Memories linger for 17-game winning streak by Aprende girls

By Scott Grimditch

The school year is over, but the Aprende Middle School Girls Varsity basketball team won’t soon forget its feat of having won all 17 games during the season. The team ended things on a high note with a 32-22 victory over the Centennial Sabercats. The Jaguar girls began the season by winning the Tempe City Middle School Tournament, beating Akimel Middle School, Ingleside, Kyrene and St. Mary Basha, and then outscoring Leading Edge in the tournament finals. The Jaguar girls then cruised through the Kyrene League season by winning each league game by scoring an average of 45.3 points a game, while giving up only 23.2 points a game. Team-man defense was the key to the Aprende success. The team had balance scoring. Strong guard play was led by 8th grader Angelica Lopez (9.1 PPG) and 7th graders Tori Mason (11.0 PPG) and B’Aira Williams (5.1 PPG). Strong inside play was highlighted by 8th grader Brennan Agnew (3.8 PPG) and 7th grader Maya Peat (9.1 PPG) . Throughout the season, the team had strong play from 8th grader Lia Sieczkowski, who played great defense all year, and Regan Parrish. Eighth grader Chloe Medder also added strong inside play and key scoring support. Carla Marin also added strong defense during the season. Last, seventh grader Kyleigh McCabe improved greatly throughout the season, which was highlighted by her 10 points in the game with Altadeña.. In the final play-off game versus Centennial, Maya Peat played her best game of the year, scoring 12 points with 8 blocked shots while controlling the middle. Point guard Tori Mason scored 9 physical points, being repeatedly knocked down while going strong to the basket. Angelica Lopez completed her 3-year varsity career and two years as team captain with 7 points. Defense was the key to the final game as 7th grade guard B’aira William pressured the Centennial guard constantly and did not allow the Sabercats to get into any rhythm on offense.