If not for a slow first quarter, Clovis Christian’s boys might have hung with District 2-B rival San Jon on Saturday night at the CCS gym.

Senior guard Jacob Benally had three 3-pointers and 11 first-quarter points as the Coyotes built a 17-4 lead on their way to a 68-41 win over the Eagles.

altCMI photo: Tony Bullocks
Clovis Christian senior McKenna Sealey heads for the basket as San Jon sophomore Gage Conway tries to stop him during Saturday’s District 2-B boys matchup at the CCS gym. Sealey, who scored 17 points in the Eagles’ 68-41 loss to the Coyotes, was fouled by Conway on the play.

Benally was held scoreless in the second period, but scored 18 points in the second half to finish with 29, including six 3-pointers. The Coyotes (15-5, 2-1 district) bounced back after losing at Grady and edging Elida by one point in their first two district outings.

“San Jon played extremely well,” CCS boys coach Wayne Anderson said. “Our kids are really improving. We just have to learn to play four quarters.

Gage Conway added 10 points for San Jon, which finished with nine 3-point baskets. The Eagles (4-14, 1-3) were led by senior guard McKennaSealey with 17 points.

It’s been tough sledding for CCS, but Anderson is hoping two more games at home this week might help them get going a bit.

“The kids are playing hard,” he said. “We’re exciting about the week coming up, with Elida and Grady coming in here.”

San Jon also won the girls matchup with the help of a fast start. The Lady Coyotes led 15-5 after one period and went on to a 44-27 win over the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Eagles (3-17, 0-3) made a run in the third quarter, outscoring San Jon 10-4 to cut a 13-point halftime deficit to 25-18. But the Lady Coyotes saved their biggest quarter for last, finishing off the win with a 19-9 scoring run.

altCMI photo: Tony Bullocks
Clovis Christian senior Amanda Fly brings the ball upcourt against San Jon junior Karigan Thurman during Thursday’s District 2-B girls matchup at the CCS gym. Fly had 15 points in the Lady Eagles’ 44-27 loss.

“The girls have a lot of heart,” CCS coach Pam Sealey sasid of her squad. “Our shots just didn’t go in for us t oday.”

Sophomore forward Chelsea Benally led a balanced San Jon attack with 10 points. Nine Lady Coyotes scored points, including two others with eight.

Senior guard Amanda Fly scored 15 points for Clovis Christian, which got scoring from just three players.