The young Maricopa High School girls’ basketball team let its youth show, rushing many ill-considered shots, while falling to a taller, more experienced Tucson Flowing Wells team, 72-43, in the Division II, Section I Tournament at Tucson Amphitheater High School Tuesday night.
The Rams, who finish their season at 17-11, were right with the Cabs through the first five minutes, trailing just 7-5. Then, FWHS went on a 16-4 run to end the first quarter to take a 23-9 lead on its way to its 26th straight win. It has a 26-2 record.
“They were rushing,” said Maricopa head coach Jenn Miller. “They felt urgency, but instead of playing quick, they rushed.”
As Flowing Wells’ 5-8 senior Elizabeth Mata and 5-9 junior Czarina Walker hit several open-look jumpers during the run, the Rams forced numerous bad shots after only a single pass, or fewer, on most offensive possessions.
MHS junior Derona Mitchell scored seven of Maricopa’s first nine points, after sophomore Jahnei Johnson made the Rams’ initial basket. However, the Rams zone defense was unable to keep the Cabs from getting open shots with good passing.
“The other team played a great game,” Miller said. “They were on fire. Everything they threw in the air went in. We came in in a tough spot. We knew that, but we did not play anywhere near what we’re capable of and I don’t think that was because the defense was so good, I think it was because we’re very young.”
The Rams usually start one senior plus two juniors and two sophomores and numerous other young players often play many minutes. The underclassmen scored all but one of Maricopa’s points Tuesday night.
By halftime FWHS had a 38-20 lead. It maintained a similar margin, 58-38, through three quarters.Mitchell paced MHS with 19 points, while Johnson and sophomore Gretchen Lauterbach added eight each. Junior Brianna Estrada scored five, with sister Alexis, a freshman, adding two and senior Cecily Peters one.
The Cabs’ 6-2 junior center Lyndsay Leikam finished with 17 points, including three, 3-pointers. Walker scored 18 and Mata 13.
Despite the loss it was an outstanding season for the Rams.
“Most of them are coming back,” said Miller about her team, which has just three seniors. “This was really good experience for them. At least they’ve been here (post-season) and they know what it’s like.
“I’m still very proud of them. I’m proud of the young ones for fighting right up to the end.”
