The Los Alamos boys basketball team’s district title hopes will depend on what team shows up.
If the Hilltoppers team that played in the first half of their game against Del Norte Friday shows up, hopes will be slim. But if the second half team and the team that upended defending state champion Española Valley Monday shows up, Los Alamos will be right in the midst of the District 2-5A title talks.
The Hilltoppers took down the rival Sundevils, 55-48, in front of a ruckus crowd at Griffith Gym. It was Los Alamos’ first win against Española since the 2011-2012 season, ending a nine-game losing streak against the Sundevils.
“There’s always that stigma of playing Española and trying to beat them,” Los Alamos coach Mike Kluk said. “This team (Los Alamos) has kind of struggled with its identity and its confidence a bit, but hopefully this is a big confidence builder.”
Los Alamos improved to 10-12 overall and 2-3 in District 2-5A, while keeping pace with the middle teams in the district standings. The win put Los Alamos ahead of 2-3 Albuquerque Academy and one game behind 3-2 Española.