Two players filled up the basket Tuesday in Farmington.
Piedra Vista’s Nikki Benally finished with 24 points, and Durango’s Katrina Chandler scored 22 for the Demons. It was Benally’s Panthers (9-3) who prevailed, winning 52-50 in a girls basketball game late thanks to a fourth-quarter surge.
Durango (6-2) led most of the game but couldn’t make a few key shots late to reclaim the lead.
“We played good defense the last couple of possessions and got turnovers and good looks at the other end, but we couldn’t make the shot,” DHS head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said.
Stephanie Bayse scored 10 points for the Demons, and Shilo Gillen scored eight all in the second half to provide DHS a spark.
“Benally hurt us,” Fitzpatrick. “She averages 22 a night and is a good player. PV is a top 10 team in the state down here in 5A.”
DHS has yet to play a home game and will be off until next Tuesday for a neutral-court game against Ignacio at Whalen Gymnasium on the Fort Lewis College campus.
“I’m proud of the kids for being tough, physically and mentally, to start the season,” Fitzpatrick said. “We will keep getting better, and Ignacio will be a great tune up for us before we start league the next Friday.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
