The Camp Verde High School boys basketball team threw everything but the kitchen sink at visiting Chino Valley High School in its 66-53 loss on Jan. 19.
At the newly dedicated Dr. Mark J. Westervelt Gymnasium, the Cowboys’ [5-16, 1-4 2A Central] nine-point effort in the first half doomed them.
“We got some pretty good looks, we just weren’t shooting well,” head coach Dan Wall said. “Then we got frustrated and took some shots that we don’t normally take.”
A fast and athletic Cougar team found succes on the boards and fast break. It scored six points off of turnovers and four second-chance points in the first quarter to open a 12-7 lead.
Cowboy senior center Drake Smith scored the lone basket of the second quarter early on. The team shot one for 13 in the quarter, and trailed 29-9 at halftime.
Wall was disappointed with his team’s effort in the first half. Four substitutes started the third quarter alongside senior forward Ryan Loza, but as the quarter went on the starters found their way back to the floor.
“They did not play as hard as they could play,” Wall said. “The young kids definitely came in and played well. They moved the ball around, got good looks and were tough on the defensive end.”
Wall’s decision paid off as his team won the third quarter 15-14. Loza and sophomore guard Ismael Hogan combined for eight of the team’s points. The Cowboys trailed 43-24 with one quarter left.
Rebounds and second-chance points continued to be a strength for the Cougars, limiting the Cowboys’ number of possessions and giving themselves more chances to score.
In the fourth, Camp Verde scored seven three-pointers; four from Hogan and three from senior guard Aaron Tracy.
With 1:48 left, they were suddenly down only 10 at 56-46, but it would be too little too late. The Cougars hit eight of their 12 free throws to secure the win.
For every shot the Cowboys made, Chino Valley ran the floor for easy layups.
“They have six or seven seniors and they’re a group who’s played together for a while,” Wall said. “They’ve improved a lot; they get up and own the court well.”
Wall noted a change in attitude as the reason for the second-half improvement.
“Honestly the biggest change in play was the effort,” Wall said. “When we focus our effort on the defensive end, the offense falls into place. It’s pretty interesting how that works.”
Hogan tied for a game-high 17 points with Cougar senior wing player Blake Ely. Tracy had 12 and Loza 11.
On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the team resumed 2A Central play against visiting Glendale Preparatory Academy. Results were unavailable at press time.
It next plays at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 in the second Verde Valley rivalry game of the season at Sedona Red Rock High School.
