Izaiah Garcia tries to get by a St. Pius defender

On Tuesday, February 27, the Grants Pirates basketball team came away with a huge District tournament win over their District rival the Belen Eagles, 72-55. 

The Pirates (17-10 overall) were at home, as they started off their postseason against the Eagles in the 5-4A District tournament. Before the game, Grants junior power forward JJ Horacek clarified that “This is a must win game for us, because if we lose we lose our standing in State.” 

The Pirates are holding on to a number eight ranking in both the MaxPreps and Coaches Polls. An eight seed would mean the Pirates would host a first-round State Tournament game. 

The Pirates will travel to Albuquerque tonight (Feb. 29)  to take on the No.1 St.Pius Sartans in their second district tournament matchup, with a lot on the line. 

The Pirates have so far lost to the Sartans two times in their regular season games. The Pirates will try to redeem themselves as they are hungry to win the District title.