Fernley girls start second half of league play vs. Spring Creek, Elko

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

After completing the first half of league play and finishing unbeaten in crossover play with two wins last week, the Fernley High School girls basketball team now starts the second half of league play by hosting Spring Creek and Elko this weekend.

The Vaqueros beat Dayton 51-23 last Wednesday to wrap up the first half of the Northern 3A East schedule with a perfect 5-0 record. Jaelece Wasson scored 16 points to lead the Vaqueros, with a balanced effort behind her. Jasmyne Torres scored 9 points, Tia Otuafi added 8 and both Nadia Velazquez and Taylor Tollestrup scored 7.

The Vaqueros led 21-12 at the half, then blew the game open by outscoring the DustDevils 19-5 in the third quarter.

“The second half, a lot more energy and we got into our defense and offense,” coach Ralph Dunn said. “

Friday night, the Vaqueros shook off a slow start to beat North Valleys 55-26.

The Panthers came in as the first place team from the 3A West, but the Vaqueros ensured they will have a tiebreaker over any possible West squad for potential playoff seeding. In the event both Fernley and North Valley’s end up as their league’s No. 1 seed, they wouldn’t meet until the region championship game.

Torres and Wasson handled most of the scoring against the Panthers, with Torres scoring 17 points and Wasson adding 16.

The Vaqueros dominated the game defensively, making 15 steals and at least that many more deflections.

“When the girls dig down defensively, we’re a pretty good team,” Dunn said. “All the girls contributed in one way or another.”

Now as they roll into the second half of league play having already beaten everyone the first time through, Dunn said the Vaqueros need to be prepared to take their opponents’ best shot.

“We should have two good games coming up with Spring Creek and Elko,” he said. “We have to really thank the community for coming out and showing their support for the girls and boys teams.”