Basha holds off Corona del Sol to get back to .500 on the season

January 15, 2024 by Ben Stapley, AZPreps365


Basha senior Allana Gallardo (4) looks to inbound the ball as Corona's Aaliya Van Heel defends

Basha lost its point guard earlier in the month, but the Bears have still climbed back to .500.

Thanks to Audrey O’Connor’s 25 points, Basha held off Corona del Sol Monday night, 52-45 in a 6A clash at the MLK Dream Classic at Corona’s Sammy Duane gymnasium.

Basha (10-10) jumped out to a 10-1 lead before Corona del Sol got back in the game and hung around long enough to make things uncomfortable. 

“The important thing is we got the win,” Basha coach Chiniqua Bright said afterward.

“We lost (Rylie ) just last week, so we’ve had to adjust some things, but I think we’ve been able to improve. Junior Riley Sword is the regular starter at point, but went down with a torn acl last week.

Sophomore Grace Beckler added 16 points for Basha. 

The Aztecs (3-13) trailed the entire game, but got within six (48-43) during the game’s final minutes. However, four consecutive missed free throws allowed Basha to close the door.