Monique Carrasco
I15 | Imperial High | MPERIAL — The Imperial High girls’ basketball team opened Desert League and cross-league action last week, taking on a pair of local opponents and two out-of-town teams as well in a busy week of action.
The Tigers finished the week with a 3-1 record after recording wins over Calipatria, Brawley Union and Yuma Catholic highs, falling only to Santa Fe Christian.
The Tigers had a solid effort in all for games from Monique Carrasco, who led Imperial in scoring in all four games.
The sophomore transfer had 18 points against Calipatria, 22 against Yuma Catholic, 19 against Brawley and 26 against Santa Fe Christian.
The 15-year-old said while she’s always looking to go to the basket, playing under a new system this season has also taught her to seek out teammates on certain plays and use their support for the ultimate goal of winning games.
“It did take me awhile to adapt, but over time I got the hang of it and got used to the new style,” she said. “Malena (Ponchione) really helped me and told me not to get frustrated and to just keep playing and eventually I got the hang of it.”
Carrasco said she was more than excited to take the court for the Tigers this season and has enjoyed learning from her new coach and playing with her new team.
“Coach (Rich) Ponchione is so knowledgeable,” Carrasco explained. “His basketball IQ is off the charts. He’s taught me to use my teammates more and to analyze the court. It’s changed my whole point of view.” by filling out the online nomination form at www.ivpressonline.com/aotw