The Española Valley Lady Sundevils took home a championship trophy for the first time in six years after they defeated the Estancia Bears 72-37 in the championship game of the Laguna Invitational Dec. 13 in Laguna.
The last girls basketball tournament Española had won was the Shiprock Invitational in 2003. The Sundevils improved to 6-2 on the season. Española was 12-14 last season and 0-23 two seasons ago.
“We’re turning things around a little,” Española coach Ron Drake said.
The Sundevils started their run to the title with a dominating 57-17 victory over Zuni Dec. 11 in the opening round. The Thunderbirds had defeated Española last year at Laguna, but were no match for the Sundevils this time. They trailed 45-4 at halftime.
In the semifinals, the Sundevils took on defending tournament champion Crownpoint. The Eagles led by eight points after the first quarter and were up 33-28 at halftime.
“We made some adjustments at halftime,” Drake said. “We started pressing them, and Megan (Martinez) got hot.”
The Sundevils came up with 15 steals in the second half, and Martinez knocked down six three-pointers. She finished with 27 points. Nisa Duran added 22 points and Justine Vigil 12 points for Española.
Against the Bears, the Sundevils overcame a height disadvantage and ran the Bears ragged, surging to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter.
“They had three girls who are 5 foot, 11 inches,” Drake said. “We were faster and quicker than them and got better shots.”
Martinez had five more three-pointers against the Bears and finished with 24 points. She earned all-tournament honors. Duran added 15 points and was named the most valuable player of the tournament. She averaged seven steals per game, according to Drake.
Melanie Vigil added 15 points and Drake felt she should have earned all-tournament honors. Justine Vigil finished with 10 points and Drake likes the balanced scoring that has characterized the Sundevils so far this season.
Drake is still suffering from the effects of a gall stone that burst Oct. 14. He is scheduled to undergo an operation to remove his gall bladder when his strength improves.
Española takes on Santa Fe High School Saturday. Drake began his coaching career in New Mexico at Santa Fe in 1994 and stayed until 2005, when he left to take over at St. Michaels. He was hired by Española in May 2007.
“I’m looking forward to playing them, “ Drake said.