Rams drop home test to Tigers

Davon Snell scored 18 points, and Wesley Gonzalez added 16 points, including a trio of 3-point shots. However, it wasn’t enough as Maricopa High School lost a close game to Globe High School Friday night.

The Rams started the game slowly, failing to score in the opening minutes of the game, while the Tigers stretched out a first quarter lead. Hindered by sloppy ball handling and a number of turnovers, the Rams closed out the opening quarter trailing 17-4. Fouls called against Terrance Motley early in the game further hampered the home team. The fouls limited his minutes throughout the first quarter and impacted his effectiveness throughout the game.

Shortly into the second quarter the Rams switched their defensive style in an attempt to put pressure on the Tigers. The ploy worked, and Maricopa fought back in the quarter, causing multiple turnovers that led to several fast break scoring opportunities. At halftime the Rams had rallied to bring the score to 26-22.

Both teams began the second half slowly as they added back-to-back scores. But a quick steal and basket by Snell followed by a three-point shot from Gonzalez found the Rams taking over the lead with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Throughout that quarter the lead changed five times until the Tigers were able to take a two-point lead into the final quarter.

The Rams continued to play hard throughout the fourth quarter as the pace of the game increased more and more. Motley was able to return to the game and contributed six of his eight total points in the final quarter to help keep the game close. With time winding down and the Rams trailing by four points, Coach Andy Branchik directed his players to quickly foul the opposition. In the end the Tigers were able to answer the challenge, successfully completing seven of their last eight free-throw attempts.

The loss drops the Rams’ record to 12-5 overall, 3-3 in regional play. Next up for the Maricopa boys is a 7 p.m. road game at Coolidge High School on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Photos by David Vargas