It was a packed gym for an exciting night of basketball in Roswell as the Lady Dogs came up with the win against a strong defense and a battle for the inside boards. In a third conference win the Lady Dogs beat the Goddard Lady Rockets 37-36 on Friday, February 3. This brings the Lady Dogs to a 3-0 district 4A record; 14-8 overall record and a current 5th place ranking in the state.
Artesia won the game tip off followed by Artesia junior Lorin Wagner hitting the first field goal to start the scoring. Both teams came out in man-to-man defense. Senior Ericca Cannon started the scoring for the Lady Rockets with a three-point field goal. The Lady Dogs were on top at the end of the first quarter 7-3.
The scoring for both teams was limited in the second quarter by strong defense from both teams. The Lady Dogs were on top at the end of the second half 15-10 with scoring lead by Artesia senior Koda Beltran, sophomore Hattie Harrison and freshman Jenna Whitmire.
Third quarter started with both the Lady Rockets and the Lady Dogs playing man-to-man defense then alternating with a full court press. The Lady Dogs were only outscored by two points in the third quarter, ending at 25-22. Third quarter scoring was by Koda Beltran, and Harrison. Rocket scoring in the third quarter was by senior Sara Royo, sophomore Ashlee Buck, senior Ericca Cannon, and junior Edin Chavira.
The Lady Rockets pulled ahead in the fourth quarter and held on to a one-point lead for a few minutes, followed by alternating one-point leads by both teams. The excitement continued up until less than a minute remained when Artesia’s Wagner hit two free throws to tie the score and take the final lead.
“We had a real battle tonight,” said Jeff Hougtaling, head coach for the Lady Dogs. “But the girls really showed a lot of composure and discipline. It’s a challenge to win on the road, especially in district and the girls are really embracing the challenges. We are really proud and excited, but they know we are only halfway through. We have to continue to stay the course and continue to work hard.”
The Lady Rockets now have a 1-1 district 4A record, 14-8 overall record, and a current 9th place ranking in the state division 4A.
Final stats for the Lady Dogs: Audrey Velo 2 points, 3 rebounds; Koda Beltran 10 points, 5 rebounds; Kymber Beltran 3 rebounds; Jenna Whitmire 3 points, 4 rebounds; Hattie Harrison 6 points, 4 rebounds; Lorin Wagner 16 points, 6 rebounds.
Final scoring for the Rockets: Ericca Cannon 8; Addycen Luck 9; Eden Chavira 4; Sara Royo 3; Ashlee Buck 12.
The Lady Dogs next game is a district double header with the Boy Bulldogs against Lovington on Friday, February 10 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.
