Clovis gameday

District 4-5A

Boys

Carlsbad (10-12, 0-1) at Clovis (17-3, 0-1)

When: 7 p.m. today

Where: Rock Staubus Gym

Last time out: Hobbs defeated Clovis 99-93 Friday. Artesia beat Carlsbad 54-47 Friday.

Key Carlsbad players to watch: Jose Cruz Lopez, 6-4, Jr., F; Zack Mendez, 5-6, Sr., G; Chris Thompson, 6-5, Jr., F,

Keys to the game: After a disappointing loss at Hobbs on Friday, Clovis coach J.D. Isler said winning district home games was the main ingredient to success in the regular season. The Wildcats will have to face a formidable Carlsbad frontline, featuring Lopez, who is averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game, and Thompson. The Cavemen also boast senior guard Mendez, who Isler said has a strong jump shot to complement Carlsbad’s physical, inside game.

To combat the size Isler said the Cats must control the tempo and force the Carlsbad’s big men to run the floor, as they are much stronger in the halfcourt.

Quotable: “They’re a pretty physical team, so we have to focus on boxing out. We’re expecting a zone (defense), and we have to make their big guys run.” — Isler.

Girls

Clovis (14-5, 0-1) at Carlsbad (5-16, 0-1)

When: 7 p.m. today

Last time out: Clovis beat Hobbs 55-45 Friday. Artesia beat Carlsbad 55-44 Friday.

Keys to the game: Clovis coach Miles Watters said the Lady Cats victory Friday over Hobbs will be “all for naught” unless they can take care of business at Carlsbad. Clovis junior Ebony Bunton controlled the boards for the Lady Cats against Hobbs grabbing 14 rebound along with her 17 points, but Watters insists the entire team has to contribute for the team to take an early lead in the district. The Lady Cats will have to employ their speed as six Cavegirls stand at 5-foot-9 or taller. Watters said Clovis cannot get mixed up in a halfcourt game with Carlsbad.

Quotable: “We’re gonna have to have a whole team effort. It’s always been a tough place for us to play, and I’m sure we’ll have our hands full.” — Watters.

— Compilted by Greg Price