BASKETBALL

Cavegirls beat Hobbs, win district title

Matt Hollinshead
Carlsbad Current-Argus
Cavegirls freshman guard Carsyn Boswell and teammates celebrate winning this year's District 4-6A regular season title on Thursday.

CARLSBAD – Call them talented, call them patient but, most of all, call them champions.

With Hobbs’ defense clogging the middle lanes Thursday night, the Carlsbad girls basketball team moved the ball patiently.

The Cavegirls’ strategy paid off, resulting in good shot selections and a 31-23 home win Thursday to secure this year’s District 4-6A regular-season championship.

Carlsbad won its first-ever district regular-season title, according to coach John Zumbrun.

"I'm super excited. It's a big accomplishment for our team, and we worked really hard for it. I saw us going far [this year], and we're still going," said sophomore point guard Mariel Gomez, who had four rebounds and two steals. "We knew we had to get the shot we needed. We just took our chances."

The Cavegirls took their time looking for suitable plays, whether a kick-out 3-pointer from the corner or going full force to the basket.

Carlsbad's strategy was to keep looking for the best possible shots – even with the Lady Eagles’ defensive pressure swarming in on them.

Junior guard Lauryn Wade scored the first basket of the night with a kick-out 3-pointer from the right corner, and more players followed suit shooting from outside.

Even though the Cavegirls had plenty of trips to the foul line, they still settled for mid-range and long-range shots.

"We were just being patient on offense, moving around looking for the best shot opportunity," freshman guard Carsyn Boswell said.

Hobbs cut Carlsbad’s lead to 25-22 after the third quarter, but the Cavegirls kept to their plan.

The scoring was limited in the fourth quarter, however when the final buzzer went off, it was time to celebrate.

Players jumped into teammates' arms. Cheers echoed throughout the gym and continued in the locker room.

"It's awesome. It's a great feeling," Wade said. "People come up to me all the time and tell me how good our team is."

Boswell had a game-high 12 points, along with one rebound and one steal. Junior center Kim Best had six points, four rebounds, one block and one steal. Wade had seven points, one rebound and one steal. Senior forward Rylan Gonsalez had three points, six rebounds, one block and one steal.

Hobbs' Amaya Lewis had 10 points, six rebounds and two steals.

Carlsbad's Kim Best and Hobbs' Leyland Mason go after a loose ball in the fourth quarter Thursday.

Carlsbad improved to 24-2 overall and remained a perfect 6-0 in district play.

"It's the greatest thing ever, knowing we have that many wins," Wade said with a big grin on her face. "We just won district, and we're kicking butt."

Carlsbad will host the District 4-6A tournament championship game next Friday, while Hobbs (11-12, 4-2) will host the Alamogordo-Clovis winner in the District 4-6A tournament semifinals next Wednesday. The start times for both games are still being determined.

CARLSBAD 31, HOBBS 23

Up next for Carlsbad: Hosting District 4-6A tournament championship game next Friday (opponent TBD)

Up next for Hobbs: Alamogordo-Clovis winner in District 4-6A tournament semifinals next Wednesday

FINAL DISTRICT 4-6A REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

1. Carlsbad (24-2, 6-0)

2. Hobbs (11-12, 4-2)

3. Clovis (9-15, 2-4)

4. Alamogordo (11-15, 0-6)

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.