Submitted photos – Arcata head coach Charlie Espinoza talks to his players during a tournament game over the weekend.

A pair of Big 5 rivals impressed in tournament play over the weekend as both continue to build momentum ahead of league play.

The Arcata Tigers traveled to Sacramento to compete in the Monterey Trail tournament and finished 2-1, including a statement win over a Division-1 school, while improving to 7-2 overall.

The Del Norte girls, meanwhile, competed at the Central Valley tournament and also finished 2-1 to go to 8-2 on the season.

The Arcata girls opened tournament play against Monterey Trail and lost 74-71 in overtime, but would bounce back to beat D-1 Inderkum 56-49 on Friday before closing out with a 66-45 win over Argonaut on Saturday.

The Tigers stayed composed in a tough environment agains the host school in their opener.

“The crowd was very hostile,” head coach Charlie Espinoza said. “The energy in the gym would have rattled many teams, but we rode it out and stayed sharp.”

Standout sophomore twin sisters Tae and Mae Wolford continued their impressive start to their varsity careers with another big showing over the weekend, while teammates Mayleah Jackson and Cayenne Pruter each also stepped up in tournament play.

Jackson hit two big free throws in the final 10 seconds against the host school to help force overtime.

“She really came in clutch in that moment,” Espinoza said. “Especially since free throws have been our achilles heel thus far this season.”

The Tigers responded well in game two, needing to win to keep their tournament going after one of the eight schools was a no show and the tournament was reduced to seven.

“We took that challenge serious,” Espinoza said. “Matching up against a very athletic Inderkum team, we understood we had to leave it all on the court.”

Arcata guards Jackson and Nora Talty did a good job handling the constant pressure of the Inderkum guards and “they rose to the occasion,” according to their coach.

So too did Addison Wingate, who “played incredible all weekend when it came to controlling the glass.”

“Every time she went for a rebound she either pulled it down or disrupted the opponent,” Espinoza added.

The standout twins also impressed in the victory.

“Inderkum had a great athletic wing that was extremely shifty,” the Arcata coach said. “The twins took turns on her, really wearing her out and causing havoc down the stretch.”

Submitted photo

The Tigers also displayed their composure on the way to the impressive win.

“Things got chippy late in the game, and we kept our cool to secure a win,” Espinoza said. “Beating a highly-ranked Division-1 opponent in the Sacramento area, I saw it click in their eyes this weekend. 

“When we come out to battle we can play with anyone.”

The coach switched things up with a new starting lineup for the final game, with Pruter,  Mia Cueto, Layla Bones and Emmerson Brownfield all earning starting roles.

“I wanted to let them know that all the effort they put in practice, when they get in the game and how they stay engaged in the game, is noticed,” Espinoza said. 

Next up, the Tigers will play at the West Coast Jamboree, which tips off on Dec. 28.

“These athletes are representing the county so well, going and competing in other areas with class,” the coach added. “I’m extremely proud of them.”

Warriors place second at Central Valley

The Del Norte girls competed well over the weekend, reaching the final in their tournament, where they fell to Weed.

Brooklyn Carter continued to be a force on offense and finished with a team-best 16 points in Saturday’s loss, while Khloe Smith added 10 points and Lauren Stutes chipped in nine points.

“We struggled shooting a bit and caught the turnover bug,” head coach Dylan Nelson said. 

There were, however, plenty of bright spots for a team that has hot the ground running this year.

In particular, Smith had an impressive three days.

“Khloe Smith had a good tournament and it’s good seeing her come into her own,” Nelson said of the junior guard.

The Weed Cougars improved to 9-2 with the win.

“Hats off to Weed and their coaches,” Nelson said. “They played an excellent game.”