Basketball Recap: Naomi Tracey Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat East Mountain

Cottonwood Classical Prep proved they can win big on Friday (they won by 35) and on Saturday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past the East Mountain Timberwolves 48-45. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Coyotes have posted since January 13, 2024.

Cottonwood Classical Prep's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Naomi Tracey led the charge by going 5 for 11 en route to 19 points. Tracey is trending in the right direction considering she's improved her point production for three straight games. Ryah Carlson was another key player, putting up nine points and eight steals.

Evelyn Kannolt and Jodie Tillman certainly did their best on Saturday to avoid the loss. Kannolt dropped a double-double on 16 points and 12 boards, while Tillman went 5 of 11 on her way to 14 points in addition to seven rebounds and six steals. Kannolt is on a roll when it comes to boards, as she's now pulled down eight or more in the last four games she's played.

Cottonwood Classical Prep's win was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 4-17. As for East Mountain, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 5-13.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Cottonwood Classical Prep has already played their next match (against Valley), but no score has been uploaded at the time of writing. East Mountain will head out on the road to challenge Cuba at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Cuba will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something East Mountain surely won't give up without a fight.