Mired in a three-game losing streak, Auburn Mountainview ended its trail of misfortune with a much-needed win Thursday night.
The Flores sisters, Hayley and Taylor, scored 19 and 16 points, respectively, to lead a balanced attack as the Lions defeated Auburn 61-36 in a North Puget Sound League girls basketball game.
“We needed one. … We lost some games that we thought we should have won,” said Lions coach Dustin Depiano. “Our energy was down, and I think having a rivalry game, at home with the fans, kind of got our energy up. We were able to bounce back. It was fun to watch. When we play hard, that’s what we can do.”
Azaria Johnson, a 5-foot-10 junior post, scored 11 points and Jenna Lacey had 10 points for the Lions, who improved to 3-3 in a crowded midsection of the division race, 5-4 overall.
Jaya Harshman scored 12 points and Emily Strojan and Alerjah Hill each had nine points for the Trojans (3-3, 4-5). Auburn entered the game having won three of its last four games.
Hayley Flores drilled three 3-pointers as the Lions opened up a 21-14 lead after the first quarter. She finished the game 5 for 6 from behind the arc.
Auburn Mountainview stretched its lead to 36-20 at halftime.
“It’s hard to beat a team that shoots 55 percent from the 3-point line,” said Auburn coach Jon Price. “We have been beat up with all sorts of knee and ankle injuries. We are hoping to get healthy over Christmas break. Injuries have made us very thin.
“We expect to improve as the season goes on and hopefully get healthier.”
Depiano likes what he sees in his team as it moves forward into the second half of the division schedule.
“Early on, our goal was state, and then we hit a little bump in the road,” he said. “I think it’s going to be good for us because I like this team. They stay together. As frustrating as losing a few games was … they’ve moved on and were ready to work.
“If we play the way we are capable of, we can get to where we want to be.”
Auburn’s Jaya Harshman dribbles the ball past Auburn Mountainview’s Hayley Flores during NPSL Olympic play. Harshman led the Trojans with 12 points. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter
