The Lady Lobos return the majority of last year’s 3A State Championship team and are heavily favored to return to the top of either that tournament or the much-maligned Copper tournament this season.
A senior heavy roster includes Ryah Denhalter, Tayli Hancock, Bryn Kupfer, Raylee Hancock and Ranell West, all with years of experience under Coach Mike Brogan. Juniors, Macie Brimhall and Mary Orr, along with sophomores, Josie Clare and Harrli Nichols, also saw quality minutes last season and are expected to contribute this year as well. Kinzee Flake, and AJ Yarn will also play this year.
The Lobos opened their season at the Inferno Invitational tournament hosted by Sunnyside High School on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. They went 4-1 over the three days. Monday, they defeated Queen Creek 67-25. Ryah Denhalter led with 19, and Aubrey Denhalter netted 14.
Their second game Monday was an 81-15 romp over Poston Butte. Ryah Denhalter again led in scoring with 23 points. Harrli Nichols added 9. Six players finished with 6 points each including Yarn, Flake, Clare, Aubrey Denhalter, Kupfer and West.
Tuesday started with a 45-15 win over Amphitheater. Yarn led with 10 points. Kupfer added 8 and West helped with 7.
Tuesday’s second game was their only loss of the tournament with a 50-47 setback to Pueblo. Ryah Denhalter led with 12 points. Kupfer added 10, and Clare had 9 in the loss.
Their lone game on Wednesday was a 46-16 win over Flowing Wells.
This week the Lobos will host Chinle on Tuesday, then welcome in Holbrook on Thursday in a girls-only night. Snowflake and Holbrook’s boys will play in Snowflake on Dec. 18.
Friday night the team travels to face Coolidge. Next week they will host Page on Tuesday.
