Basketball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Jenifer Gordoa and Kaliha Norwood Lead Maricopa to Victory

Maricopa won the last time they faced Vista Grande and things went their way on Tuesday too. The Maricopa Rams walked away with a 46-36 win over the Vista Grande Spartans. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Rams.

Leading Maricopa to victory were Kaliha Norwood and Jenifer Gordoa. Norwood dropped a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Gordoa posted eight points in addition to nine boards and six steals. That makes it ten consecutive games in which Norwood has scored at least a third of Maricopa's points. Another player making a difference was Elle McDermott, who had nine points.

Rams

Offensive Rebounds (Career)

02/11/25 @ Vista Grande	23
12/04/24 vs Desert View	19
01/29/25 vs Mountain View	17
01/27/25 vs Vista Grande	15
12/12/24 vs Flowing Wells	15

Maricopa smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 23 offensive boards. That's the most offensive rebounds they've posted since the start of last season.

Despite the defeat, Vista Grande saw an underclassman step up: freshman Sahmare'E Whatley scored six points and five boards. Whatley has been hot recently, having also posted two or more steals the last three times she's played.

Maricopa picked up their first road victory, bumping their record up to 7-18. As for Vista Grande, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost 11 of their last 12 games, which has put a noticeable dent in their 7-19 record this season.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Maricopa will venture away from home to face off against Mountain View at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Vista Grande, they are taking a road trip to challenge Casa Grande at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Vista Grande is facing Casa Grande at the right time seeing as Casa Grande is stuck on a four-game losing streak.