The Camp Verde High School girls basketball team made things look easy Saturday, Jan. 8, in a blowout victory over visiting Wickenburg High School, 46-13.
“Our first and third quarter defense was excellent,” longtime Camp Verde Head Coach Mark Showers said. “We tried to do a few different things and I liked to see the improvement in our defense. We’re going to need it toward the end of the year.”
Camp Verde jumped out to a 19-3 first quarter lead before Showers began substituting several bench players to get everyone playing time.
The Cowboys led 25-7 at the half and were up 38-8 at the end of three.
“They’re just down this year. They are going through a transition period. I was talking to a few of the players after the game telling them to just keep their heads up, their time will come again,” Showers said.
The Wranglers won nearly 20 games in 2009-2010 and claimed the 3A West region title after beating Sedona Red Rock High School on its own home floor in the tournament championship game.
Wickenburg’s three best players were set to return this season as seniors, but opted not to play in favor of club volleyball.
In Saturday’s contest, Cowboys sophomore guard Amanda Showers led all scorers with 15 points while recording two assists and one steal.
Sophomore teammate Katie Wilson had only two points, but pulled 10 rebounds and had five steals in the win.
Other top performances for the Cowboys included Marissa Flores who scored eight points and had five rebounds while junior center Lila Hickey had six points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots.
Hickey sat most of the second half due to illness, playing only 17 minutes on the night.
The victory Saturday capped off a solid 2-1 week for the Cowboys, who beat Mayer High School on Jan. 4, 59-14, but lost to Scottsdale Christian High School on Friday, Jan. 7, 41-37.
Camp Verde’s overall record stands at 15-3 this season and 7-1 in Arizona Interscholastic Association power point play. The Cowboys are No. 8 in the AIA power point polls.
The 15-3 Cowboys have another tough week ahead. Camp Verde was in action Tuesday, Jan. 11, against cross-valley rival Sedona Red Rock High School. Results were unavailable at press time.
Next up, the Cowboys travel to Wickenburg on Thursday, Jan. 13. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
After Thursday’s road game, the Cowboys will play Westwind Preparatory Academy on Saturday, Jan. 15.
