Shiprock Northwest girls top Crownpoint in title game

Posted by Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi | Jan 8, 2015 | Basketball |

Red Mesa Lady Redskin Jaylynn Stillman (42) looks to pass the ball to her teammates on Friday during the 4th annual Striking Eagle Basketball Invitational in Albuquerque. (Times photo – Ravonelle Yazzie)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

For the Shiprock Northwest Lady Falcons, the Striking Eagle Basketball Invitational was a taste of March Madness.

They got to see themselves where every team wishes to be in March, after they won three games during the tournament including the championship game of the small schools bracket over Crownpoint High School, 57-29.

Shiprock Northwest head coach Jonah Shorty said it was a testament to their work ethic.

“That’s what I like about these girls, they work hard in practice, that’s where it all starts in practice…their basic fundamentals are getting better,” he said. “We still got a lot of work on defense, but this is a very good win for us this tournament.”

Shiprock Northwest controlled the momentum from the get-go, leading Crownpoint 11-8 at the end of the first period,

They continued to crash the boards and capitalized on turnovers committed by the Lady Eagles. At intermission Shiprock Northwest led, 28-12.

Shorty said throughout the tournament the team did exceptionally well on defense and it was not any different in the finals.

“Our defense is the main thing,” he said. “Our full-court pressure defense is what got us to this point and the girls are improving significantly.”