The West Sedona Wildcats girls basketball players started the 2012-2013 season with two big wins.

The Wildcats are 2-0 now after beating the Beaver Creek Bobcats in overtime in the season opener Nov. 13. The Wildcats then beat the Mayer Wildcats 12-9 in West Sedona’s first home game Thursday, Nov. 15.

“They were tough and aggressive tonight,” said Mike Scagnelli, first-year head coach of the Wildcats. “A little feisty, but for being the second game, they played really good.”

Joanne Toscano, Maria Meacham, Marissa Pedroza, Brittany Medel and Hannah Parker were the starting five.

The game began with Mayer getting the tip-off and taking it down to the basket, but good rebounds by Hannah Parker and Medel got the ball to West Sedona’s side of the court.

Toscano scored the first points of the game for West Sedona with an assist by Katie Rodriguez.

West Sedona put heavy pressure defensively on Mayer. Toscano stole the ball, dribbled down the court and made a basket off of a jumpshot. The score was 4-0.

Pedroza of West Sedona stole the ball from Mayer on the next defensive play, but Mayer took it back. Pedroza stole the ball once more and passed it to Meacham who was being heavily defended in the inside.

Meacham was fouled and put on the free throw line. She made one of the two, making the score 5-0.

Toscano continued to play great defense for the rest of the first quarter while Rodriguez recorded a block.

The game continued to build more and more tension on the court between the girls.

Toscano prevented a Mayer score before stealing the ball.

West Sedona showcased great bounce passing on offense, but couldn’t get a shot in.

Back on defense, Parker blocked a pass and took the ball down the court, but missed the shot. Mayer rebounded and scored on a layup,

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Nov. 21, issue of the Red Rock News.