The crowd is more electric than last night. Richard Martinez tells his players before the opening tip that they know what is at stake and to leave everything – and he meant everything – on the court for 32 minutes.
And with that, away we go ...
First quarter
The Sundevils start strong, hitting three straight shots to open an 8-2 lead. Artesia is battling back with a heavy dose of Derek Montoya, who has 10 of his team's 12 points. Luis Alvarado has hit two 3s to lead Española
Sundevils 15, Bulldogs 12.
Second quarter
This quarter showed how little fear Española has going to the basket. Luis Alvarado, Ray Romero and Matthew Brito all scored off of drives at Bollema and Montoya. Aaron Aragon hit one of two free throws to give the Sundevils a 28-20 lead with 1:12 to go. But Montoya has been unstoppable. He answered with a three-point play on a leaner from 8 feet to cut the lead to 28-23. Here is one stat the Sundevils should take note: Until Montoya's jumper, all of Artesia's 10 baskets have been layups or putbacks.
Don't be surprised if Española packs it in and dares the Bulldogs to score form the outside.
Halftime is over. the third quarter begins.
Española 28, Artesia 23
Third quarter
Offenses were cold on both sides. Española missed four of its first five shots of the half, while Artesia was 2-for-6. Montoya tied the score at 28 on a spin move and foul. But Alvarado and Brito hit baskets to make it 32-28.
It is 32-30, with less than 2 minutes to go.
Bollema scores on a short basket, but misses the foul shot for a three-point play.
Ryan Salazar, the team's sixth man, comes up with a big drive and reverse for 34-32. Montoya misses a deep 3 (Bulldogs still haven't hit a shot outside of 8 feet) and the quarter concludes
Sundevils 34, Bulldogs 32.
Fourth quarter
It's Matthew Brito all over again. The senior guard scores on a drive from the wing as the Sundevils go into it's spread offense. He then combined a crossover with a 16-footer to make it 38-32 with 4:54 to go.
Maldonado goes up into the air for a steal. The Sundevils are spreading the floor out and making the Bulldogs give chase. It's Española at its best, but then Kevin Chandler gets a steal and a bucket for 38-34 with 3:35 to go. Twenty seconds later, a timeout by Richard Martinez.
Española is trying to kill more time off the clock, but then Sergio Arias steals the ball for Artesia. Then Kevin Chandler throws the ball away. No worries, Brito is called for a carrying violation.
Still 38-34, Sundevils. Artesia head coach Ika Montoya calls a timeout with 1:52 to go.
Devyn Garcia drives and misses, but Arias is there for the offensive board and is fouled by Maldonado. Two swishes and its 38-36, with 1:37 to go.
Española turns the ball over for the fourth straight possession.
1:25 left.
Now it's Montoya's turn to play hero. He doesn't give up on Bollema's air ball, gets the offensive carom, scores and gets fouled by Alvarado. Montoya hits the bonus and it's ...
Artesia 39, Española 38. 58.6 seconds left.
Española continues to run its spread. Maldonado misses a 10 footer, but Alvarado taps it to Salazar. 35 seconds left. The offense continues and Maldonado fires a 3, but misses. Montoya gets the board and is fouled by Maldonado. It's his fifth. Montoya hits one, but Martinez calls a timeout. Has Maldonado played his last game?
40-38, Bulldogs.
Montoya hits the second. The Sundevils try to get the ball to Brito but Alvarado can't get it to him. Martinez calls his final timeout. Brito hits a worthless 3 as the teams head to their benches.
5.1 seconds remain.
Apparently the Sundevils did have one more timeout. It is called when Salazar's pass to Brito is slapped out by Montoya.
4.4 remains.
This time Brito inbounds it. To Romero, and he rattles in a 3 as time expires! The bench explodes and surrounds Romero. The place it alive and there are 4 more minutes of basketball!
41-41. OVERTIME!!
Overtime
Guess what time it is? Brito time. He hits a runner on a breakaway from a Salazar steal. He misses the freebie, but Ryan Salazar hustles for the rebound. He misses the free throw, though, with the team all locked arm-in-arm (coaches even). Montoya answers with a layup and it's 43-43. Romero tries to drive, but falls. The Sundevils call their only timeout of the extra period.
