ALAMOSA - Averaging just 20.2 points per game in their previous five outings, the Bayfield Wolverine girls looked to have finally found an urgently-needed scoring pace early Tuesday evening on the road at Alamosa.
But AHS senior Taylor Hackett's last-second lay-in off classmate Brianna Corona's inbounds pass gave the Mean Moose an 11-9 advantage at the first quarter's conclusion. That set off a 7-0 burst that gave the San Luis Valley side all the momentum it would need for a 27-12 halftime score, and ultimately a 50-29 win in 3A Intermountain League play.
"We weren't intense like we had been in December, when we had games back-to-back-to-back," said BHS junior guard Aspen Pinnecoose, noting the team's recent absence. BHS last saw action Jan. 8, losing to 5A Piedra Vista. "Not playing awhile.we were kind of lenient."
The Moose were coming off a five-game slump, as well. Alamosa had five points in the third quarter from forward Elise Tolley and as many from guard Brooke Trujillo to increase their lead to 37-16 entering the fourth.
Giving Bayfield some desperation hope, Pinnecoose suddenly managed to slice to the hoop for four baskets-eight points of her team-high 12. Then BHS junior Tory Tate rattled in an unexpected three-pointer off the wing in front of the energized visitors' bench. Unfortunately, AHS countered with six individuals scoring to keep the game out of reach.
"I think we did really good.in the fourth quarter," Pinnecoose said. "We did really good on offense; we just had to wait. And our defense was OK; we could have done a little better. But I think what helped us the most was our quickness and our pass-and-goes-we just have to work on actually seeing everybody."
"And our press break," she added. The Wolverines were pressured into at least 25 turnovers.
Alamosa improved to 3-7 overall, 2-0 in league prior to hosting Centauri tonight. Senior forward Jessie Roukema and junior guard Maddy Duran each scored four for BHS (0-9, 0-1), which returns to the region tonight to visit Monte Vista.
CALLS AGAINST CANCER: Local hardwood officials will be taking part in the Jan. 23-31 nationwide efforts to battle cancer, according to information provided by Colorado Area 17 Director Craig Coutlee.
During games scheduled for those dates, officials will wear pink uniforms and use pink whistles to support American Cancer Society research as part of the "Officials vs. Cancer" campaign. Cheerleaders at the games have also been asked to wear 'stripes' to make everyone aware of the efforts and will seek donations from spectators.
Additionally, the 2015 Durango Basketball Officials Association Scholarship selectors are seeking applicants. One male and one female senior basketball student-athlete from the Bayfield, Durango, Pagosa Springs and Ignacio area will be chosen to receive a scholarship, but all those vying must complete the scholarship form and return it by March 31.
Coutlee may be contacted at 769-5000 for more information on the officials' association second annual award.
"Our goal is to give back in support as well as service to our student athletes," he said via e-mail.
