JH Pirates take first place at Sierra Blanca basketball tourney

By Coach Lonnie Flippen 

The Valentine Junior High Lady Pirates continued their win streak over the weekend and on Monday, winning three games. The young ladies participated in the Sierra Blanca Tournament on Saturday, January 21. Several teams dropped out at the last minute and the Sierra Blanca coaches had to scramble to redraw their brackets. As a result, Valentine ended up playing the Sierra Blanca girls twice in what could only be described as very competitive games. The Lady Pirates won both games by a two point margin. The Pirates were down by nine points at halftime in the first game but came roaring back scoring 12 points in the third quarter and holding the Vaqueros to four points in the second half. Cecilia Corral led all scorers in the first game with her 13 points. Jaymie Sanchez added three as did Mickie Siddiq. Nevaeha Mora closed out the Pirates scoring with her two points to give the Pirates a 21 to 19 victory.

The Pirates defeated the Vaqueros later that same day 28 to 26 to win the tournament. Cecilia Corral scored 11 points in the second game followed by Sanchez with seven. Siddiq added six and Mora once again added two. The Pirates were without the help of eighth grader, Samantha Kuhlman who was involved with the livestock show in Van Horn on Saturday. Arleene Corral, Bela Oldham, and Jordan Miller played well for the Pirates. Cecilia Corral was named the tournament’s MVP and Jaymie Sanchez was named to the All-Tournament team.

On Monday, January 23rd, the Lady Eagles from Van Horn came to Valentine for a game and the Pirates defeated the Lady Eagles 26 to 21 extending their win streak to six games. Mickie Siddiq led the Pirates with her nine points, followed closely by Samantha Kuhlman and Cecilia Corral with six points each. Nevaeha Mora closed out the scoring for the Pirates with her 5 points.

The Pirates close out their season next week when they travel to Fort Davis for a 5:00 game on Monday, January 30th. The L ady Indians handed the Pirates one of their three defeats, defeating the Pirates 20 to 17 back in December. The Pirates will then play in the district tournament in Marfa on Saturday, February 4 with times and opponents to be determined next week.   

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