Rams spear Warriors 77-36

After defeating the Antelope Rams in an exciting overtime win Jan. 23, the Maricopa High School boys’ varsity basketball team continued their winning streak Friday by sailing past the San Pasqual Warriors to a 77-36 regional win.

The Rams were first on the score board when Justin Zabawa drained a quick lay up off the game opening jump ball. On the next Rams possession, swingman Karlyle Stephens sank a turn around jumper in the lane adding to his first of 16 points as the games leading scorer.

Later, guard Clinton Teller made a jumper from the baseline, drained another down low off the glass, and converted a pair of free throws, giving the Rams a quick 12-5 lead.

And making a fast-break assist was Ram point guard Uli Rojas when he dished to Rams’ big man Kenny Klein on the break for a lay up off the glass. Rojas again found Klein in transition for another lay in off the window, giving the Rams a 20-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Rams head coach Rick Abel talks with his players during a time-out Friday night against San Pasqual.

Maricopa’s Karlyle Stephens (#21) takes off for two points in the first half against San Pasqual Friday night.

Maricopa Ram Justin Zabawa takes an offensive rebound back up for two points Friday night in the third quarter against San Pasqual.

The high percentage shooting continued in the second quarter, when Ram guard Robert Parks nailed a 3-pointer from the corner. Ram swingman Stephens stole the ball and sailed to the hoop for an easy lay in, giving the Rams a 26-9 lead.

Stephens continued to get high percentage shots late into the second quarter when he drove the baseline for the lay in and had a nice put back in the lane, giving the Rams a 42-19 lead at the half.

Ram guard Parks opened up the third quarter with a 3-pointer from the corner, and forward Chris Miller hit a shot down low off the window and a turn around jumper in the lane, giving the Rams a 52-25 lead.

Ram starting guard Rojas made a three pointer from the wing, giving the Rams a 55-26 lead. Rojas’s back-court mate Teller popped a three of his own from the corner. The Ram offense was too much for the Warriors of San Pasqual, and they went on to win 79-36.

Maricopa’s Steven Wess (#22) adds two points to the board Friday night during the second half against San Pasqual.

Maricopa Ram Clinton Teller (#20) drives hard to the basket during the first quarter against San Pasqual Friday night.

Karlyle Stephens’ 16 points led the Rams scoring, followed by Chris Miller with 14, Robert Parks with 11, Clinton Teller with 9, and Micah Foster with 6.

The Maricopa High School boys’ varsity basketball team is in 1st place in the 2A West region with an 8-1 record.

Please come out to support the Rams on Wednesday , February 7, when the Rams look to average their lone regional loss to Yuma Catholic.

Feb.7 (Wed.) Yuma Catholic – Pack the GYM night

The Rams next home game is Wednesday, Feb. 7, when they will look to average their lone regional loss to Yuma Catholic. Game times for “Pack the GYM Night” are 4 (FR), 5:30 (JV), 7 p.m. (V).

Photos by Jeremy Knop