MIDLAND — Denton Ryan showed why its ranked the No. 2 team in the state in high school girls basketball vs. Americas in the Region 1-5A Division 1 semifinals of the Texas UIL playoffs.
The Lady Raiders, who are the defending state champions, broke open a tied game late in the first half and won, 64-37, Tuesday night at Midland’s Legacy High school.
The Lady Raiders and Americas were tied at 16 late in the second quarter, but Denton Ryan scored 10 straight points to end the half to go up 26-16 at the break and never looked back.
Americas, which defeated Canutillo and Wichita Falls Legacy to reach the regional semifinals, finishes 29-5. Denton Ryam advances to the regional finals and is now 34-4.
Jaedyn Herrera led Americas with 14 points and Kylie Marquez scored 13 points. Herrera made four 3-pointers in the game.
It was the second straight year, the Lady Raiders defeated Americas. Last year, Denton Ryan defeated the Trailblazers, 61-52.
Who led the way for Denton Ryan?
The Lady Raiders got 21 points from 6-foot-2 forward Kaylin Jackson and 12 points from 5-foot-10 forward Kinley Lewis.
What Americas coach Teisha King said
“Our effort was tremendous,” said King, whose team also won the District 1-6A title this year. “We did some solid things on both ends of the court. Denton Ryan really executed well, has good size and plays well together.”
What Americas players Jaedyn Herrera and Kylie Marquez said
“Jaedyn shot the ball well for us all season, she has improved every year and works so hard,” Marquez said. I’m proud of our effort.”
Added Herrera: “We accomplished so much this season. Getting to this round was one of our goals. Denton Ryan had good size and that was a difference. Our effort was there.”
Americas has been great the last three years
Herrera, Marquez, along with fellow seniors Kaylan Medrano, Mary Brooks and Na’sya Atkins ended their high school career’s with 84 wins and four playoff victories.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso’s Americas HS girls basketball team sees season end in playoffs
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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