Mendoza’s record-setting night propels DCHS boys

(Photo: Shelton Burch, Dodge City Globe)

DODGE CITY, Kan. — Adrian Mendoza has had games this season where he’s hit four or five three-pointers, but that would just be an appetizer to what Mendoza would deliver in Tuesday night’s 86-82 win over the Ulysses Tigers at the DCHS Fieldhouse.

Mendoza started the game with a three-pointer from the right corner, not even 10 seconds in to the first quarter. That would be the first of eight three-pointers made from Mendoza on the night. The eight made three’s in the game is a new DCHS record for most three’s made in one single game. He would finish with a career-high 31 points. What may be even better is all of Mendoza’s eight three’s came in the first half. He only attempted one three in the second half and came up empty.

Both team’s were hitting from all over the court, as every time Mendoza would hit a three, a Ulysses player would have an answer. Dodge City would lead 19-18 after the first quarter of play.

Dodge City couldn’t get a comfortable lead throughout a majority of the first half. The Red Demons would go up six with 1:47 to go in the half, but the Tigers would get some big-time plays and would pull within one, 41-40 late in the half. Mendoza would give the fans something to cheer about heading into the locker room, as he drained a 25-foot three as he hit the deck and the buzzer sounded, giving the Demons a 44-40 lead at half.

The third quarter would be similar to the first half, both teams would go back and forth and once again no big lead was established by either squad. Ulysses would lead going into the final quarter, 62-61 after a late spurt in the third quarter.

Dodge City would create a little separation in the final quarter, leading 76-69 mid-way through the fourth. The Red Demons led by six with just over a minute to go. Dodge City would hit some big free throws in the final minute to seal the four-point win.

Mendoza finished with 31, while Noah Sowers finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the win for the Demons.

Ulysses: L. Walker 12, Galindo 14, Hickman 20, Perez 15, Sifuentes 2, Flores 2, D. Walker 17

Dodge City: Friess 18, Ibarra 3, Mendoza 31, Foster 1, Sowers 25, Johnson 8

What’s Next? The Demons (8-8, 2-1) will travel to Liberal on Thursday to take on the Redskins in the Big House. Pregame coverage will begin at 7:15 p.m. with the tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. on Z98