GRANTS, N.M. - A great run for 1st year head coach Jolynn Martinez and her Lady Hawks came to an end at the Rio Rancho Events Center last Thursday when the Mesa Vista Trojans defeated them 49-28 in the NUSENDA Credit Union 2A girls semi-final game.
The Trojans came out strong and fast, testing and later overwhelming the Hawks defense as the game progressed. “Mesa Vista was a great team, but we unfortunately fell short in the second half of our game,” said Laguna-Acoma head coach Jolynn Martinez.
“We started strong and knew what to do to handle the game.”
In a final reflection on that game Martinez stated, “Not every plan goes according to plan– and we need to accept the losses to gain valuable experience.”
The Lady Hawks trailed 21-16 at the half led by Brianna Carillo who scored 5 points and Jovani Scott who also chipped in 5 points. In the 3rd quarter the Hawks outscored the Trojans 129.
The 4th quarter is when things came apart for the Lady Hawks as an overwhelming defense held the Hawks to zero points while the Lady Trojans offense hit quick shots off transition and buried three treys to put up a remarkable 19 points in that quarter. Most of those points were from Aaliyah Bois who had 15 points in the second half.
“Were going to start attacking them,” was the motto that Mesa Vista head coach Jesse Boies told his players at halftime. Crucial rebounds and attacking the Hawks were “A game changer for us,” said Boies The Lady Trojans rebounds in the 4th quarter led to holding the ball on offense kept the momentum on the Trojan side. The Trojans shot 32% and the Lady Hawks shot 20% in that game.
“We could have done better on the court, but overall, it was a valuable learning experience for both the younger girls and myself,” said Martinez.
Martinez summed up her season by saying, “Our season was a great one!...I had the pleasure of coaching this group of girls…we had our ups and downs but it didn’t change who Laguna-Acoma is.”
Carrillo finished the game with 13 points followed by Scott with 7 points.
The Lady Hawks finished the season 26-5.