Piedra Vista edges Durango 37, 29 in defensive showdown

Piedra Vista High School girls basketball beat Durango 37 to 29 on Tuesday night in a game where defense set the tone and offense struggled for both teams. The Panthers managed enough second half stops and timely free throws to pull away, while the Demons battled back late but could not overcome turnovers and absences.

The game featured heavy contact on the glass and frequent change of possession across the 32 minute contest at Durango High School. Piedra Vista seniors Jaime Pierce and Shahiyena John led the Panthers, with John converting inside on baseline out of bounds plays and at the free throw line, and Pierce running the offense with a calm presence and reliable outside shooting. Durango got first half production from senior Ryne Neiman and junior Jaelyn Alston, and Alston staged a strong stretch in the fourth quarter to keep the Demons within striking distance.

Durango was already without freshman guard Camryn Sheppard, and senior guard Claire Goodwin missed the second half with an illness, an availability pattern that hampered the home team against sustained pressure. Turnovers were an issue early for both teams, but Piedra Vista tightened ball control after halftime and capitalized at the charity stripe to preserve the lead.

Piedra Vista head coach Joe Reed framed the win in season context saying, “We're 2-2 right now, and we could be very well 4-0,” and he added, “We made turnovers in the first three games that we didn't make today. 
We have a young roster; they're growing as the season progresses, which we are super happy about.” On the defensive adjustment that shifted momentum he said, “We changed our press look and it kind of slowed them down a little bit,” and “We made sure to keep the ball out of the middle.”

The victory keeps Piedra Vista competitive heading into the holidays, equalizing their record after two early losses by a combined seven points. Durango travels to Farmington for the Marv Sanders Invitational and will face Navajo Prep on Thursday at 12:45 p.m. Piedra Vista will open the Aztec Lady Tiger Rumble In The Jungle Tournament against Ignacio on December 18 at 4:30 p.m. Local fans can expect both programs to lean on defense and depth management as they prepare for the winter tournament schedule.