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home / Sports
Maricopa Hoops: The agony of defeat
Alice Shoaf
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March 4 ended the Lady Rams’ dream of a state title for basketball, in a crushing defeat delivered explosively by the Chinle Lady Wildcats. Just four days after their nail biting performance against Estrella Foothills secured their spot in the quarter finals, the Lady Rams tried in vain to ramp up for Chinle. There wasn’t enough healing time; there wasn’t enough experience in high-pressure games. At the final whistle the score was 30-64. It was a very quiet stadium on the Maricopa side as the girls made their handshakes and filed out for the last time.
Chinle, however, was understandably ecstatic. Two years ago they lost in the first round of State competition to Seton Catholic. Last year they made it to the second round before losing to Ganado. They were more than ready for this year’s State finals, and came into the arena like girls on a mission. After this game they progressed to the semi finals against Monument Valley, where their dream, too, ended in a score of 46-55.
Chinle school is still marching, however, as the boys’ team won their semi-finals and now have that State trophy in sight. This is the third time in four years they have made the final four, and the fifth time in school history. But it is the first time in the school’s history they have made the final two. The entire town, it seemed, descended on Jobing.com Arena on March 6th to cheer both teams on and will be staying to buoy up the boys.
Still, Our Lady Rams did well and can hold their heads high. Their final record is 19-4 and they are division champs. What a long way they have come in just one year! Last year their final record was 8-15. “I love my girls,” stated Coach Jenny Miller. They have learned a lot and progressed a lot. Next year’s team will benefit from the return of solid players with ever-improving skills and a few rising stars who have not yet reached their potential. Coach Miller is also returning and is ready to tackle a new division, since Maricopa will likely move up to 4A.
Six seniors from the team will be graduating. They would have much preferred to finish better in the State Championship Tournament, but can be proud of what they accomplished as a team and as students. When asked what they intend to do after graduation, here is what they had to say:
Samantha Garay: “After high school, I plan on going to Maricopa Community College to become a radiology nurse. I want to play basketball for the school, but if not…I always have the courts at the Villages!”
Karla Torres: “After high school I want to attend Arizona State University and then go on to a medical school and become a heart surgeon.”
Jasmine Melvin: “After graduation, I would like to attend either the Air Force Academy or Naval Academy and eventually either become a lawyer or pursue aviation.”
ChrMalika Muhammad: “After high school I plan to go to college, a four year university preferably. I plan to major in law and become a sports attorney. My second year in college I want to try out for the Olympics in track and field. Also {I intend} to do a lot of community service and give back to the communities.”
Arielle Fife: “After graduation I plan to go to Chandler Gilbert Community college to play volleyball and study nursing.”
Erin Litchfield did not submit anything, but is planning on attending Mesa Community College to finish her firefighting training.
While we will miss them next year, we wish them the best, knowing they gave their all to fulfill a commitment to their team. They will take more than memories with them; they will take lessons learned and apply them to new challenges, all the more capable for their experiences here.
And so the winter sports ends for Maricopa. It was a productive season overall. The boys’ soccer had an undefeated season and made it to the first round of State competition. Boys’ hoops also made it to State competition. Girls’ hoops made it to the second round. The wrestlers sent 7 boys to State and brought home two titles, and the Spirit Line brought home top honors from their State competition. All in all, it was an excellent season for Maricopa, and one to build upon. Now spring sports are underway with baseball, softball, golf, and track and field. We will be watching, and cheering.
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Alice Shoaf
#13 Julia Dickerson, #44 DeAudra Streety, #30 Erin Litchfield
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