Lady Hawks basketball gets ready for new season

Lonnie Davis stepped up to take the varsity girls’ basketball coach position when Sarah Battin bowed out last year to raise a family. He’s taken charge of the team and coached them through the Pima League and Nogales Recreation League this summer. They’re now getting ready for the winter season. Their first challenge will be a home game against rival Nogales on Dec. 1 at Rio Rico, beginning at 7 p.m. “We’re looking forward to it. Playing against the Lady Apaches is always exciting. The rivalry is fun to be a part of,” Davis said.

The Lady Hawks have a couple of weeks of practice before meeting Nogales, and Davis is taking advantage of the opportunity. He has a good turnout, with eight returning players and three new faces in varsity. “Our strength is our depth this season. They all bring something to the table. We can hockey sub this year with 11 players to work with, Davis said.

Davis used the Pima League as a development tool this summer. He included JV players and freshmen in the team, Davis said. “Our Pima League record isn’t an indication of how good we are because of the girls I mixed in. Playing in the league did the team a lot of good.”

Retuning players include seniors Karla Cota, Blanca Cons, Tibisay Alvarez and Haidee Valera. “We have a freshman center this season who is 5’11” (Brittany Haro),” Davis said. “She is a most athletic player and is gifted at a very young age.”

It’s Alvarez’s fourth year playing varsity. “I think we’re going to be good this year. Our strength isn’t height, it’s chemistry. We work together and have good speed. Erika Parra is our fastest point guard.”

They’ll need all that speed and chemistry to meet Nogales on Dec. 1.