By Raymundo Frasquillo
The Steve Chavez-coached Morenci Lady Wildcats returned from Tucson with an 84-14 win over the Saint Augustine Catholic Lady Wolves on Jan. 19.
Morenci entered the contest averaging a 45-42 (902-840) score per game through 20 games, while the host Wolves averaged a minus 30 points, 13-43 (199-802), through 15 games.
At the game’s end, Morenci’s average rose to 47-41 (986-854) or a six points-per-game margin, while Saint Augustine dropped to a 41-point deficit, 14-55 (213-886).
It was the highest offensive output of the season for the Wildcats, who did not run up the score. The starters played only half the game and the entire roster received court time with 10 of 12 scoring. The Wildcats have scored 50 or more points eight previous times.
The Wolves have scored 14 points or more only five other times, with 26 as the season high. Injuries and defections have decimated the Wolves with only two juniors, three sophomores and a freshman still listed on the team roster. That did not mean the will to succeed or effort was not present. They did what they could with what they had. Distinct offensive patterns and notable defensive plays were executed.
The Wildcats led 12-0 before the Wolves’ quintet scored its initial basket nearly mid-way through the opening period. It was the second half before the Wolves reached double figures. Morenci led 24-4 after the first period, 44-9 at halftime and 66-11 heading into the final period.
Team totals for the evening were 40 field goals (three 3-pointers) plus 1-3 free throws for the Wildcats and two field goals (one 3-pointer) plus 9-20 free throws for the Wolves.
Morenci’s starters each contributed double-digit scoring with senior Jayde Rivas netting a game-high 16 points on eight field goals, junior Ashley Hernandez 14 on six field goals (two 3-pointers), senior Sabyn Martinez 14 on seven field goals, senior Krystyna Chavarria 11 on five field goals plus 1-1 free throws and Aaliyah Manuz 10 on five field goals. Sophomore Rhianna Lang added six points, junior Aubrey Castillo five, junior Alex Chee four and both sophomore Janeene Lang and freshman Desiree Babb had two apiece.
Before the tip-off, Martinez averaged 12.4 points per game, Chavarria 8.6, Manuz 7.8, Hernandez 6.8, Rivas 5.9, Janeene Lang 3.6, Rhianna Lang 3.3, Babb 3.0, Castillo 1.8, Lee 1.5 and Chee 0.8.
The Wolves got seven points from junior Alyssa Chiaye, four from junior Destiny Ruiz, two from sophomore Brooke Dehn and one from freshman Anjelica Bertrand. Sophomore Alexis Inocencia ended 0-2 from the free throw line.
