The Devine Arabians traveled to Crystal City last Tuesday night knowing that it was more than just another district game down south. The Arabians were well aware that if they could pull off a victory against the Lady Hawgs they would become the District 29-4A Champion. The ladies did not disappoint. Crystal City did all that they could possibly do to keep the game close, but at the end of the contest the Arabians prevailed 47 to 37 to claim the gold basketball.
“This was a big road win for us,” Head Coach Jim Sessions said. “Crystal City is a very scrappy team and we knew that they would play well at home. I thought we did a good job of matching their intensity at the start of the game. We got out to a lead early in the first quarter and then I thought we did a good job of maintaining that lead. We had to withstand a run late in the game but we made a few plays when we needed to and sealed the victory.
“This win clinched the district championship. I am very proud of the team for accomplishing this task. They have worked hard to achieve this goal. I look forward to seeing what this team will do during the last district game, and then in the playoffs.”
Score by quarter, each in favor of Devine: 11-5, 25-15, 33-25, 47-37.
Team statistics: Devine shot 18 of 47 from the floor for 38% including 2 of 13 from 3pt territory for 15%. Crystal City shot 10 of 34 overall for 29%. From the free throw line, the Arabians were 9 of 16 for 56% while the Lady Hawgs were 15 of 25 for 60%. Transition points were an even 5 each but the Arabians dominated the points off of turnover ratio 21 to 9 as Crystal City committed 26 turnovers for the ballgame.
Individual statistics: Jenna Sadler 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 charge taken; Vanessa Oyola 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals; Julia Harrell 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block; Tori Martin 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals; Ariel Lopez 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist; Preslee Quisenberry 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 charge taken; Chesney Friesenhahn 2 rebounds, 1 assist.
The Arabians are now 24 and 4 on the season and a perfect 7 and 0 in district.
Les Moore
Staff Writer