Local Roundup: Feb. 4
YC girls pull off another upset
Once again, the Yuma Catholic girls soccer team pulled off a first-round stunner.
For the second straight year, the Shamrocks entered the Class 1A/2A/3A State Tournament with a low seed, but still found a way to be beat Florence, this year topping the No. 5 Gophers 3-0.
The Shamrocks entered this year’s tournament ranked No. 12 and were missing three key starters, including their starting goalie and leading scorer. But Morgan Frank scored on a free kick 15 minutes into the game, then the Shamrocks added an insurance goal in the 50th minute when a pass from Ashley DeCorse was deflected by a Gopher into her own net.
Joceyln Higuera scored the third goal with 15 minutes left.
“This game was a hard-fought battle,” coach Jesus Quintana said. “It was not easy by any means. We really had to work for it.”
Last year, the Shamrocks entered the tournament as the No. 11 seed an beat No. 6 Florence on their way to the state semifinals. To return there this year, they’ll have to beat No. 4
Sedona Red Rock today.
“One of the things our kids showed out there was they never give up,” Quintana said. “I was impressed by the way we’ve kept fighting all year.”
PREP BOYS SOCCER
Trojans oust Shamrocks
Yuma Catholic fell 2-0 to No. 11 Valley Christian in the first round of the Class 1A/2A/3A State Tournament on Friday.
The teams were scoreless in the first half, but the Trojans scored on a penalty kick 10 minutes into the second half and added an insurance goal later.
PREP WRESTLING
Every Cibola wrestler alive for state
Eleven Cibola wrestler will compete in the semifinals of the 5A-II Sectional Tournament semifinals on Saturday at Phoenix-Desert Vista.
The three who didn’t make still have a chance to qualify for state along the consolation bracket.
The 11 wrestlers aiming for a sectional title are Rafael Jaimes (103), Isaac Camarillo (112), Adam Ludwin (119), Luis Munez (125), Eric Arias (130), Pierre Gaud (135), Pablo Moreno (140), Andrew Garcia (145), Adam Razo (152), Pedro Rosas (160), and Trae Chavez (215).
Gila Ridge has 13 wrestlers alive for a state berth, although seven are in the consolation bracket. Wrestling in the winners’ bracket semifinal today will be Abel Mejia (119), Alex Jordan (125), Jose Cazares (130), Isaac Saenz (140), Kevin Jumbeck (160) and Eddie Pena (heavyweight).
Yuma Has six wrestlers contending for a state berth, including three in semifinals — Mikey Arce (112), Elder Origel (152) and Juan Ortiz (heavyweight).
PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL
Shamrocks end season with a loss
Yuma Catholic may have lost 61-37 at Scottsdale Christian on Friday, but the Shamrocks end the season with a win as far as coach Bobby McGalliard is concerned.
After last year’s winless season, the Shamrocks ended this year 7-10.
“I’m absolutely looking forward to next year with everyone returning for this team,” McGalliard said. “The girls gained valuable experience this year and entered every game expecting to win unlike last year. The future is bright for Yuma Catholic.”
Madison Brazeel had 15 points and six assists for the Shamrocks and Chelsey Mendenhall added six points and nine rebounds in the season finale.
Raiders edge Kings
Cibola picked up a 46-38 road win at Kofa on Friday.
Kiah Brown scored 10 points for the Raiders and Brandi Badilla added 10 rebounds.
Cibola (12-1, 7-0 GVR) hosts San Luis on Tuesday.
Rams fall to Eagles
Antelope lost 49-18 at Arizona Lutheran on Friday.
Katlyn Jones had eight points for the Rams.
PREP BOYS BASKETBALL
Hawks top Sidewinders
Gila Ridge used a fast start to build a sizable lead and held on to defeat San Luis 44-37 at home on Friday.
The Hawks jumped out to a 16-2 start to end the first quarter and went into halftime with a 32-15 lead thanks to fast break baskets and early free throws.
The Sidewinders switched to a zone defense in the second half to slow down the Hawks, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
Lance McLaren had 12 points and 13 rebounds for Gila Ridge and Jon Kennedy added 12 points and eight boards.
Orlando Lopez led the San Luis with 21 points and 10 rebounds and Mark Ochoa scored eight points.
Gila Ridge (10-13) travels to Yuma High on Tuesday while San Luis 9-16) plays host to Cibola on the same day.
Eagles down Shamrocks
Yuma Catholic lost 59-51 at No. 2 Scottsdale Christian in the Shamrocks’ season finale on Friday.
YC cut the lead to five with 1:48 left, but wasn’t able to make shots at the end while the Eagles sank their free throws to seal the deal.
Bradley Crye led the Shamrocks with 26 points and Tommy Pistone added 16 points with four 3-pointers.
Yuma Catholic (16-10) won’t know if it makes the playoffs until the brackets are announced on Monday morning.
Rams falter late, lose to Coyotes
Antelope led 41-34 with four minutes left at Arizona Lutheran, but the Coyotes outscored the Rams 13-1 to end the game as Antelope fell 47-42 on Friday.
A.J. Cota led the Rams with 15 points, Abel Munoz had 11 and Chris Weimer added eight points and four steals in the season finale.
The Rams end the year 4-12.
“With the size we had I couldn’t be more proud of our guys and the way they competed,” Antelope coach Ron Bratton said. “We played hard and were in every game.”