2:31 is left.
Española kills more than a minute off the clock and Brito's 17-footer rolls off the rim. Bollema boards and the Bulldogs call a timeout after bring the ball past halfcourt. They have one more left.
1:14 is left.
Richard Martinez tells his players to be ready to "trap the hell out of it." The Sundevils do but knock it out.
Salazar fouls Kolby Caton and it is the 10th team foul. Caton has one roll out, then the second is good. 44-43. 54.9 to go.
Romero has the ball stolen by Caton. Motnoya is fouled but makes only one of two. 45-43.
Brito comes down and hits one off the glass with :19 to go.
Garcia steps on the sideline, giving the Sundevils one last chance.
Brito's jumper is off the back of the iron, Salazar saves but time runs out.
DOUBLE OVERTIME!
Second OT
Bollema misses a 7-footer, but follows with a putback.
Romero loses the ball, but then Bollema double dribbles.
Alvrado drives and scores for 47-47.
Salazar fouls Bollema, but is hurt and on the ground. He gets up to the rousing cheers of the 12,000-plus in the gym. 2:39 to go.
Salazar rolls his ankle. but Bollema misses his two.
Again, Romero falls, gets in trouble and calls timeout. 2:09 to go.
Again, the Sundevils struggle to find a shot, but Brito tries one from the baseline and misses. The ball is tipped backed to him and he puts it back in for 49-47.
Montoya answers with a turnaround in the block plus a foul. The three-point play makes it 50-49, with 59.2 to go.
Brito is fouled on a drive and hits two for 51-50 with 41.4 to go.
Artesia almost gets called for a 10-second violation but Montoya drives and get fouled. Misses one then hits the second. 51-all 29.8 to go.
Española goes for the final shot. Romero fires a 3, but it rattles off and we go to a ....
THIRD OVERTIME!!!
51-51.
Third overtime
Jordan Aguilar is a new name. he gets fouled and hits one of two
On the rebound, Antonio Valdez is called for the foul by Artesia.
Daniel Archuleta hits two free throws. A Bulldog miss gives the ball back, then ... (Wait for it ...) Ray Romero calls another timeout when he gets stuck with the ball.
2:48 to go. 53-52, Sundevils.
Daniel Archuleta draws a foul from Bollema, but hits one of two.
54-52. 2:36 to go.
Montoya is fouled on a dubious call (jump ball, maybe?) but hits only one of two. 54-53. 2:21 to go.
Brito collects a foul and hits one of two.
Then Montoya gets fouled and hits two.
Tied at 55. Timeout, Artesia. 1:48 left.
Romero is called for a 5-second violation. Aguilar is fouled and hits one of two. 1:15 left.
56-55, Artesia.
Aragon drives and is fouled by Bollema. He hits one of two.
56-56. 53.9 left.
Montoya is given the ball and the Bulldogs are looking for the final shot. He picks up the dribble and calls timeout when no help arrives.
:19.6 on the clock.
56-56.
Montoya goes for a shot with 5 seconds left, but misses. The ball rolls out. Artesia ball.
One lat play, a lob to Montoya and it rolls in.
The Sundevils are crushed. The Bulldogs dog pile. Bottles are being thrown. Not a pretty sight to end the game
Espanola ends the season 25-5.
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"Bottles are being thrown. Not a pretty sight to end the game."
ReplyDeleteTypical Espanola fans. Go back to your own gym if you want to trash something. This is called Kharma. When you act like selfish, Northern New Mexico loudmouths who do nothing but bash other teams, things like this happen to you. enjoy another championshipless summer in the Valley.
Had Brito not been recruited a second time to Espanola Valley, he would at least have a championship ring in Pojoaqaue.
ReplyDeleteMan sounded like one hell of a game and what an ending to boot! Sure wish I had gone instead of listening on the radio.
ReplyDeleteBrito did not want to stay at PHS...he was not recruited. Get a life and give the Valley props for a great season!!
ReplyDeleteSorry, but he didn't stay because he was all but promised a state title by Martinez.
ReplyDeleteGREAT JOB! Espanola... The players did an incredible job... I am one PROUD Espanolean!
