Rams boys suffer worst loss since 2012; host Storm tonight

Volcano Vista standout Kenyon Aguino (24) passes to a teammate, probably not noticing a few Rams there to defend him. Aguino managed “only” 23 points before fouling out Friday night. (Herron photo)

ALBUQUERQUE – To find a Rams’ loss of 38 or more points, you have to go way back to coach Wally Salata’s third year at the helm.

It was on March 3, 2012, and the Las Cruces Bulldawgs whipped the visiting Rams 81-40 in a first-round game of the 2016 state tournament.

Last Friday in Volcano Vista’s Ring of Fire, the No. 1 and two-time defending state champs almost pulled off a 40-point victory, winning handily 92-54.

The Hawks (20-1, 3-0 in District 1-5A) opened the game on a 17-2 run, and it was game, set, match.

“It’s very difficult to play when (Jayden Johnson) is on the bench,” Salata said. “We did nothing right, so give them credit. They’re the No. 1 team in the state for a reason – they’re 20-1.”

It was still respectable for the Rams at the end of the first period, with the Hawks leading, 21-12. But it was 47-26 at halftime and then 79-45 after three quarters; the 35-point running clock rule took effect with about six minutes to go, as the Hawks upped their lead to as many as 40 points.

VVHS’s junior point guard Hudson Brown, son of head coach Greg Brown, sank eight 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 25 points. Three other starters joined him in double figures: Kenyon Aguino had 23 points and fouled out; freshman David Lunn had 16 and Rian Gonzales had 14, with four 3s.

The Hawks drilled seven 3s in the first half; the Rams had just five for the game.

At least the Rams (12-9, 1-2) could claim the best shot of the night: Josiah Marfil launched a shot from near the Hawks’ logo at midcourt that beat the buzzer to end the opening quarter.

Fittingly, perhaps, as Marfil plays better and better and has a bigger role with his team, he led the Rams with 18 points. Jayden Johnson joined him in double figures with 12 but was in foul trouble most of the contest.

“It’s about the kids believing,” he said. “Tonight, I didn’t think that happened, because you’re down 17-2, pretty much the game is over. … It’s tough when you’re playing a team like that. We’ve got to get ready for Cleveland on Tuesday (Feb. 6).

“It’s one game; it’s one district game, that’s what I’ve got to tell them,” Salata added. “What Tuesday night’s game means is the winner is in third place in district. We have to be ready to play Tuesday – that’s the bottom line.”

Rio Rancho 82, Cibola 63: Down the hill the evening of Jan. 31, the Rams easily beat the last place Cougars, as Marfil and Johnson shared scoring honors with 25 apiece and Noah Montoya came up with a dozen.

“We were down 33-31 at halftime,” Salata said. “We forced nine turnovers (in the decisive second half). … When you get two guys with 25, a lot of good things can happen.”