Basketball Recap: Maddie Bennett's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Willcox over Morenci

If Willcox was riding high fresh off their 72-42 takedown of Globe last Tuesday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The Willcox Cowboys fell 45-38 to the Morenci Wildcats on Thursday. The defeat was just more heartbreak for the Cowboys who fell 46-43 when the teams previously met back in February of 2024.

Willcox's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Maddie Bennett, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and 14 rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Addison Burright, who posted eight points in addition to 13 boards and five steals.

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01/23/25 - Home

38-45 L

Even though they lost, Willcox smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 27 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in eight consecutive games.

Morenci got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Tiara Jones out in front who dropped a double-double on 16 points and ten rebounds. What's more, Jones also racked up two assists, the most she's had since back in December of 2024. Another player making a difference was Rozlyn Funari, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 13 boards.

Willcox's defeat dropped their record down to 14-7. As for Morenci, their win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 10-14.

Willcox didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next match, a 54-47 victory against Tombstone on the 24th. As for Morenci, a feisty cat fight is on tap when the Morenci Wildcats take on the Benson Bobcats at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Benson will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Morenci surely won't give up without a fight.