The Montezuma-Cortez High School girls have enjoyed more success than it has in years thanks in large part to the work of first-year head coach Tim Robinson.
But when the Lady Panthers take to their home floor against Pagosa Springs on Jan. 11, success may not be measured in terms of the final score, but rather, by M-CHS’s ability to run its offense and remain competitive.
In order to be successful, the Lady Panthers will need to find a way to break the Pirates’ vaunted full court press, which has been known to force turnovers in a manner that causes small deficits to get out of hand quickly.
To break the press, M-CHS will rely on guards Dimery Plewe, Ayanna Silas, Taelynn Comisky, as well as a series of plays implemented by Robinson before the season that have proven reasonably in alleviating pressure.
On offense, the Lady Panthers will lean heavily on the outside shooting and playmaking ability of junior Myra Simmons, who averages 11 points and 3.7 rebounds per game this season.
If M-CHS can slow the pace and run its half-court offense, it could find a favorable matchup in the paint with sophomore Paige Yarbrough, whose improved shooting touch and physical style of play has allowed her to average 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season.
While the Pagosa Springs offense may not be as explosive as it has been in recent years, the Pirates still pack a scoring punch as Hailey Greigo is averaging 12 points and six rebounds per game and Devin Wilson is averaging 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Pagosa Springs has won five of its last six games. The Lady Panthers lost their last two games before Christmas break.
The game is at 5:30 p.m. at M-CHS.