Carlsbad Cavegirls win City of Champions Classic in Artesia

Before the start of Saturday’s championship game in the City of Champions Classic in Artesia Carlsbad Cavegirl head basketball coach Matt Enloe emphasized team play against El Paso Riverside.

Team play paid off as the Cavegirls (4-0) defeated the Rangers (8-3) 42-30. Carlsbad is a regular participant in the City of Champions Classic and won the inaugural title in 2004.

Enloe was concerned about Riverside’s pressure game before tip-off.

More:Carlsbad Cavegirls advance to title game of City of Champions Classic in Artesia

“If we handle the pressure, we have a good shot (to win),” he said.

Carlsbad went through every obstacle that Riverside threw at them. The Cavegirls had an 11-point lead at the end of the third quarter as the Rangers tried to get the upper hand in the final period.

Late in the game the Cavegirls had a three-point lead. In the closing seconds Carlsbad’s Jasmynn Gonzalez and Allie Myers made key foul shots to put some distance between them and the Rangers.

Gonzalez led all Carlsbad scorers with 15 points. Kilea Estrada had 12.

Cavegirls make home debut Monday

Carlsbad basketball fans have a chance to see the Cavegirls play the first home game of the 2023 as Santa Teresa comes to town.

Carlsbad’s opening games were at Alamogordo and the three-day tournament in Artesia.

“We’re excited to show our fans what the Cavegirls are about this year,” Enloe said.