grand Junction 48-46 on the road Saturday.
On Thursday, M-CHS overcame its first halftime deficit of the season, outscoring Grand Junction Central 38-27 in the second half for a 65-56 win.
Between those matchups, junior Trey Hall scored 44 points in a 68-33 win over Moffat County on Friday, setting a school record. Hall surpassed his previous career high of 25 points and broke the mark of 43 set by Class of 2020 alumnus and current assistant coach Teagan Whiteskunk in December 2018.
M-CHS is 6-0 for the first time since opening with nine straight wins in 2018-19, the season of its most recent state tournament appearance.
The Panthers resume play after the holiday break at a tournament in Gallup beginning Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, against Miyamura.
Panthers hang tough at Rumble in the Jungle
Montezuma-Cortez High School earned a 64-15 win over Greyhills Academy (Arizona) during the Rumble in the Jungle tournament in Aztec, marking its second victory of the season.
On Thursday, the Panthers narrowed a double-digit deficit to two points in the second half against Belen but fell 53-45. On Saturday, M-CHS lost to Durango 50-35 to close its 2025 schedule.
The Panthers play their home opener Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. against Shiprock.
M-CHS earns podium finishes at Warrior Classic
Panthers sophomore CeJae Snyder led the M-CHS effort at the massive Warrior Classic in Grand Junction, taking third in the 115 pounds division after posting a record of 4-1 over the weekend.
Annalisa Abeyta (110 pounds) earned six wins for a fifth-place finish in her bracket, while Paislee Mestas went 3-2 at 120 pounds. The Panthers scored 60 team points and finished 16th among more than 30 teams.
Dolores, M-CHS take on Warrior Classic field
The Bears earned multiple victories from Daniel Jacket (215 pounds, 2-2 record), River Wickstrom (157 pounds, 3-2 record), and Kenji Edwards (132 pounds, 3-2 record).
M-CHS added a fourth-place finish from Bodie Stiegelmeyer (113 pounds, 4-2 record), and a fifth-place run from Rusty Snyder (144 pounds, 5-2 record) to accompany a 2-2 weekend from Teagun Samora to represent southwest Colorado in fine fashion.
Mancos, Dove Creek battle in Walsenburg
Dove Creek jumped into the top 10 in the most recent CHSAA 2A state polls, then validated its high seeding with five podium finishes at the Pete and Ina Gomez Tournament in Walsenburg. Keaton Banks (second, 106 pounds), Conner Horn-Beanland (second, 132 pounds), Cael Beanland (second, 138 pounds), joined Chad Kline (fifth, 144 pounds) and Josh Kibel (sixth, 190 pounds) to help the Bulldogs score an eighth-place team finish.
The Jays were led by Tegan Mestas’ third-place run through the 138 pounds bracket (5-1 record), while Brady Barger posted a 2-2 mark at 106 pounds.
