Scorpions' Defense Dominates Grants, Boosting Farmington Momentum Ahead of District Play

Farmington High School rolled to a 71-38 victory over Grants on Tuesday at Scorpion Arena, sweeping a second-quarter surge and turning a close opening frame into a blowout. The win lifts the Scorpions to 11-3 as they finish non-district play and prepare for a challenging stretch of district games.

The game began with Grants sprinting to an early 5-0 lead and Farmington trailing until a layup by Donathan Tracy put the Scorpions ahead 11-10. Seniors Zander Griego and Tracy led Farmington, finishing with 13 and 11 points respectively, while Grants sophomore Daniel Garcia scored a game-high 19 to keep the Pirates competitive early. After a defensive push forced three late first-quarter turnovers, Farmington took a 16-10 edge into the second.

After a slow start to the second quarter by both teams, Farmington erupted for a 20-0 run, with Griego and Tracy combining for 12 of those points. A jumper by senior Isiah Valdez accounted for Grants’ only points of the period, and the Scorpions led 38-19 at halftime. Farmington’s offense cooled in the third quarter, shooting 20 percent from the field, but the defense and rebounding kept the margin secure at 53-29 entering the fourth. Grants freshman Joziah Ortega added six points in the third.

In the final period the Scorpions dominated the glass, forced four turnovers and held Grants to 14 percent shooting. A steal and transition finish by junior Rock Kalcich, followed by a Griego 3-pointer, extended the lead and allowed Farmington to clear its bench down the stretch. The final score was Farmington 71, Grants 38.

Farmington is ranked eighth in this week’s MaxPreps Class 5A boys’ rankings; Rio Rancho holds the top spot. Grants, now 6-5, is ninth in the Class 4A standings and will travel to No. 2 Hope Christian on Monday. Farmington concludes its non-district slate with home games against Shiprock at 7 p.m. Friday and Miyamura next Wednesday before opening district play against Rio Rancho.

Beyond the box score, the game highlights how local high school sports serve as a focal point for community cohesion, physical activity and youth development. Consistent defensive effort has become the Scorpions’ identity, and head coach Larry Chitty acknowledged room for offensive improvement: “We haven’t been shooting the ball well for the past two or three games,” Chitty said. “I think our defense is something we really hang our hat on. We can come out and say at least we played good defense, but we still struggle with our offense at times, so that’s something we’ll focus on.”

Maintaining robust athletic programs supports student mental and physical health and creates shared moments for families and neighbors across San Juan County. As the season turns toward district play, sustained investment from school and county leaders will be important to ensure equitable access to safe facilities, coaching and travel support so all students can reap the benefits of participation.