Cavegirls off and running, overpower Chaparral

CARLSBAD – The Carlsbad girls basketball team was off and running, playing fast on both ends of the floor Tuesday night.

Collecting multiple rebounds and steals, the Cavegirls bolted down the floor for quick points and overpowered Chaparral, 70-16, in the season opener for both teams.

“I think we can keep that [energy] going all season long,” said senior forward Katelyn Clarkston, who finished with six points, seven rebounds and three steals. “I think we’re going to have a fast-paced team.”

Closing in on the Lobos’ backcourt, the Cavegirls extended their arms and poked at the ball.

“We put the press on early, and it obviously bothered them,” coach John Zumbrun said. “The confidence grew.”

Once players garnered possession, they took off and made quick buckets in the paint.

“We want to get the ball inside. We’re going to get it off the penetration, and we’re going to get it to our posts,” Zumbrun said. “We’re looking to push, get early offense. It looked good (Tuesday).”

Also moving the ball fairly quick at the perimeter and near the baseline, Carlsbad knocked down plenty of outside shots.

“We came out running. We weren’t slowing the game down, and we just kept the tempo up,” said junior guard Lauryn Wade, who scored a game-high 15 points.

Carlsbad had 42 rebounds and 16 steals on the night. Clarkston said everyone on the team helped out in going after the ball.

“I think we all played a team very well and got the ball to people that were open, just helped each other out,” Clarkston said.

Freshman guard Carsyn Boswell had 14 points, while junior posts Kim Best and Kaysha Montoya had eight points each.

“Everyone’s aggressive, and they want the ball,” Wade said. “We’ve got to steal the ball and know that the team’s going to be on the other side of the court waiting. Our guards are really quick. So when we get a rebound, they know to throw it down the court and that they’re going to be there to take it to the basket.”

Zumbrun said Carlsbad’s depth allows them play faster and keep rotating fresh legs in.

All 13 players on the roster saw action Tuesday.

“When you’re playing fresh people, the other teams wears down. Depth, in girls basketball especially, is huge just because you’re playing with fresh kids,” Zumbrun said.

Carlsbad (1-0) will be back on the court at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at Goddard.

Wade said she wants to keep the faster pace going.

“That’s what we need,” Wade said.

CARLSBAD 70, CHAPARRAL 16

Up next for Carlsbad: at Goddard, 7 p.m. Dec. 1

Up next for Chaparral: Hatch Valley, 2:30 p.m. Saturday

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