Lady Rams cruise past SFIS in finals

SANTA FE — The Portales Lady Rams dominated an old rival from the get-go on Saturday night, and the Lady Rams claimed the championship of the Capital City Classic.

Sophomore Taylee Rippee scorted 13 points and grabbed six rebounds en route to tournament MVP honors as Portales thumped Santa Fe Indian 54-30.

The Lady Rams led 15-7 at the quarter. SFIS closed to 24-17 by hitting a pair of 3-point shots as the half was about to expire, but Portales (4-0) quickly assumed control when play resumed.

“I feel like the difference in the game was defense and rebounding,” Lady Rams coach Wade Fraze said. “It was the best team effort I’ve seen so far this year.”

Portales’ defense limited the Lady Braves (3-3) to just eight field goals in the game, including only five 2-point baskets. Meantime, Fraze said his team handed defensive pressure by SFIS well, committing just 12 turnovers in the contest.

Junior Zamorye Cox added 12 points for Portales, including a pair of 3-pointers. She also led the team in assists (five) and steals (five). Cox and Sky Marianito also made the all-tourney team for the Lady Rams.

Junior Lindsey Blakey had a team-high nine rebounds for PHS.

All 12 players got into the contest, and nine of them scored.

“Everybody contributed,” Fraze said. “We had some kids get into the game early and contribute off the bench.”

The Lady Rams have a pair of road games in Las Vegas on tap next week, facing West Las Vegas on Tuesday night and Robertson on Friday night.

Portales will be back at the Ram Athletic Center on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. tipoff against rival Clovis.