2018 New Mexico High School State Basketball Tournament. #nmpreps.
No. 3 Hope Christian 63, No. 2 Silver 50
For one half it might've been the end of a state tournament reign (at least for one year) for Hope Christian. But an 11-0 spurt to start the third quarter gave Hope the separation they needed to keep a tough Silver team at bay to reach yet another state championship game. The Johnnie Nitafan and Tristin Moore duel flashed for moments, but it was Nitafan who lead all scorers and ultimately help clinch the win for the Huskies. Silver wasn't completely out of it though. A few late runs in the second half got them as close as five points, but they either couldn't get a good look at the hoop or Hope created a turnover and scored to get the lead back up. Three straight final four appearances and Silver's hope's were dashed yet again.
STATS
Hope Christian: Johnnie Nitafan - 19 points. Preston Ulibarri - 15 pointsChris Ward - 11 points and 5 rebounds. Isaiah Dockery - 8 points and 3 steals. Collin Evans - 8 points and 13 rebounds
Silver: Tristin Moore - 16 points on 5 for 21 shooting. Jonathan Harris - 12 points and 9 reboundsSal Cruz - 12 points. Tyler Gonzales - 10 points and 5 rebounds
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