The Pagosa Springs High School Lady Pirate basketball team opened its season strong, posting a 2-0 week at the Wolf Creek Classic.
The Lady Pirates leaned on unselfish offensive, aggressive defense and overall toughness on their way to an undefeated start to the season.
“We’re really pleased with how we opened the season,” wrote coach Sarah Osborn in an email to the SUN. “Our energy, effort, and toughness stood out in both games, and we did a great job sharing the ball and creating good shots for each other. Defensively, we were active, aggressive, and executed well for our first games, which helped us get stops when we needed them.”
The Lady Pirates opened their season at home with a 53-27 win against the Grand Junction Central Warriors on Thursday, Dec. 4.
The Lady Pirates’ unselfish attack led to four players scoring at least seven points.
Bella Adkisson led the Lady Pirates with 12 points. Liana Vega scored 10 points, and Adelyn Hittle and Ahrianna Martinez each added seven points for the Lady Pirates.
As a team, the Lady Pirates dominated on the glass, posting 38 rebounds with 21 of them coming on the offensive side of the ball.
The defense had 24 steals while also adding five blocks.
The Lady Pirates were aggressive in every aspect of their game on Thursday, getting out to a 13-8 lead after the first quarter and never looking back on their way to the 26-point win, Lady Pirates scoring in double digits every quarter while holding their opponents to single digits each quarter.
The Lady Pirates faced off against the Gunnison Cowboys in the second game of the tournament, winning 41-37 on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Once again, the Lady Pirates got significant contributions from multiple players, with three players scoring at least nine points. Ximena Garcia led the Lady Pirates against the Cowboys with 12 points, Adkisson added 11 points of her own and Martinez added nine more.
The Lady Pirates ended the game with 13 steals and five blocks.
The unselfish offensive play was once again on display for the Lady Pirates as they finished the game with 13 assists on 17 made field goals.
The Lady Pirates took a nine-point lead at halftime, but the Cowboys fought back, tying the game up in the fourth quarter. The Lady Pirates stayed composed late in the game and ultimately came away with the four-point win.
“We had all our younger players really step up this past weekend to secure our 2-0 start,” wrote Osborn. “Our upperclassmen have set the tone in practice with their work ethic, communication, and composure. They’ve been great about keeping the team focused and encouraging the younger players.”
Despite the 2-0 start for the Lady Pirates, Osborn notes that they still have plenty they want to improve on.
She emphasizes that they need to fix their turnovers as a team after combining for 41 turnovers in the two games, and notes that the girls will be working to execute more consistently in the half court and tightening up some of their defensive rotations.
The Lady Pirates play the Salida Spartans this Saturday, Dec. 13, at home for their next game.
Osborn explains that the Spartans are a tough team to beat, especially since they are returning most of last year’s team.
The Spartans are 2-1 on the season.
Tip-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
“This week we’re working on tightening our defensive execution, and making sure that they have to fight for every shot they get,” wrote Osborn. “We are excited to play on Saturday and look forward to tough competition, because that is how we get better each week.”
jsellner@orourkemediagroup.com
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