Carson girls win tournament opener

It was closer than it should have been, but the Carson girls basketball team held on to win its opener at the Basic High Tournament in Henderson.

Carson held on for a 61-59 win on Thursday over Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach, Calif. after leading 61-50 win one minute, 40 seconds left at the Basic High Tournament in Henderson. The Senators advanced to a 6:30 p.m. game today. The tournament concludes on Saturday.

After Carson coach Paul Croghan began to substitute, Mira Costa went on a 9-0 run to end the game. But the Senators were never seriously threatened as Mira Costa scored at the buzzer for the final margin.

"We didn't play very smart," Croghan said. "It got a little ugly at the end."

Other than the last 1:40, Carson had a solid effort as it led 18-9 after one quarter and 34-28 at halftime. After Mira Costa closed to within 42-41 after three quarters, the Senators (7-3) regained control in the fourth period before Mira Costa's final rally. "We played well," Croghan said. "We got off to a good start."

Katie Kotter scored 18 points and hit two three-pointers for Carson. Also for the Senators, Tabitha Adams scored 12 points, Erin Stieber had seven points and Brittany Puzey added six points.

Ciarra Christian returned from an ankle injury and scored five points and hit a three in limited action.

"Her ankle is still very tender," Croghan said. "We just want to ease her back. She just has to get used to playing with a little pain."

CARSON BOYS 74, CYPRUS, UTAH 42

Carson (9-2) hit seven three-pointers in the first half as it stunned the division's defending champion at the Las Vegas Holiday Prep Classic.

Ryan Buttner hit all five of his threes in the first half as the Senators built a 45-19 halftime lead. Vince Inglima scored 23 points, Buttner had 19 points, Adam McKenzie had 11 points and Ed Jaquette added nine points for Carson, which plays Manual of Denver at 5:25 p.m. today.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, ARIZ. 44, GALENA BOYS 42

Considering that the Grizzlies were without two of their starters, all Galena coach Tom Maurer could ask for is a chance to tie the game at the end against one of Arizona's top teams in the Las Vegas Prep Holiday Classic.

"We had a great opportunity at the end to tie the game," Maurer said. "We just couldn't finish it."

But since Galena was without Joe Heaton and freshman Derek Lorenzen, Maurer wasn't complaining. Heaton is out with an illness and Lorenzen is expected to miss four weeks with an ankle injury, Maurer said.

"I'm not at all disappointed," Maurer said. "It was encouraging. It was nice to see the youngsters come off the bench and do a good job."

Among those who stepped up for Galena was Tommy Myers, who scored 17 points.

Mountain View improved to 8-2, with its two losses coming to Arizona's top two teams. Galena will play at 4 p.m. today.

In other action, Douglas lost to Palm Desert, 51-39.

SUTRO GIRLS CLASSIC

Fernley was able to hold off 4A Hug in a 53-51 win at Dayton. Walita Cuerta scored 18 points, Kaylea Dunn had 15 points and Tara Zimmerman, Christina Thomas and Tara Littleton all added six points for the Vaqueros.

In other action, Dayton lost to Spanish Springs 42-25 and Sparks defeated North Valleys 54-18. Jessica Cantwell scored nine points and Larae Polson, Ashley Reese and Amanda Sbragia all added four points for the Dust Devils.

In today's action, Fernley will play Sparks at 6 p.m. and Dayton will face North Valleys at 7:30 p.m. The tournament concludes Saturday.