Española bench big factor in tourney win

The good news train kept on rolling for the Española Valley Sundevils. Española got significant contributions from its bench players in the championship game of the Albuquerque Sandia Prep Invitational on Saturday, and it led to an 86-68 win over Mesilla Valley. Led by Martin Gracia’s 18 points, the reserves chipped in with 48 points as a group. Add to that a 10-for-16 effort from beyond the 3-point arc, and Española’s offensive attack was in high gear.

James Branch, the Sundevils head coach, said Gracia has been a pivotal player off the bench.

“Martin has been a big spark for us the entire tournament,” Branch said. “And for us to get 48 points from our bench is huge.”

Still, the Son Blazers did not go quietly. The Sundevils led 15-11 after a quarter before pushing the margin up to 43-28 at the half. It was only 61-48, Sundevils, entering the fourth quarter before they started to pull away.

Azaziah Salazar and Christian Fernandez each had 14 points for Española (4-0). A quintet of players had eight — J.P. Sena, Isaiah Vigil, Zach Mascarenas, Ryan Trujillo and Brian Martinez.

The Sundevils take on Santa Fe High in their home opener at 7 p.m. Tuesday

MONTE DEL SOL 51, TIERRA ENCANTADA 26

The Dragons suffocated the Alacranes on defense in the first half, holding them to just seven points while building a 29-7 advantage in a nondistrict game in the Fort Marcy Complex.

“We started in a tough man-to-man, jumping out to a 10-0 lead,” Monte del Sol head coach Alfredo Lujan wrote in a text message. “We maintained that pressure for a half, then we had a bit of a lull in the third [quarter].”

Santi Archuleta led the Dragons (5-0) with 17 points, while grabbing seven rebounds and collecting three steals. Peter Lujan had 13 points, while Isaiah Salazar 10 to go with six steals.

SANTA FE WALDORF 63, DESERT ACADEMY 29

The Wolves were almost flawless on defense in a nondistrict game in Christian Life Academy, holding the Wildcats to just 11 first-half points in building a 39-11 lead.

Meanwhile, the Waldorf duo of Liam Otero (23 points) and Kofi von Lersner (22 points) led the offensive attack.

“[von Lersner] was a monster in the low post,” Waldorf head coach Enrique Otero said. “Still, that doesn’t reflect how beautifully the team played.”

GIRLS POJOAQUE VALLEY 62, BERNALILLO 29

The Elkettes claimed fifth place in the Alice King Tournament in Moriarty, outscoring the Lady Spartans 26-5 in the second quarter to build an insurmountable 41-14 lead at the half.

Ashten Martinez led Pojoaque (6-1) with 12 points, while Adrianna Quintana added 11 and Michael Martinez 10. Taylor Roybal also made the all-tournament team.

TIERRA ENCANTADA 51, MONTE DEL SOL 27

The Lady Alacranes (6-1) got 13 points from Destiny Nevarez and 11 from Ashley Valdez to lead them past the Phoenix in a nondistrict game.

Monte del Sol (0-3) had Alejandra Castillo had 13 points to lead the way, while Victoria Alarcon added six.