ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It may have been close at the start, but the defending champion of girls class 5A was able to close things out against Rio Rancho. Tuesday evening’s quarterfinal match ended with a 60-43 Matador victory.
Sydney Benally, the state’s reigning New Mexico Gatorade basketball player of the year started the game on the bench. It was later revealed that she is dealing with an illness.
The Rams were able to hang around in Benally’s absence. No. 10 Rio Rancho only trailed by two mid-way through the second quarter. Benally then entered the game and Sandia’s lead grew noticeably.
Sydney’s younger sister, Kaiyah led all scorers with 16 points. Other Matadors to reach double-figures include Hope Giddings (15), Audri Wright (12) and Sydney Benally (10).
With the win, Sandia is now on to the semi-final round against La Cueva. That game will take place at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday.