Kirtland Central Boys Lose in Double Overtime, Girls Dominate Page

Kirtland Central launched the county basketball season on November 22 with a twinbill that underscored differing trajectories for its boys and girls teams. The Broncos boys took a tightly contested game into two overtime periods but were unable to finish in the second extra period. The girls used athleticism and efficient ball movement to pull away in the second half and secure a comfortable road victory over Page, Arizona.

The boys contest, played under new leadership this season following coaching changes in the county, offered both evidence of early season rust and promising contributions across the roster. The double overtime finish highlighted depth and resilience while also exposing late game execution issues that coaches will likely address before district matchups begin. For the girls program, the performance reinforced preseason expectations about athleticism and defensive ability, as the team controlled tempo and sealed a confident win.

These games open a wider county basketball slate that will test teams adjusting to new coaching staffs and returning players. Coaching transitions can affect everything from practice routines to in game strategy, and San Juan County programs are using these early contests to evaluate rotations, set defensive schemes, and gauge conditioning against external competition. For local high school athletics, results in non conference play have tangible implications for postseason seeding, player development, and community engagement.

Community impact extends beyond the scoreboard. Early season wins and competitive showings tend to influence attendance, booster support, and youth participation in feeder programs. Travel to Page also offered student athletes experience on the road, a variable that can be decisive in tournament situations. With district play approaching, Kirtland Central will aim to convert the lessons from the double overtime loss and the girls victory into consistent performance.

Initial coverage of the games appeared on November 25 in the Tri City Record by Kaitlyn Lowley. As the county schedule unfolds, coaches, players and fans will be watching how adjustments during this opening stretch shape San Juan County standings and local school spirit.