SCORPIONS DOMINATE RIO RANCHO 74-61, TIE FOR FIRST IN DISTRICT
Story by Walter Dorman
Photos by W. Dean Howard Photography
FARMINGTON, NM – The Farmington Scorpions turned a heartbreaking one-point road loss into a statement home victory Thursday night, defeating the Rio Rancho Rams 74-61 at Scorpion Arena in a battle of the top two teams in 5A girls basketball.
The win moves Farmington into a tie for first place in district play at 5-1 and showed just how dangerous the Scorpions can be when they play together.
A Different Result the Second Time Around
After falling to Rio Rancho earlier this season by a single point, Farmington made sure there would be no late-game drama this time.
“Over there we got off to a bad start,” head coach Tom Adair said. “I think we were down 17-4 or something like that, and against a really good team like that you have to be perfect. We definitely outplayed them that night, but we missed some free throws and a layup late and just couldn’t finish.”
“Last night we got a great start. We played good team ball. We passed the ball, and the team concept was the biggest difference.”
That fast start was obvious. Farmington led 16-12 after the first quarter and 33-23 at halftime, using intense defensive pressure to force turnover after turnover and turn those mistakes into easy baskets.
Defense Sets the Tone
The Scorpions controlled the tempo from the opening tip, frustrating Rio Rancho all night.
“Defense was huge,” Adair said. “We knew going in we had to mix things up. Coach Crockett does a great job studying film, and we had different defenses ready. We went man, we went zone, we switched looks, and the girls stepped up and made it work.”
Farmington chose not to press, instead relying on tough half-court defense.
“They handle the ball so well, we didn’t want to press them,” Adair explained. “But we got a lot of turnovers out of our half-court defense, and that saved some energy.”
A major key was slowing down Rio Rancho star Maddie Martinez.
“She had 33 on us the first time,” Adair said. “We felt like if we could hold her under 20 we would win. We held her to 17, and that was huge. McKenna Pete and Ari Charley did an outstanding job guarding her all over the floor.”
Balanced Scoring Leads the Way
While the defense carried the night, the Scorpions were just as impressive offensively.
Senior leader Kajani “Bam Bam” Anitielu led the way with 20 points, a double-double effort that included big rebounds, steals, and blocks.
“She’s a tremendous leader,” Adair said. “She understands she can’t do it by herself. She works hard, she builds confidence in her teammates, and her tenacity never lets up. She leads us in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Her leadership was huge.”
But it wasn’t just Anitielu. Farmington got production from all over the floor.
Chenoa Parrish knocked down four three-pointers on her way to 18 points, while Caris Dale added 15 points and played outstanding defense. Amry Garfield came off the bench for a big 10-point performance, and Carly Conley chipped in 7 points inside.
“I’m super proud of my bench,” Adair said. “Amry Garfield came off the bench and was amazing. Talitha George knocked down a big three. All nine girls we played did what we needed them to do.”
“When Bam Bam, Chenoa, and Caris all have good nights together, we’re going to be tough to beat.”
Pulling Away in the Second Half
The Scorpions stretched the lead to double digits in the third quarter and never looked back. Farmington led 55-38 heading into the fourth and withstood a late Rio Rancho run fueled by full-court pressure.
Even when turnovers crept in during the final period, Farmington made enough plays and free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Final Scoring for Farmington
Chenoa Parrish – 18
Caris Dale – 15
Kajani Bam-Bam Anitielu – 20
Amry Garfield – 10
Carly Conley – 7
McKenna Pete – 7
Ari Charley – 4
Talitha George – 3
Confidence Building Victory
With the win, Farmington and Rio Rancho are now tied atop the district standings.
“It’s a big win for confidence,” Adair said. “But our goal wasn’t just to beat Rio Rancho. Our goal is to win the district championship and make a run at a state championship. We’ve got to keep getting better every time we step on the floor.”
The Scorpions showed Thursday night that when they play as a team, share the ball, and defend with intensity, they are as good as anyone in the state.
“We had a great crowd, great energy, and the girls responded,” Adair added. “I love how they’re playing together right now.”
Farmington will now turn its attention to the final stretch of district play with momentum firmly on its side.
FINAL SCORE
Farmington 74, Rio Rancho 61
Rest of Schedule
2/11 At Cleveland 7pm
2/13 vs Volcano Vista 7pm
2/19 at Cibola 7pm
2/20 vs Piedra Vista 7pm
Photos by W. Dean Howard Photography