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame that Espanola fans had to act that way at the end of the game, because 10 years from now, when they are talking about this game and how hard the players fought. The conversation will always end with someone saying that bottles were thrown onto the court.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to show how much class el NORTE has. Eee ala mi raza at it's best. Come on people what are you showing your kids? It was a great game played by great kids on both sides. A game has one winner and sadly one loser as well. Good job to all who plays in the State Tourny. You all worked very hard to get where you are at, and that's nothing to be throw bottles at.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to the young men who played their hearts out. While the ending of the game was anything but classy, don't judge a whole valley by the actions of a few irresponsible fans. Apologies to the Artesia players and coaches. That is not what the Espanola Valley is about.
ReplyDeleteThe bottles were being thrown by the fans that were displaying their digust at Richard Martinez for the horrible job of coaching in this and other games in the season. He continuosly showed no confidence in the ability of his very talented players by stalling the game and not letting them play full force. I agree it was not very sportsman like and there is no excuse to act like that but I understand the frustation the valley feels about the stupidity of the coach. Richard holds back players from performing to the best of their ability to the point that he won't allow them to play more than one sport. RICHARD NEEDS TO GO!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like typical "NORTHERN" fans to me!
ReplyDeleteProud of the boys tonight too bad coach didn't let you play == his fault he handed the game to Artesia.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't they throw stuff at him then instead of on the court and at the Bulldog players? I think you are full of it!!
ReplyDeleteSomeone give me coach Martinez address. I need to mail him some money so he can go get a haircut. It is 2009 not the 70's. What a negative role model. Way to go dog's.
ReplyDeleteSo if I give Richard money for a haircut would anybody go in on helping his wife with her haircut too, she is stuck in the 70s to with the puff hair (for you northern New Mexico fan its called a PHD} Puro Hair Do. LOL
ReplyDeleteThat is funny
ReplyDeleteMr. Red Baron -- the way I understood it on the radio, was it not Montoya who made the last two points? Congrats to both teams - what a hard fought game down to the very last second. Go DOGS!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEspanola fans are the most classless on the face of the earth. They will never be the champions Artesia is who handle winning and losing like the champions they are. The majority of that Esp. crowd should be serving time.
ReplyDeleteSin verguenza!!! Unfortunately, those few rotten apples bring shame to a good community and a great group of kids. What a way to end an unforgettable game.....in a disgraceful display. Que desgraciados.
ReplyDeleteYou Know What!! If anybody has something to say about Espanola Valley I dare you to come down here and say it to our faces!! If you are brave enough instead of writing it online. Nobody is perfect if it was your team you would of reacted the same way. Those boys gave it their all and to have a coach throw it all away. Of course us fans are upset.
ReplyDeleteYou Know What!!! I would say it to your face in a heartbeat had I been there! But then again, I guess that's always been the difference in your community and mine. WE teach our kids sportsmanship and expect it of them and OUR fans. You may have a reason to be upset, but there are other ways to express it. I would bet you my next paycheck that you wouldn't see Artesia fans throwing water, ice, trash, etc... win or lose!!! Sure there are always those chosen few who say or act stupid, but for the most part, Artesia as a whole has a hell of a lot more class and respect for others than to perform such dispicable acts. There is a reason your community has the reputation it has and a reason that on more than one occasion our teams, cheerleaders, fans, etc.. have to have police escorts to get away from you people! What a thing to teach your kids. I guess it's handed down from generation to generation! Grow up people! It was just a game and unfortunately for you, you lost this time! I hope and pray for your students that they overcome their role models!!!
ReplyDeleteYou mean they play basketball in Espanala? Wow, I did not know that! The road to the 4A basketball title goes through south-eastern New Mexico. Congratulations to Roswell and Artesia, two very classy programs with classy fans.
ReplyDeleteYes congratulations to Roswell and Artesia..... Oh and lets not forget all those THOUSANDS of classy fans that come support those very classy programs. Granted there are those Espanola fans who show no class but there are thousands more that show up to support the Sundevils and are extremely proud of all their hard work. In the end this is about the kids, not the fans, the kids are the ones playing the game. Congratulations to all those teams who are playing at state whether you win or lose, you all worked hard to get there.
