Camp Verde girls’ basketball opened their season with a bang as the Cowboys defeated Mayer High School 62-19 on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
After finishing last season at 23-8, the Cowboys picked up where they left off in dominant fashion.
“We pressured them very well to create turnovers and we found some good looks in transition,” Camp Verde coach Mark Showers said. “Our defense led to layups and outside shots on the other end.”
For the Cowboys, the press will vary from game-to-game depending on the opponent.
“A lot of that has to do with getting our center J.C. Finley back into the lineup,” Showers said. “When you have someone that tall and talented in the middle, then you can afford to play more of a halfcourt game.”
With Finley out, the Cowboys will move towards are more up-tempo style of play.
“Finley moves well also, so once she returns and is up to speed, we can still play a more fast-paced game,” Showers said.
Tanna Decker led Camp Verde in scoring with 27 points and went 4-9 from three-point range.
“She looked great; had we not missed a couple of layups, Tanna would have had a triple-double,” Showers said. “She shared the ball well with her teammates despite scoring so many points, so it was a really nice job from her against Mayer.”
Showers believes Decker’s assertiveness and jump shot have improved in her junior year.
“She is much more confident in handling the offense and taking care of things on the court this year,” Showers said. “The second thing is her shot. Last year she struggled from outside but so far she has been knocking them down this season.”
Cowboys guard Amanda Lozanilla also had a solid performance against Mayer with 14 points.
“She was very tough in transition with both our full court and half court presses,” Showers said.
Mayer had no answer for the guard tandem of Decker and Lozanilla, like many opponents dating back to last year.
“Decker and Lozanilla are quite the duo for us, they are both very quick, defend well and can shoot the ball,” Showers said. “I would say they are two of the best guards in our region.”
Camp Verde’s home opener is Tuesday, Nov. 27, when the Cowboys host Payson High School. The final score was not available by press time.
Last time these two teams faced off Payson defeated Camp Verde 51-49 on Dec. 5.
Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m.
