Cavegirl Cagers Take On Knights, Hawks

By Don Eskins

Carlsbad High’s Cavegirl basketball team will be on the road for games with the Organ Mountain Knights on Friday, January 9, and the Centennial Hawks on Saturday, January 10.

Both games will be pivotal toss-ups for CHS, who have lost their last two outings, both to the Artesia Bulldogs. On December 19, they dropped a 45-35 decision to the Lady Dogs, and on Tuesday, January 6, they fell once again, 33-26.

Before dropping two to Artesia, CHS had won four of their previous five games.

Currently, the Cavegirls sit at 7-6 on the year and are ranked 18th among Class 5A basketball teams.

Both the Organ Mt. Knights and Centennial Hawks look to be tough opponents, especially the Hawks. The Knights hold a record of 5-6 and are ranked 20th; the Hawks are 5-6 and ranked ninth.

The JVs will get play underway against Organ Mt. on Friday at 5:30 p.m. The varsity will take the floor at 7 p.m. On Saturday, vs. Centennial, the JVs will play at 11 a.m., followed by the varsity at 12:30 p.m.

Cavegirls 26, Artesia 33

Down by just one point, 16-15 at the half, the Cavegirls hoped to rally in the second to pick up a victory over the Artesia Bulldogs in Artesia on Tuesday night, January 6.

But to CHS’ dismay, coming back on this night wasn’t in the cards. Unusually cold offensively, the Cavegirls managed to score just 11 points over the final two quarters of play en route to a 33-26 loss to the Bulldogs.

“Offensively, we’re struggling right now. We’re getting some pretty good looks; the ball just isn’t falling in for us,” said Cavegirl head coach Matt Enloe. “Hopefully, they’ll start falling in for us in Las Cruces.”

The Cavegirls hit just 25 percent of their two-point attempts, 16.7 percent of their three-point efforts, and 36.4 percent of their free-throw shots.

Serenity Medrano and Serena Carrasco led Carlsbad’s offensive effort. Medrano scored eight points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Carrasco had seven points and a steal.

CHS 11 4 4 7 26

AHS 8 8 4 13 33

Leaders: Scoring: Serenity Medrano, 8; Serena Carrasco, 7; Mia Payanes, 3; Isabella Marquez, 3; Thalia Payanes, 2; Hayden Brose, 2; Juliette Licon, 1; Rebounds: Serenity Medrano, 12; Faith Kluesner, 3; Thalia Payanes, 3; Hayden Brose, 3; Libby Tyndorf, 2; Assists: Faith Kluesner, 2; Hayden Brose, 2; Juliette Licon, 1; Steals: Serenity Medrano, 2; Isabella Marquez, 1; Thalia Payanes, 1; Libby Tyndorf, 1; Serena Carrasco, 1; 2-pt FGs 5-20-25%; 3-pt FGs 4-24-16.7%.; FTs 4-11-36.4%. (CHS & Hudl Digital Stats)