Sandia #2 vs Las Cruces #3
In addition to the great athletes in this game, the coaches are top-notch; Abney and Kubala will put on a great show.
These two met earlier in the season, and while the Matadors got the win (50-34), I don’t think the score was a good indication what Cruces is capable of.
Comparing the two, Las Cruces looks to have the advantage as far as depth is concerned—size and athleticism on the inside looks to be Sandia’s advantage.
Sandia’s win over Valley proved they are able to handle the press and guard the perimeter against a dangerous shooter. Against Valley, it was Reyes; against Las Cruces, it will be Aragon.
Ebony Walker and Jalessa Russell are leaders on this team, but I think Camille Boal is just as valuable for all the opportunities she opens up for Walker—she should be recognized for her selfless play.
Forward Elena Martinez-Velasquez is the wildcard here. If she can get hot—she was averaging 12.1 during the season, she had 7 against Valley—she’ll be one more thing Cruces will have to worry about.
Sandia effectively shut down Valley’s Kylynn Brown, the state’s leading rebounder. Cruces is much deeper at post than Valley with Devon Mulheron, Jade Brown and Sharayah Newton.
The only downside to Sandia I can see is their depth. With only four players scoring against Valley (Valley’s strategy may have had something to do with it), the Matadors will need more production from Boal and get Dana Layer into the game.
With 19 points, Andrea Aragon was on fire against Cibola. Las Cruces will need to get the ball to her often, and Sandia know this. Look for coach Matt Abney to get a fast tempo going to get Aragon free.
If there’s enough attention on Aragon, there are many options inside that Cruces can turn to. Devon Mulheron is the obvious choice with her size, but her dependability at the charity stripe makes her truly dangerous. Going, 10-12 against Cibola, her confidence at the free throw line changed the game.
The other option inside is Jade Brown. A 5’ 9” post, what Brown lacks in height she makes up in smarts, technique and a fierce attitude under the iron.
On Tuesday, Las Cruces did look a little nervous, played somewhat sloppy, and came out completely flat in the third, letting the Cougars back into the game. The ‘Dawgs can’t afford to make the same mistakes.
Thank You for all great work and time you have done for all the girl’s.. And for saying some nice thing’s about Angel in two more year’s part 2 of the Reye’s that will be her sister thank you and God Bless..