Basketball Recap: Rio Grande Comes Up Short

Rio Grande was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their 16th straight loss. They lost 59-39 to the West Mesa Mustangs. The Ravens lost against the Mustangs in their previous head to head back in December of 2021, too, but the margin this time around was much closer than the 65-8 score last time.

When it comes to explaining why Rio Grande lost, don't look at Riley Starks. Despite the final result, she went 6 for 9 from beyond the arc en route to 20 points. That's the most points Starks has posted since back in December of 2024. Melanie Romero also deserves some recognition as she scored her first points of the season.

Monique Sena continued her habit of posting crazy stat lines for West Mesa, dropping a double-double on 24 points and ten steals. Sena's evening made it five games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Jaylin Varela, who posted ten points and six boards.

Rio Grande's defeat dropped their record down to 1-16. As for West Mesa, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests, which provided a massive bump to their 11-8 record this season.

Coincidentally, both will both be playing Atrisco Heritage Academy the next time they take the court. Rio Grande will host Atrisco Heritage Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, while West Mesa will head out to face them at 7:00 p.m. on January 31st.