Marcos de Niza is 0-3 against Vista Grande since February of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Marcos de Niza Padres will be taking part in a tournament against the Vista Grande Spartans at 10:00 a.m.
Marcos de Niza is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 55 points two weeks ago, they were much more limited against Glendale last Monday. They received a blow as they fell 36-22 to the Cardinals.
Abigail Cooper
| 12/16/24 @ Glendale | 3 |
| 12/12/24 @ Cortez | 2 |
| 12/10/24 vs La Joya Community | 3 |
| 12/09/24 vs Desert Sunrise | 2 |
| 12/06/24 @ Moon Valley | 3 |
Despite the defeat, Marcos de Niza saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Abigail Cooper posted eight points along with seven boards and three steals. Cooper has been hot, having posted two or more steals the last five times she's played. Tammie Wagner was another key player, putting up three points along with six boards and three steals.
Even though they lost, Marcos de Niza smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 12 offensive rebounds in six consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Vista Grande posted their closest win since November 21, 2023 last Saturday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past San Tan Foothills 34-31. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Spartans.
Vista Grande's win came from a few key players Marcos de Niza will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Daniella Valenzuela, who almost dropped a double-double on nine points and 12 rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Akayla Hernandez, who had seven points in addition to five rebounds and three steals.
Vista Grande's win bumped their record up to 3-6. As for Marcos de Niza, their loss dropped their record down to 4-7.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Marcos de Niza has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 41 boards per game. However, it's not like Vista Grande struggles in that department as they've been averaging 33.3 rebounds. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.
Marcos de Niza might still be hurting after the 36-11 defeat they got from Vista Grande in their previous matchup back in December of 2023. Can Marcos de Niza avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
