<\/p>\n
After winning the regional championships over the weekend, the Montezuma-Cortez High School boys basketball team headed to the state playoffs in Denver.<\/p>\n
The Panthers were scheduled to play the Sterling High School Tigers, who have won 23 of their 24 games this season and were ranked No. 2 in the state.<\/p>\n
The game started after The Journal\u2019s press time on Thursday and will be reported at The-Journal.com on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
Sterling has found success with a defense that has held opponents to 36.6 points per game this season. In 24 games, the Tigers have held opponents under 35 points nine times and allowed 50 points just twice.<\/p>\n
Still, M-CHS was confident that it would be able to score, thanks to a diverse roster that features a handful of talented guards and two powerful post players.<\/p>\n
The Panthers were sent off Wednesday morning by cheering students and staff, and an escort by the Cortez Police Department, Montezuma County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Southwest Health System and Cortez Fire Protection District.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love this school. I\u2019ve said that before,\u201d said senior Jens Jorgensen. \u201cI\u2019m super-excited to play. We all know we have a chance at state, so we\u2019re going for it, we\u2019re going all out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, I have a camaraderie with these guys, it\u2019s a brotherhood,\u201d Jorgensen said. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve been with a team that\u2019s worked harder than these guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
Titus Jackson focused on a win.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll be tough, but they\u2019re a beatable team,\u201d the junior said.<\/p>\n