The Shiprock (NM) varsity basketball team is set to host Pojoaque Valley (Pojoaque, NM) in a home non-conference game today at 3:00 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Pojoaque Valley HS vs. Shiprock
• Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
• Time: 3:00 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here

Pojoaque Valley vs. Shiprock: A Midseason Basketball Showdown

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, Pojoaque Valley and Shiprock are two teams that have demonstrated distinct differences in performance. With Pojoaque Valley firmly establishing themselves as a strong contender in the New Mexico basketball landscape, and Shiprock struggling to find their footing, the contrast between the teams offers insight into their respective seasons.

Pojoaque Valley: Dominating at Home and on the Road

Pojoaque Valley’s basketball team has had an impressive season thus far, boasting a 10-4 record overall, with a .714 win percentage. Their strong home performance, with a 5-1 record, showcases their dominance on their home court. Additionally, their success on the road (4-2) and a solid neutral record (1-1) further highlights the team’s well-rounded performance.

With an average of 60.4 points per game, Pojoaque Valley has been a high-scoring team, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average a staggering 34 points per game. Their consistent ability to perform in crucial moments has been key to their success. The team has also seen significant contributions from their defense, holding opponents to 694 points throughout the season.

Pojoaque Valley’s ability to win against tough opponents has been evident, as they’ve secured victories against teams like Gallup, with notable wins of 94-75 on December 3, 2024, and 65-49 on December 20, 2024. As they continue to play well against common opponents, such as Miyamura and Taos, Pojoaque Valley looks poised to remain a top contender in the New Mexico Class 3A division.

Shiprock: Struggling for Consistency

On the other hand, Shiprock’s season has been far less successful. With a 2-10 record and a win percentage of just .167, the team has faced several challenges this season. Their performance at home (1-4), on the road (0-2), and in neutral-site games (1-4) indicates that consistency has been elusive.

Shiprock has averaged 50.9 points per game, with the team finding it difficult to keep up with high-scoring opponents. Their scoring is more balanced throughout the game, but they have struggled to maintain momentum and put together a full 48-minute effort. Their defense, allowing 721 points across 12 games, has been a significant factor in their struggles.

While the team has yet to face Gallup, they will have an opportunity to square off against them on January 31, 2025, and again on February 18, 2025. Shiprock’s games against Miyamura and Taos could also be pivotal in determining how they finish the season. With a strong push in the second half of the season, the team could still make strides toward improving their overall performance.

Common Opponents: A Clear Divide

Both teams share a few common opponents this season, including Gallup, Taos, and Miyamura. Pojoaque Valley has found success against Gallup, defeating them twice in December, while Shiprock has yet to play Gallup in 2025. Pojoaque Valley holds a 2-0 record against common opponents, while Shiprock is yet to face most of them.

Pojoaque Valley’s ability to outperform common opponents highlights their strength and adaptability, while Shiprock will need to find ways to break their losing streak against teams like Taos and Miyamura in order to improve their standing.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Hopes and Challenges

Pojoaque Valley’s 10-3 in-state record further underscores their potential to make a deep playoff run. Their consistency, combined with a strong win percentage and aggressive scoring, makes them a team to watch in the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Shiprock’s challenges will need to be addressed if they hope to reverse their fortunes and compete for playoff positioning. With a tough schedule ahead, the team will need to find its rhythm, particularly in high-pressure games, to finish strong in the coming weeks.

In conclusion, Pojoaque Valley is clearly the stronger team, but Shiprock still has a chance to turn things around. Their upcoming games will be crucial in determining whether they can close the gap and prove themselves on the court. With a balanced schedule ahead for both teams, the second half of the season promises to be full of exciting matchups.