2009-2010 Class 1A-2A Girl's Hoops Preview
by Richard Tripp
The Cliff Cowgirls return as the District 5-1A champs and a 25 win season; however, Cliff ended the season in the quarter-finals of the state tournament and will look to take a larger step in 2009-2010. Mariah Peralta returns and brings with her an average of 10 points a game. Head Coach Clay Means refers to his team as “Good athletes with a lot of speed and quickness, very hard working.”
Ann Vincent and Cassidy Doherty return for the state runner-up Des Moines. “We have an excellent core of returning players with a nice mix of youth and experience,” said head coach Jim Doherty. “Ann and Cassidy are as good of guard tandem as there is in the state. Both extremely quick, good defenders and excellent offensive players. Plus they've been playing together since second grade.”
In Floyd, Tori Tucker averaged 14.8 points per game, 3.7 steals and 6.8 rebounds.
Grady is coming off a 16 win season and have high hopes of making the big dance. Molly Rush, Mandy Rush and Skylar Starbuck return for head coach Alicia Rush. “We return several key players and are excited about this season.”
Jal was defeated by a tough Texico team last season to end their season, this year with the return of the lone senior, Ariel Samaniego as well Kristine Vargas, the team’s leading scorer and Shelby Kimball who blocked 108 shots last season to go with 10 points and 10 rebounds a game, the Panthers are stacked and ready. Yesenia Gonzales and Erin Deck round out the starting five. “Our goal this year is to break through and get to Albuquerque to play and play well. We like to play a tough schedule to prepare us for the district season. We open the season Nov. 17th against a very tough Wink, Texas team. We play our first eight games against Texas teams and they start a couple of weeks ahead of us, so they have usually already played six or seven games,” said head coach Brad Fouts.
Dellynn Chinana (16 points per game and 12 rebounds per game) and Dominique Casiquito (12 points per game, five rebounds per game, six assists per game) return for Jemez Valley, while at Monte Del Sol Felicia Anaya and Alysia Lujan return. Head coach Nicholas Trouvat says this year’s team is “A fast and physical team.”
In Ramah, head coach David Gibbons returns Shelley Lalio (six points, 4.1 rebound per game, 4.2 steals per game and two assists per game) and Krysta Bond (6.1 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, four steals per game and 3.3 assists per game). “Shelley and Krysta are two of five returning lettermen. Their varsity experience will give them poise and confidence in the coming season. I expect them to bring a new level of skill and tenacity to this year's team. This year’s team will have young, but experienced players.”
Seniors Tracy Foote (11 points and nine rebounds a game) and Morgan Foster (eight points and eight assists per game) return and give San Jon the lift they may need. “A great group of young ladies to be around. Fantastic attitudes with a ton of heart. Leaders on and off the court,” stated head coach Steve Foust.
In Santa Rosa, head coach Joe Esquibel and the Lions won 21 games last season and return nine players and three starters including Renae Roybal and Sara Tapia. “"This years' team could be very good if the attitude is right. We have depth and experience which could be beneficial for us," said Esquibel.
