Crims play well defensively but fail to get the win against Parker

The Yuma High boys basketball team was all smiles after their game Thursday night.

The Criminals lost to the Parker Broncs 45-27 at home, but that didn't damper their spirits.

“To hold that team (Parker) to 45 points is great,” Yuma High coach Chris Turner said. “Defensively we played well. ... But nothing was dropping for us today.”

The Crims (2-15) were within 13 points of the Broncs heading into the fourth quarter. Then Parker (13-8) broke the game open, outscoring Yuma 12-7.

“It was a hard game played against our rival Parker,” junior power forward Quentin Barley said. “We played as hard as we could but we just couldn't put it through in the fourth quarter. ... We just couldn't come through with that W.”

Turner praised Barley and senior center Isaac Ceniceros for their performances against Parker.

“Isaac played well for us and so did Quentin. Those guys hustled out there. I'm very proud of Isaac, this was a great game for him. It's his senior year and he's only got a couple more games left — he showed that he wants to finish this year strong. No matter what the score is, these guys are playing hard and that's what I want to commend them for.”

Barley finished with seven points and five rebounds. Ceniceros came up with five points and three rebounds.

Senior guard Austyn Roberson led the Crims in scoring with eight points.

The Criminals ended a lengthy losing streak recently, beating San Luis 70-35 on Jan. 10. Since that game, Turner said, he has seen a boost of confidence in his players.

“Just to get the winning into their heads was very crucial. We've been doing a lot of hard-nose, toughness drills in practice for the past two or three weeks and that's carrying over.

“We had game on Tuesday at Gila Ridge and we were down 16. We came out, switched up the defense and the defense brought us within four going into the fourth quarter. So these last two games, this defense has been very good.”

Ceniceros said he was a little disappointed with how the season has panned out for the Crims, but that he will continue to give his all on the court.

“We expected more W's this year but we've tried as hard as we could this whole season. We had a new coach and a new team but we just have to keep developing as a team.”

The Crims have just five games left on their schedule, including a game tonight at 7 p.m. at Marcos De Niza.

Turner said he hopes his team continues playing strong defense in that game.

“The guys have to understand that there's two facets to the game. Just because we're not doing well on one, we're doing the other well. That's the one that's crucial when you really want to play basketball. But my guys have been playing defense very well and hopefully that carries on tomorrow when we head out to Phoenix.”

Erin Redmond can be reached at eredmond@yumasun.com or 539-6880. Find her on Facebook at facebook.com/YSErinRedmond