ReplyDeleteSorry I have to disagree about Artesia fans having class. Unfortunately we sat in front of some very UNCLASSY AND DOWN RIGHT RUDE Artesia fans. When one of Espanola's players got hurt and was laying on the floor, one of the Artesia fans sitting behind us yelled out to the injured Espanola player "Come on get over it". And another Artesia fan also yelled out "Bite their A**es!" So Artesia is this what you call CLASSY?????? I THINK NOT!!!!! Okay so there were a few rowdy Espanola fans, but ARTESIA too has it's share of UNCLASSY FANS. You people down South think you're too good....you're just prejudice!!! OH AND BY THE WAY, ARTESIA FANS, IF THERE'S EVER A NEXT TIME.....SIT IN YOUR OWN DAM SECTION!!!!! Because next time you might leave with a water bottle stuck in your mouth or ELSEWHERE!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, where to start? Did you READ my post? I never said there weren't a few stupid people in everytown who say stupid things or act stupid at the games. But, to my knowledge, none of our fans would throw crap towards the other players, refs, coaches or whomever just because things didn't go our way!!! And to my knowledge, I do not think any teams who have come to our town or to a state tournament have had to have police escorts out of those places because of the threats and reputation that follows some of your crowd! I apologize in my earlier post for lumping the good fans from Espanola in with those ignorant, rude and class-less ones who displayed their true colors last night! You idiots who did this not only disrespected your team but your entire town. Seriously though, you have to admit there is something wrong when your fans carry the reputation that some of you earned for them year in and year out.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Last I heard, it is still a free country and we can sit whereever we please. I'm not scared of your childish threats. Like I said before, pray to the Lord that the young citizens of Espanola can carry themselves on a higher, more respectable level and not let you immature, never-grow-up people influence how they conduct themselves in this world. You know, if you ever bother to climb out of your stink hole, you might find somebody that won't take your crap and stick it right back down your throat!! Go Dogs! We Believe in YOU!!!!!
If people can't act civilized then they shouldn't attend games!
ReplyDeleteGET A LIFE BULLDOGFAN! SOME PEOPLE!
ReplyDeleteYou apologize for "lumping" the good fans of Espanola yet you keep elaborating on how the citizens (not the selected unruly few) should carry themselves on a higher, more respectable level. Stop apologizing then generalizing. We don't need any apologies from you. Also, know that Espanola fans are not blind; one of the Artesia players was the last to touch the ball when it went out of bounds, then the ref handed the ball to the Dogs to make the winning shot. But at least your team won huh? SEE YOU TOMORROW at the PIT..........we'll be cheering for your opponents. And since it's a free country we'll give you all the crap we want. Ha!
ReplyDeleteApparently, all these people that are so quick to judge the Espanola fans have seem to forgotten all the times parents from albuquerque have tackled kids on the fields and punched kids on the fields and courts. The anger that was expressed last night was because the Espanola team has to not only beat the opposing team but they have to beat the refs' also, during every game. These kids have more heart then any of you will ever know. And apparently the parents and fans from Espanola are doing something right because they have been the NO. 1 seed two years in a row. So all you albuquerque people with such strong opinions and live in glass houses should not throw stones, and take a look at yourselves and your own history. The Espanola Valley Sundeveils team are WINNERS it's the coach the refs' that are LOSERS.
ReplyDeleteTypical answer with frustration and anger. What are you afraid of? rejection? It appears the prejucials are accurate on this board with these types of written comments from you anonymous.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous (March 13,2009 11:50 AM) blogger:
ReplyDeleteHey there's more than one Anonymous blogger here...hello????
Signed: Anonymous (ROTFLMAO)
I must admit, I was born & raised in Artesia, have been away for several years, still have family there, and it will always be home. I have family that was involved in this game last night, and it is very sad to hear what happened at the end of the game. I find it even more concerning for all of you to disrespect what the kids on both sides of the court did last night, by getting on this website and sparring back and forth about who has better fans. These kids played their hearts out, and gave it all they had. Unfortunately, someone had lose.
ReplyDeleteI understand that stuff was thrown out of the stands, and that's unfortunate at any SPORTING event. Hopefully no kids were hurt with any of this non-sense that occurred. As far as the "classy" fans comment... please, there are bad apples everywhere and yes, even in Artesia.....
