Could be tall order for the Santa Fe High boys when they play tonight at District 5-5A foe Albuquerque Sandia, although they have not let down without injured star Fedonta “JB” White

By Arnie Leshin 

It’s a good thing basketball games aren’t won on paper.

 

In this case it’s because the Santa Fe High boys team will take the court at Albuquerque Sandia tonight with their 6-foot-7 sophomore standout Fedonta “JB” White still sidelined after his knee injury in the non district game at Clovis that the Demons lost by one point.

 

It’s not so much the loss that concerns head coach Zack Cole, its having to look up to other teams without its tallest player and no doubt its best player. But so far, White’s injured right knee hasn’t gotten to the point where he can play.

 

Which means once again that Santa Fe High will be taking on a 5-5A opponent that has height. While the Demons’ 6-foot-2 power forward Anthony Sisneros is their tallest player, Sandia lists six players taller than that.

 

That’s what it shows on its roster, now the question is how many will be starting, who comes off the bench, and how many are threats. Record-wise, Sandia is 7-8 following Wednesday night 70-56 win over district foe Albuquerque Manzano (8-7).

 

So what you see on paper doesn’t mean as much as what is displayed on the court.

 

There’s 6-6 freshman Shawn Johnson, 6-6 sophomore Xavier Evans, 6-5 senior Lucas Johnson, 6-4 senior Steven Cooper, 6-4 senior Saylon Buck Elk,  6-3 senior Joe Barrecia, and 6-1 sophomore point Shawn Gilbert, the little guy who dishes out the assists.

 

But being on the roster doesn’t equal winning. And that’s what the Demons will deal with.

 

They are 14-3 after rolling over visiting Albuquerque High Tuesday night. They have a well-balanced lineup. They penetrate, they shoot well from outside. With only 6-1 freshman Paul Lovato, 6-0 junior Carlos Dassaro, and Sisneros, they still crash the boards. Defensively, they are aggressive, and can create turnovers that lead to baskets.

 

White had been the do-it-all player, scoring inside, outside, blocking shots, defending, and playing the wing and power forward. In the win over the Bulldogs, 5-9 senior Christian Kavanaugh was throwing in 3s, and driving to the basket to pave the way for the game-high 23 points.

 

That’s the way it’s been, a different star each game. Plus, Cole has coached his team to its winning ways, its best start in 20 years, and with White, would be favored to win the district, without him it could be a rumble with cross town rival Capital, which is now at 13-3, for the top spot.

 

Then there’s Sandia and Manzano, Albuquerque Rio Grande (4-10) and Albuquerque High (3-11).

 

The Demonettes haven’t been as successful. Now at 6-13 following their third-straight setback, 57-28, versus Sandia.

 

Under first-year head Nate Morris, they did defeat 2A Pecos in their opener, than fell to 5A Rio Rancho Cleveland, and by two to 5A Capital. Back-to-back losses to 4A Portales and Santa Fe Indian School dropped them to 4-4.

 

But they haven’t seen .500 again. First came a 5-game losing streak, and a 2-point win over 3A St. Michael’s was followed by setbacks against Albuquerque High and than Sandia.

 

Feb. 1, they have district and city rival Capital at home, then comes the stretch run. Morris is still hopeful. He has five seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, and four freshmen.