Mayfield outlasts Cleveland

Cleveland, the new kid on the block looked anything but the nascent team they are. The new high school in Rio Rancho began competition in Class 5A this year, its first year of existence, and many of the programs, including girls basketball have quickly developed into competitive teams.

The Storm traveled to Mayfield on Saturday and played the Trojans tough, but it took Mayfield’s sharp shooting and some smart defense to win.

The first quarter saw Cleveland leading by as much as nine, 15-6, with 2:23 left to play. Sarah Hattis, the 6′ 3″ Cleveland center was dominating under the boards scoring 8 of her 25 points. Mayfield was able to gain on Cleveland on a 3-pointer from Elena Hutchinson and two points from Alyssa Trujillo.

Mayfield continued to chip away at the Storm’s lead in the second half, outscoring them 19-11, making it 30-26 at the half.

The third quarter saw Mayfield’s defense at its most effective, holding Cleveland to 10 points. With the double-team on Hattis limiting her to a single free throw, Cleveland was forced to go outside to their guards. Cleveland’s Xan Ortiz started out the quarter with a quick 3-pointer, but the Storm’s effectiveness from outside quickly fizzled out.

As the fourth quarter progressed, each team failed to capitalize on the others mistakes. Trojans Tiffani Lara and Justine Apodaca both had key steals; Lara immediately turned the ball over and Apodaca missed a lay up. Cleveland’s Jordan Bruere missed a lay up off a Hattis block.

With things tied up, 50 -50, and 53 seconds to go in the fourth, Cleveland pulled out of their full court press, and Mayfield got the ball into the hands of Alina Bourger that put the Trojans ahead for good. Another Justine Apodaca steal, and resulting free throw sealed the deal for the Trojans.

Aside two points from Latham, the only offense in the fourth quarter came from Hattis, who had 12 of the 14 points made by the Storm.

Tiffani Lara was given the unenviable task of trying to guard Hattis, and with Hattis’ four-inch advantage, Lara had a hard time. With the prospect of facing Sharayah Newton, Las Cruces’ 6′ 1″ post, I think it was a good learning experience for Lara.

Mayfield also had Elena Holguin back for her first game, having to sit out due to transfer issues. Holguin didn’t get alot of play time, partially due to injury, but the Trojans will definitely benefit from having her on the floor.

As demonstrated by her play, Hattis is a juggernaut at center, and only a sophomore, expect her to get much, much better. I think with some consistency from Cleveland’s guards, namely Courtney Latham (a freshman), the Storm will be a force to reckon with.