Zabawa scores 18 for Rams in international victory

Senior guard Justin Zabawa scored 18 points for the Maricopa Rams in a 58-45 victory over Ipswich Grammar School (IGS) of Queensland, Australia Wednesday.

“The boys were real motivated tonight just because of the opportunity to play a team from Australia,” Andy Branchik, head coach of the Rams, said.

Maricopa (3-2) grabbed an early lead in the game when Zabawa caught the ball on the tip-off from Jewuan Crosby, then turned around and shot a three-pointer. The Rams scored four additional points before IGS made their first basket.

Zabawa would make two more three-point shots in the game and was three-for-four from the free throw line.

“They came out strong tonight and played hard,” Branchik said.

The Rams got off to a quick start and outscored IGS 19-9 in the first quarter. IGS controlled the second period and cut the Ram lead to one by halftime, 26-25.

Branchik said he told his team during halftime to work harder on defense and take care of the ball.

His team responded with the help Santino Smith, who scored 11 points in the victory, and Jaime Sanchez, who added eight.

The Rams held a double-digit lead for most of the fourth quarter and went on to win by 13, netting its third win of the season.

The Rams start league play Tuesday at Coolidge before returning home to play Wickenburg Friday.

IF YOU GO:
What: Maricopa Boys Basketball vs. Empire High School
When: Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Maricopa High School
Cost: $5 adults, $3 students

Photos by Jeremy Knop