CORTEZ – The steadily improving Montezuma-Cortez basketball program aims to keep momentum rolling in The Jungle this winter as the 2025-26 season gets underway.
Entering their 10th year in the Class 4A/3A Intermountain League, the M-CHS boys aim to climb one more spot after finishing second last season – their best league result yet. Head coach Mike Hall, now in his 12th year, has overseen four straight seasons of improved win totals.
The Panthers return talent from last year’s 17-7 record and 4A postseason berth. They open Dec. 2 with the first of two early home games. Known for an up-tempo pace, M-CHS plans to turn pressure defense into quick offense behind a veteran group.
Junior Trey Hall enters as the top returning scorer and rebounder, while the frontcourt continues to grow. Senior Trace Hartsoe anchors the interior defense with juniors Asher Bennetts and Conner Rosenbaugh. Senior Wyatt Oliver and junior Kaleb Schmitt aim to disrupt passing lanes, while sophomore Ah-dae Lang returns as a dangerous shooter as the Panthers replace much of last year’s starting backcourt.
Hall’s squad adds newcomers to keep legs fresh and maintain full-court pressure. Their first test is Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. against Aztec in The Jungle. M-CHS hosts San Juan Dec. 9 and visits Rehoboth Christian Dec. 12. The 2025 slate closes with a Grand Valley tournament Dec. 18-20 against GJ Central, Moffat County and Grand Junction.
The Panthers’ 2024-25 season shifted dramatically when leading scorer Sariah Jackson suffered an injury that ended her junior year. They finished 7-17 but still earned a 4A postseason berth.
Experience gained by returners will bolster the squad as Jackson returns for her senior season. Fellow seniors Siana Elliott – last year’s second-leading rebounder – and guard Keeley Clarke aim to provide scoring support under new head coach M.E. Haley.
Haley, formerly a JV boys assistant under Mike Hall, takes over the girls program this offseason. Haley will lean on sophomore Kyndall Schmitt as a scoring threat, while junior guard Abigale Baker and post Shoshawna Washburn assume bigger roles.
Class of 2028 athletes add depth as the Panthers open Dec. 4-6 at the Sargent tournament in the San Luis Valley. Another three-game tournament follows Dec. 18-20 in Aztec. The home schedule begins Jan. 9 against Shiprock.
