Cibola holds off Gila Ridge 50-44

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Cibola came into Wednesday night riding high off its first win of the season a rivalry victory over Kofa and the momentum carried. The Raiders, sitting at 1-2, matched up with a Gila Ridge squad entering at 2-3 after a win over Somerton.

Gila Ridge got off to a shaky start, falling behind by eight early. But freshman guard Eli Zanovitch created a spark, driving inside and kicking out to sophomore Metric Drennan, who buried a three to trim the deficit to 18-13.

Drennan’s hustle on the loose ball afterward helped ignite a Hawks run that pulled them right back into the game.

The Hawks' offense found another gear in the second quarter. Manny Montalvo delivered a highlight with an up-and-under finish a little Dr. J-style move at the rim that kept Gila Ridge within striking distance.

Moments later, with the Hawks down three, Montalvo stepped into a deep three and drilled it, tying the game inside a lively Hawk Gym.

But Cibola responded quickly. The Raiders swung the ball around the perimeter, and Isaac Navaro found stretch-four Kayden Johnson, who used his smooth left-handed stroke to reclaim the lead with a corner three. From there, the Raiders began to impose their will defensively.

Cibola’s defensive presence continued to rise, highlighted by a Dikembe Mutombo-type block from Landon Harmony that sent the crowd buzzing. Gila Ridge struggled to find consistent scoring after its second-quarter run, and the Raiders took full control after halftime.

Late in the game, Navaro drove in and missed a jumper, but Harmony cleaned it up, grabbing the offensive board and putting it back in.

Cibola shut down the Hawks in the second half and closed out a 50-44 win, improving to 2-2 on the season. Gila Ridge drops to 2-4. Cibola heads to face Paradise Honors, while Gila Ridge looks to bounce back at home against La Jolla Community.