Broncos Dominate Chargers 63-43 in Fast-Paced Clash

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.</em> — In a high-energy, non-district 4A showdown on Saturday, January 3, the visiting Kirtland Central Broncos (9-1) overpowered the Albuquerque Academy Chargers (6-3) with relentless pressure and scorching outside shooting to secure a convincing 63-43 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos, riding a four-game winning streak under head coach Devon Manning, came in averaging 64.4 points per game. The Chargers, coached by Joshua Skarsgard and winners of their previous two contests, averaged 56.5 points and held a 2-1 home record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams unleashed full-court presses from the tip, creating a frenetic, up-and-down affair with just one tie and three lead changes. Albuquerque Academy won the opening jump and carried an 11-9 edge into the second quarter. But Kirtland Central's tenacious defense — trapping the Chargers' backcourt and packing the paint with a 2-3 zone — flipped the momentum late in the half. The Broncos closed the second period on a 13-5 run to take a 32-24 halftime lead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Kirtland Central extended its advantage to 51-40 after three quarters and cruised to the 20-point win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior standout [player_tooltip player_id='893562' first='Haylee' last='Nocki'] erupted for a game-high 25 points, torching the Chargers from all three levels. She drained five three-pointers and went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1058917' first='Zoey' last='Benally'] added 17 points of her own, including three triples, while providing steady playmaking to complement Nocki's explosion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Albuquerque Academy, senior [player_tooltip player_id='648196' first='Adeline' last='Spratley'] led the way with 14 points and an impressive 6 steals off the bench. Junior center [player_tooltip player_id='839425' first='Harper' last='Dunn'], the top-ranked player in her class, contributed 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Dunn was efficient when she got touches inside, but the Broncos' swarming lane defense and pressure on ball-handlers severely limited her opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kirtland Central's defensive intensity forced the Chargers into a cold shooting night and disrupted their rhythm throughout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What's Next</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos (9-1) head to tournament play and face the Golden Eagles (6-2) on Tuesday, January 6, at 5:15 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chargers (6-3) return to tournament action against the Wildcats (2-9) on Thursday, January 8, at 7:00 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->