Becca Green wins the tipoff in the game between the ‘Toppers and the Academy Chargers Monday in Albuquerque. The ‘Toppers needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The ‘Toppers played even with the Chargers the first half but fell behind in the beginning of the second half and were unable to close the gap and lost the game 40-48, which ended their season. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Serenity Maestas reaches for a loose ball near midcourt in the first period. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
By RJ MONTAÑO
Los Alamos Daily Post
rjmontano@ladailypost.com
ALBUQUERQUE – The Los Alamos girls’ basketball team hoped to build on a regular season win Monday night at the Albuquerque Academy, but a slow third quarter spelled postseason doom for the Hilltoppers. Academy won the district 2-5A tournament opener 48-40 to advance to play Del Norte.
Both teams struggled to shoot the ball in the first quarter. Susana Gallegos hit three free throws, and Jenee Montoya hit a three-point basket for the only ‘Topper points of first quarter.
The Chargers didn’t fare any better. Andrea Park, Savina Romero, and Clair Hibbett each dropped in a bucket for the 6-6 tie after one quarter.
The offense picked up a bit, led by Alex Calderon, who scored all five of her points in the second quarter. Academy would take a 19-17 lead into the halftime break.
The third quarter was a challenging eight minutes for the ‘Toppers. The only points came off a Becca Green three-point shot late in period. Frustration set in after not being able to score, and a few defensive lapses allowed the Chargers to go on a 17-3 run for the 35-20 lead.
The ‘Toppers had one last run left in them as they outscored the Chargers 20-13 in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough as the Los Alamos girls’ basketball team’s season came to an end.
The ‘Toppers found success utilizing their “bigs” in a win over the Capital Jaguars to end the regular season. Green finished the Capital game with 18 points and Natalie Gallegos chipped in 13. At Academy, Los Alamos got away from what brought success the game before with both taller players locked near the three-point line.
The ‘Toppers didn’t have an answer for Kelsey Crist who finished the game with 20 points, 15 of those coming in the second half.
Los Alamos finished the season 6-21 for the second season in a row.
Susana Gallegos has her eye on the basket in the first period. She scored five points during the game. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Katey Green wrestles the ball away from a Charger player. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Natalie Gallegos flies over the defense for a shot attempt in the first period. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Jenna Harris locks a Charger player from passing the ball under the ‘Topper basket. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Becca Green battles for a rebound under the ‘Topper basket late in the fourth period. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
