Pecos gets impressive start from senior Carlos Cordova

Pecos gets impressive start from senior Carlos Cordova in Wednesday night’s 89-49 romp over visiting Mora in non district basketball play

Panthers get 17 points from Cordova, 24 from senior Josh DeHerrera and 22 from senior Mario Archuleta

By ARNIE LESHIN, Santa Fe Today

Senior Carlos Cordova had been struggling the last few games of the new season, but Wednesday night he responded in Pecos’ 89-49 romp over visiting Mora in non district basketball.

The 6-foot returnee from last year’s state 3A champions wasn’t the leading scorer for the Panthers, not even the second best, but his 17 points were just happy for head coach Ira Harge, Jr., to see.

“Carlos was definitely back, “Harge said, “and it was great that he did it at home before this atmosphere. He finally just relaxed and played. Before the game, he even told me that he was ready to play.”

It was the Panthers’ third win four starts and dropped Mora to 2-1. They were only ahead 17-12 after the first quarter, but came away with 38 points in the second quarter to up the lead to 55-32 at halftime with the help of their pressure defense. Mora scored only 18 points the rest of the way, even after Pecos dropped its press and played mostly in the half court.

Senior Josh DeHerrera had the team-high 24 points and senior Mario Archuleta added 22.

The Panthers next play, Dec. 14-16, in the annual Ben Lujan tournament at Pojoaque Valley.