Vista Grande fall to Baboquivari in second tournament game

Coming into the game, the Spartans were already depleted, with their 6-foot-6 center Wade Eshom currently out with an injury.

The lack of a big man in the middle proved to be a detriment for Vista Grande as the opposing Warriors continued to slice through the Spartans defense for easy looks at the rim.

To go along with their inside scoring, Baboquivari has a plethora of sharpshooters from the three-point line, as their unselfish play allowed for the open man to get a nice look from deep.

The Spartans looked lost at times on defense, with multiple defensive exchanges ending with second-chance points for the Warriors.

“Rebounding has been a thorn in our side all season,” Spartans head coach Corey Downs said. “If we want to compete and keep games from getting away from us, we have to do a better job at rebounding and getting back on offense.”

While the first half was a close affair between two physical squads, Baboquivari’s team chemistry proved to be the decider, as they ran away with the game in the second half, securing the victory.

“The first half was amazing, we were right there and we were competing, but it just fell apart,” Downs said. “A turnover here, a turnover there, it got away from us today.”

Although the result was not what Downs was hoping for, he still saw some solid performances from his group, with senior guard Jordan Bojorquez leading the team and taking a majority of the scoring load.

Bojorquez scored 19 points in the game and was able to get his teammates involved with his passing skills.

“He’s been so loyal since I have taken over the program, he is such a great kid and a great leader for the team,” Downs said. “He’s a warrior, he will keep coming after you and never gets tired. He has a lot of potential.”