Chinle, TC girls battle for postseason position

The Chinle Lady Wildcats have long been in the shadows of the boys' basketball team but they are seeking to make their own reputation.

"A lot of our own fans they really talk about the boys and our coach did have us think about a lot earlier last week, about what we wanted at the end of season and what we want to accomplish," Chinle senior Nicole Tsosie said. "I think it really boosts our momentum and it just made us want to keep going to the state tournament."

On Jan. 29 in 3A North Region action, the Lady Wildcats defeated Tuba City, 48-43. Just two days earlier, Tuba City defeated Chinle, 50-35.

Chinle head coach Darrell Clauschee said after the loss to Tuba City the team made mental and strategic changes that led to their win the second time around.

"What I noticed was we weren't mentally ready for them with our first match-up against them," Clauschee said. "We came out flat. We came out playing no defense and we made some changes and we worked harder on our defense and on our movement. It made a big difference for us that second match-up.

"I think they wanted to get some revenge," he said. "I think it was more of a homecoming adrenaline flow for them. They wanted to win the game."

Chinle went out to a 29-16 lead that they held onto going into the half.

Tuba City head coach Tom Bizardi said his team played better defense in the teams' first meeting but in the rematch his girls slipped and allowed Chinle to capitalize on strong post play.

"Tonight my girls laid back," he said. "Rather than denying the range and denying the high post, we stayed back and we let them run their offense. That was the key thing."

In the third quarter, Tuba City cut Chinle's lead to 38-35.

The Lady Warriors forced a couple of turnovers to start the fourth quarter and tied the game, 38-38. The two teams shared the lead until finally Chinle pulled away with only seconds left.

Clauschee said his team won because they decided to step up their game.

"I guess they're realizing now how important these games are now," he said. "They're choosing to step up their game."

As of Tuesday, Chinle was No. 19 and Tuba City was No. 16 in the power rankings.

On Wednesday Chinle's record was 11-12 overall and 3-6 in the 3A North Region. They hosted Holbrook on Wednesday (score unavailable at press time).

Tuba City is 11-11 and 2-6 in the region heading into tonight's match-up against Winslow.

Bizardi said his team knows what they have to do and that his team is "definitely" ready to carry out the task.

"We're a defensive-minded team, our offense feeds off of our defense," he said. "The next three games that's what we'll strive on."

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