It was an exciting night of basketball in Lovington! In the first conference game for both teams the Lady Bulldogs beat the Lovington Lady Wildcats 54-36 on Friday, January 27. This brings the Lady Dogs to a 1-0 district 4A record and 12-8 overall record.
Artesia won the game tip off as the Varsity Lady Dogs hit the court in a high energy venue. The Lady Wildcats came out in a one-three-one defense. Artesia Junior post Lorin Wagner was the first to score with a two-point field goal and Junior Elizabeth Buendia started the scoring for the Lady Wildcats with two free throws. The Lady Dogs were on top at the end of the first quarter 16-12.
The scoring for the Lady Dogs slowed down in the second quarter and went to the locker room at half time with a tie score of 24-24.
Third quarter started with the Lady Wildcats again in the one-three-one zone defense. The Lady Bulldogs poured on the coals with aggressive play even with several players in foul trouble. Third quarter scoring was by Freshman Jenna Whitmire, Wagner, and Senior Koda Beltran. The fourth quarter continued with tough defense by the Lady Dogs and outscoring the Lady Wildcats 13 – 4.
Lovington had a total of 24 turnovers in the game, 12 in each half. Lady dogs had 11 turnovers in first half and 8 in the second half.
The Lady Dogs haven’t won District 4A since the 2016-17 season. They are currently ranked sixth in the state and are capped for a tough play off season ahead.
“The district is stiff, as usual,” said Jeff Hougtaling, head coach for the Lady Dogs. “The girls played well tonight in the second half and to get a win on the road in our district is a real advantage. We will need to continue to get better and play well every game if we are to make it to the state tournament. The team chemistry is great, and the girls are working hard each day really competing in practice. They are a good group, and they are staying focused.”
Final stats for the Lady Dogs: Audrey Velo 3 rebounds, 1 assist; Myra Jimenez 2 points; Kailee Padilla 2 rebounds; Koda Beltran 5 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists; Kymber Beltran 6 rebounds, 5 assists; Jenna Whitmire 12 points, 5 rebounds; Hattie Harrison 8 points, 1 assist; Lorin Wagner 27 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist.
Final scoring for the Lady Wildcats: Aubrey Arando 2; Myra Castro 2; Malaiya Castro 16; Ashelynn Borundo 5; Lizzy Buendia 6; Erlin Salcido 2; Abby Shouse 3.
The Lady Dogs next game is a district double header with the Boy Bulldogs against Portales on Tuesday, January 31 at home. The Lady Dogs JV game starts at 4:00 p.m., followed by the varsity at 5:30 p.m. The Bulldog Boys JV game starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7:00 p.m.
