Basketball Recap: Meilia Johnson and Kara Baptisto Secure Win for Baboquivari

Warriors

Margin (Wins)

01/21/25 @ Lourdes Catholic	60
12/20/24 vs Ray	59
12/10/24 @ San Manuel	49
11/22/24 vs Empire	46
01/15/25 vs Santa Rita	41

You can't lose the game if you win every quarter, and that was precisely Baboquivari's strategy against Hayden on Friday. The Baboquivari Warriors blew past the Hayden Lobos 50-25. The Warriors have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 12 contests by 20 points or more this season.

Baboquivari was led to victory by Kara Baptisto and Meilia Johnson. Baptisto posted 19 points along with six steals and five assists, while Johnson dropped a double-double on ten points and 15 rebounds. Baptisto's evening made it three games in a row in which she has scored at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Sulamae Castro, who earned six points and five steals.

Baboquivari smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive boards in nine consecutive matchups.

When it comes to explaining why Hayden lost, don't look at Trinity Collier. Despite the final result, she had six points and eight boards. That's the most rebounds Collier has posted since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was Ariana Arbizo, who put up six points.

Baboquivari has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games, which provided a nice bump to their 15-8 record this season. Those victories came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 25.0 points per game. As for Hayden, they have been struggling recently as they've lost nine of their last 12 contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-9 record this season.

Baboquivari has already played their next matchup, a 53-29 win against Valley Lutheran on the 28th. As for Hayden, they also didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 33-12 loss against Duncan on the 28th.