Centennial girls knock off Las Cruces in overtime

LAS CRUCES - The Centennial girls basketball team knocked off Las Cruces, 47-43, in overtime on Friday at LCHS to move into first place in the District 3-5A standings.

Las Cruces was 4-0 in district play and riding a three-game win streak, which was snapped by the Hawks on Friday night.  

The Hawks struggled on offense in the first quarter but turned on the jets with a 7-0 run in the second quarter, helped by Arianna Trujillo, who made a lay up in the paint, followed by a tough and-one under the rim. 

The Hawks led at halftime, led by Arianna Trujillo, who finished with 13 points, and Janessa Navarrete, with 11 points. 

Las Cruces came alive in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 26-20. Jaci Powers, who had a team-high 14 points, forced overtime with a lay up with 3 seconds left in regulation.

Centennial made four points at the free throws line in overtime from senior Larissa Laborin which gave them a comfortable lead. 

“We’re feeling pretty good that’s a good team right there,” Centennial coach Louie Laborin said. “Cruces does a good job so obviously we are feeling pretty good.” 

Laborin said that the team must clean up a lot of things entering the second half of district play.

“We have got a lot of good teams in district,” Laborin said. “This district you got to play hard every night; every team is coached very well.”  

“This win is big for our girl’s morale. They get what they deserve. They have been working hard and they stick with it."

Centennial will now face fifth place Gadsden at home on Tuesday.  

Las Cruces will travel to inner rival Mayfield on Tuesday.