Lady Buffs open with win at 5A Manzano

ALBUQUERQUE — Senior Isabelle Sena scored 14 points on Tuesday night as Melrose opened its 2022-23 campaign with a 44-42 road win over Class 5A Manzano.

Sophomore Chantzee Elliott added 12 points and senior Sorrell Allen scored 11 for the Lady Buffs, who erased a five-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Monarchs 14-4 in the third quarter, building as much as a nine-point lead.

Senior Sierra Dixon was the leading scorer for the Manzano (0-1) with 12 points.

In other area girls action on Tuesday:

Dora 54, Tatum 44 — At Tatum, Dora broke away from a 22-22 halftime tie to win in the season opener for both squads.

Junior Faith Jasso scored 13 points for Dora, while senior Jenna Ramirez added nine, freshman Dakota Jones eight and sophomore Bre’ann Rodriguez seven. For Tatum, freshman Avery Henard tallied 15 points.

In another area girls tilt on Tuesday, Farwell (3-2) absorbed a 51-45 setback at Shallowater (4-3).

In boys games on Tuesday:

Farwell 52, Ropes 37 — The host Eagles got to to a 13-9 first-quarter lead, but Farwell outscored them 19-8 in the second stanza to take control.

Senior Adrian Nunez led the way for the Steers (2-0) with 17 points, while junior Corey Stancell had 15 and sophomore Ryder McElroy 10.

High scorer for Ropes (1-1) was sophomore Brady Bryan with nine points.

Dora 56, Tatum 44 — Senior Steven Masini funneled in 25 points and Dora erased a four-point deficit with a 19-5 scoring surge in the third frame.

Senior Connor Rooney contributed 12 points and senior Lane Faver eight for Dora, while senior Mason Brown led Tatum with 11 points and senior David Mendoza added 10.