MEEKER | The Meeker Cowboys boys basketball team started the weekend on the road with a 49-46 win over the North Fork Miners, capped by a last-second three-pointer from junior Trent Sanders. The victory improved Meeker’s record to 9-5 overall.
The Cowboys last faced North Fork on Feb. 22, 2025, losing 59-55 in overtime on the road. Sanders said the game-winning shot felt especially sweet after missing two free throws earlier that could have sealed the game.
“Sitting there before the play happened, I was thinking, ‘time to make up for it,’” Sanders said. “I was about to hit the shot of my life.” He added that staying aggressive and confident in transition helped him find his rhythm.
Sanders led the team with 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Junior Said Rodriguez added seven assists, four rebounds and two steals, while junior Cade Mills provided a spark from the perimeter with three 3-pointers, three assists, three rebounds and three steals. Freshman Lawson Anderson contributed six points on 3-of-5 shooting, and junior Andy Mondragon added four rebounds and two assists.
Defensively, the Cowboys held North Fork to 40 percent shooting and forced key turnovers late, allowing Meeker to capitalize on the final possession.
The following day, Meeker returned home to host the Grand Valley Cardinals, aiming to sweep the season series after a 62-43 road win on Jan. 9. Meeker relied on defensive discipline and timely scoring to protect a slim lead, securing a 46-43 victory.
Sanders led the team with a game-high 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Junior Tucker Chinn added eight points, and junior Carlos Carrillo contributed eight points and a team-high eight rebounds. Sanders said the Cowboys focused on making plays in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Meeker finished with 27 rebounds and 13 assists, converting key free throws late as Grand Valley attempted a comeback. Rodriguez added two assists and strong perimeter defense, while Mondragon chipped in four rebounds and a steal in limited minutes.
With the win, Meeker improved to 10-5 overall and 5-2 in league play, sitting in third place. The Cowboys are ranked 21 in the CHSAA Selection and Seeding Index, up from 23 last week.
Meeker head coach Klark Kindler was interviewed this morning on the Herald Times Presents Coffee Time Podcast. While the full comments from the interview are not yet available, the podcast can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube for those interested in hearing Coach Kindler’s thoughts on the team’s recent performances and upcoming matchups.
This week, Meeker will play on the road Thursday, Feb. 5, at Plateau Valley in Colbran. The teams last met on Feb. 9, 2025, with Meeker losing 50-39 at home. Meeker returns home Friday to face Gunnison, hoping to complete a season sweep after a 55-43 road win on Jan. 17.
Meeker junior Trent Sanders rises for a shot against Grand Valley on Saturday afternoon, finishing with a team-high 20 points to help lift the Cowboys to a 46–43 win and improve Meeker’s overall record to 10–5.