ALL OF YOU MUST REMEMBER, THIS IS A GAME. THESE KIDS HAVE BEEN PRACTICING AND WORKING FOR YEARS TO GET OUT THERE AND PERFORM IN HOPES OF WINNING A STATE TITLE. THE KIDS ARE THE ONES THAT ARE DESTROYED AFTER A LOSS LIKE THIS, NOT YOU.
AS FAR AS ALL OF YOU FANS THAT WANT TO JAR BACK AND FORTH AT EACH OTHER, AND SAY ONE COMMUNITY IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER. GET REAL & GET A LIFE. REMEMBER, IT'S FOR THE KIDS.
In reference to the last blog......well that sums it up. Yes, it's for the kids.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Over and Out.
You Know What!! Then come down here and say it. Oh yeah you talk about class about our community whoever bulldog you are, but what about your community. Your city!! Its not like we don't hear about it on the news everyday. Okay thats real class. You over here talking bad about our town that ain't class either. This is about the kids lets leave it to that!
ReplyDeleteToday I am saddened and embarrassed to associate myself as being from Espanola. Our actions last night had no place in what turned out to be one of the greatest games in state tournament history. All the comments people state about Espanola were justified by our actions after the game.
ReplyDeleteTo Artesia, I apologize for our actions, and I will be cheering for you to take the championship tomorrow. If we are going to lose, I hope its to the champion.
To the Espanola players, I can tell you that all your true fans are proud of you and thank you for a great season. Although it did not turn out the way we planned, there is nothing to feel bad or ashamed about. Your efforts and class definately will not be forgotten.
Richard martinez sucks! Espanola sucks! Their fans suck! Lenny Roybal for president?
ReplyDeleteSuck on that!
Sorry to say it, but you're digging yourselves into a hole Espanola fans. When people are picking on how classy you are...you can't just invite them to say it to your face.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I would just like to say...welcome to the number 1 seed Espanola! If you're planning on staying there awhile I suggest you take the time to recognize a few things. (1) There's always going to be 1 person on here who's going to pull the "how classy your team and fans are" card. The reason they this is simple...they're jealous. Come on, don't lie...a lot of people wanted them to lose. If they had won, we'd all be pouting for a couple of days maybe crying in our cheerios. (2)A lot of people are going to be rooting against you, so get use to it. This conversation is going to happen year after year...just with different schools of course. (3) Deming, Artesia, ABQ Academy, and St Pius are a pain in the A** to get through when it comes to state.
I saw someone say that the road to state goes through South-Eastern NM. No kidding...how many teams have gone through you Artesia? I'm honestly shocked you made it the final game, but not so shocked that you lost. Keep your eyes on Northern NM teams...especially 2AAAA. We'll try to be a little more classy as we pass through next year...CHEERS!
Fred, I don't know why you're apologizing for all of Espanola. A few fans chose to act in the manner that they did but every town has its bad seeds. It's just too bad that some Sundevil fans had to ruin it for all the rest.
ReplyDeleteThere was a comment made at one of yesterday's games that Espanola Fans should be banned from attending......but I in turn replied "that'll never happen......Espanola brings in too much revenue."
Espanola Sundevils should be proud of their accomplishments and their fan base. Alot of people might try to discredit Espanola, but the Northern teams bring alot of excitment to the State Finals. The Espanola/Artesia game was one of the most exciting games I've ever attended and the cheers from the Sundevil Fans (who I might add almost filled the PIT) added to the excitment. In fact all the Northern teams bring in the most fans and they all support each other. One example is when Pojoaque won state last year, alot of Espanola Sundevil fans along with fans from the other Northern area teams were there cheering them on. So, all in all, the Northern teams' games are very exciting to watch and the fans are the ones who make it all the more exciting.
Congratulations to all the Northern teams who made it to the finals!
I just want you to know that some Artesia fans that were sitting right behind the goal threw a couple of bottles after the game.....I am not trying to justify what fans did, but both sides did it. Not just Espanola fans.
ReplyDeleteI've been gone from Espanola for many years and it's soooo sad to continue to read the same ole whether it's about Espanola, Artesia, Santa Fe, who really cares....Think about the kids and provide good examples, whether your from Espanola or Artesia. In the end, no one cares!!!
ReplyDeleteGet over it...It's a game!!!!