FARMINGTON – After a slow start from the floor in Tuesday night’s season opener at Scorpion Arena, the Farmington High School girls basketball team found its shooting rhythm in the second period on its way to a convincing 52-26 win at home over Durango.
Nine different Scorpions players found their way into the scorebook for Farmington, led by senior captain Kapiolani Anitielu, who scored nine points, all of which came from successful three-point shots.
Farmington’s defense wreaked havoc on the Durango offense, particularly in the backcourt where the Demons struggled to advance the ball against the Scorpions defensive attack. Durango turned the ball over 11 times in the first half, which led to the Scorpions taking a 27-10 lead into the locker room at halftime.
Farmington likely could have had a larger lead at the break had the offense gotten off to a smoother start. The Scorpions turned the ball over several times in the opening minutes and had difficulties converting on open looks. Despite the fact Durango scored only one point in the first quarter, the team trailed by only six after the first eight minutes.
“It was a sloppy game, but I like where our defense came out tonight,” said Farmington head coach Tom Adair. “Our defensive coordinator Randy Crockett did a great job this offseason in getting our defense set up and it really paid off tonight.”
In the second quarter, the Scorpions offense appeared to be more in sync with one another. The team went on a 15-2 run in the opening minutes of the second quarter, with a pair of baskets from junior Ayana Toledo, as well as a three-point shot from Maleah Charlie, which set the tone for the runaway victory.
“You can’t afford to make mistakes and turn the ball over as much as we did and have success, especially against a team like them,” said Durango head coach Lauren Moran. “Once we got behind them in the turnover game, it was a real uphill battle for us.”
Toledo finished the night with six points but also played a large factor in securing rebounds inside the paint.
“She’s a bull in a china shop,” Adair said of Toledo. “She works hard in the weight room and she’s learning a lot about how good she can be.”
Lily Fitzpatrick led Durango with nine points in the contest before aggravating a left knee injury midway through the fourth quarter that forced her to the bench.
Sophomore Caris Dale scored six points for the Scorpions, which will look to continue its fast start to the season Wednesday night on the road when they face off against defending Class 4A champion Gallup.
Durango, which falls to 2-2 after suffering its second straight loss, will square off against Discovery Canyon High School on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the opening round of the Pueblo County Tournament.
Sophomore Haylee Nocki scored 18 points and senior Emilia Clani scored 14 points to lead the Kirtland Central girls basketball team to a 57-34 win Tuesday night at home over Piedra Vista.
The win improves Kirtland Central’s record to 4-0 on the season, on the heels of claiming a tournament title last week in Page, Arizona.
The Broncos had a commanding 27-16 lead heading into the locker room at halftime before outscoring the Panthers 30-18 in the second half. Junior Tyra Holyan led the Panthers with 16 points in the contest.
The loss drops Piedra Vista to 2-2 on the season before hosting Rio Rancho on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Broncos get a bit of a break before returning to action on Tuesday night when they visit Grants.
