Rams pummel Ravens, 63-32

Josh Gonzalez led all scorers with 17 points, and Larsan Arey and Santino Smith added 11 points each as the Maricopa High School boys’ basketball team defeated Empire High School in convincing fashion Friday night.

The win marks the Rams’ second victory in a row and their second over the Ravens this season.

Davon Snell and Terrance Motley each scored six points, and Kendal Morris and Gary Webb added four points apiece.

Motley hit the opening tip the Rams’ direction to open the game, and there was little looking back from then on although the game moved at a rather slow pace in the first quarter. Marred by sloppy play and numerous turnovers, neither team seemed able to find an early rhythm in the game, which was knotted at five points after the first quarter.

As play resumed in the second quarter, the Rams switched defensive sets, applying more full-court pressure to the Ravens. The switch proved successful, keying several turnovers. Adding to this was a series of three 3-point shots by Smith in the span of three minutes. Gonzalez also started to exert his will on the boards, as he was able to convert missed shots into scores. He finished the game with nine rebounds, one shy of recording a double double. At the end of the half, the Rams led 22-11.

The third quarter began much like the first half ended. The Rams were able to convert their opening possession with a turn around jump shot by Snell, followed by a fine defensive stop. Then Gonzalez took over.

After recording an assist to Snell, Gonzalez rattled off twelve consecutive points and assisted on the next four. The scores extended the Rams’ lead, as they went on a 12-4 run, ending the third quarter with a 42-21 lead.

Play in the fourth quarter continued to favor the Rams with Gonzalez turning the scoring baton over to Arey, almost literally. About one minute into the quarter, Gonzalez dished down low to Arey, who caught the pass and scored on an easy lay up. Including these points, he proceeded to score eleven straight points, including a long 3-pointer.

The Rams rounded out play with substitutions of all five starters. While the scoring slowed down, the hustle exhibited on the court did not, as the Rams walked away with a final score of 63-32.

The win brings the overall record for the Rams to 15-4, 8-4 in regional action. Next up for the Rams is a home game against Fountain Hills High School on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The Falcons are ranked tenth in the most recent power rankings and will offer the Rams a challenge.

Photo by David Vargas