CORTEZ – With each passing milestone, the 2023-24 Montezuma-Cortez girls basketball season built confidence that made it apparent that the Panthers’ basketball success would be more than a one-year phenomenon.
Sixth-year head coach Brad Wright has the program steered in the right direction, coming off the first winning season in over two decades. For the upcoming winter, the Panthers bring back plenty of key contributors, ready to sustain the energy as the Panthers jump into the 4A classification.
Last year’s 3A Sweet 16 success served as a springboard for the Panthers, something that Wright hopes will carry over for the program at both the varsity and sub-varsity levels. Over 40 student-athletes have turned up for early-season practices, which bodes well for internal competition that will sharpen the squad as the season gets underway.
“We have some big shoes to fill this year,” said Wright, “but it’s amazing what a season like last year’s did for our program. We have a sense of belonging that we can go toe-to-toe with any team that we go up against.”
Senior Taylor Whited looks to guide a core of upperclassmen back in to the fray of one of the toughest leagues in the state. The guard looks to continue to provide a spark for the Panthers on both ends of the court, serving as the team’s top returning scorer, as well as leader in assists and steals.
Classmate Kalea Ogo helped M-CHS control the glass last season, and returns as the Panther rebounding leader.
“Taylor, Kalea, and our seniors have really taken ownership – they’ve been the embodiment of the team,” added Wright, “and having so many returning players allows us to build new wrinkles on top of what the players are already familiar with.”
Junior Sariah Jackson joins Whited in the backcourt, providing a dynamic scoring threat, as well as rebounding and steals for the Panthers.
Senior Reyaunna Jones and sophomore Abigale Baker look to enjoy an elevated roles for the Panthers at guard and wing positions this winter, while junior Siana Elliott and senior Kayden Lee will take on important post minutes for Wright’s squad.
Several incoming freshmen and rising junior varsity players look to break into the rotation, as well.
“With the actions that we’ll run on offense, perimeter shooting is a must,” said Wright, reflecting on how improved the Panthers were as a team last year from beyond the arc. He then added, “We’ll be focused on running an offense that utilizes the strengths of our players – and that’s something we’ll be developing throughout the season.”
The Panthers enjoyed a defensive tenacity that contributed to their transition game – something that Wright hopes to carry over into this season.
“Since we’re not a tall team, we know that we’re going to have to be disruptive, so if we can keep other teams from getting into their offensive sets, that’ll help us immensely,” said Wright.
M-CHS opens the season in Shiprock for the Jerry Richardson Memorial tournament over the weekend of Dec. 5-7. The Panthers will follow that action with games against San Juan (Utah) on Dec. 10 and a pre-inter break tournament at “The Rumble in the Jungle” in Aztec on Dec. 19-21.
The Intermountain League sees the return of Monte Vista, so the split classification (4A and 3A) conference is now at seven teams. After playing Durango (Jan. 7) in their first action of 2025, league play begins when the Panthers head to the San Luis Valley to face Centauri and Alamosa on Jan. 17-18. Their home opener won’t arrive until Jan. 30 against Bayfield, which kicks off an eight-game home stand.
“Our tough strength of schedule is something that the kids enjoy – and it builds a foundation for league and postseason play,” added Wright. “That success is contagious, and so our girls are becoming mentors in the basketball community so that the next generation of girls are growing up wanting to be just like them.”
