The Roskruge Cougar Classic comes to an end
by Andy Morales on Feb. 16, 2013, under Sports
The Safford Huskies won the 7th Grade Championship. Andy Morales Photo.
The three-week Roskruge Cougar Classic came to an end Saturday at Tucson High School. 32 elementary and middle schools took part in the event that has taken place for the past 31 years thanks to the efforts of its director and founder Dale Lopez.
Coaches for Charity helped out this year with public relations and sponsorships.
More results are sure to come in but I was able to catch the final moments of the 5th Grade and Under Co-Ed semifinal game between Sewell and Mission Manor and the championship game of the 7th and Under Girls between Safford and Booth-Fickett.
Mission Manor was down 30-28 with 2.5 seconds to play but Myles Gantt took the ball down the right side and hit a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded to send the Mustangs to the championship game against the Kellond Cougars.
The 31-30 Mission Manor victory was a shock to half the crowd and a cause for celebration for the other half in a gym that many felt was much louder than a high school game.
Myles Gantt hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send Mission Manor to the championship game. Andy Morales Photo.
“I just felt the pressure,” explained Gantt on being selected to take the shot. “I was a little scared and I thought I was going to miss but it went in. It just feels great.”
There was no need for last-second heroics in the championship game between the 7th grade girls from Safford and Booth-Fickett.
Safford jumped out to a 7-2 lead after the first period and never looked back on their way to a 29-10 victory. The Huskies were led by Nita Mendoza with 9 points in the game.
“It felt good to win but usually Pita (Somoza) does a lot of the scoring,” said Mendoza. “Basketball is my favorite sport and I want to play at Tucson High.”
Mendoza was right about Somoza. Somoza scored 7 points in the game including a 3-pointer. Marissa Ronquillo added 6, Alicia Reyes scored 5 and Diamond Galindo scored 2 for Safford.
Aaliya Ortiz scored 7 to lead the Booth-Fickett Falcons, Breanna Lopez added 2 and Halaina Yazon scored 1 point.
