The Big Park Community School girls basketball team kept its perfect record untouched as it reaches the mid-season point. The team is 7-0 after beating Oak Creek School at home on Tuesday, Dec. 18.

Although the game started slow, the Big Park girls eventually picked up the pace on both offense and defense, easily winning the game 57-7.

Xan Hawes was the leading scorer of the night with nine points. Hannah Ringel and Sophia Perry each had eight points while Melanie Galvez, Taylor Ryan, Maddy Ninneman and Liza Westervelt each scored six points.

Big Park Head Coach Kirk Westervelt started his second team, and the girls got the early lead in the game.

“Our bench never started before, so they were nervous,” Kirk Westervelt said.

Oak Creek won the tipoff, but Galvez scored the first basket off a Big Park rebound. Alyssa Lewis and Hawes each had a steal and Big Park was showing strong passing, but none of the teams’ shot attempts would go in.

Oak Creek took the lead with a 3-pointer, but Big Park took it right back with a steal by Ringel and a drive to the basket by Hawes. Hawes and Lewis recorded two more steals and Hawes was able to score on a layup with a steal and assist by Ally Alver.

Oak Creek started strong on defense, setting screens and only allowing six Big Park points in the first quarter.

When the normal starting five went in at the start of the second quarter though, Big Park widen its lead. Big Park was called on a number of carrying and traveling penalties but was able to put up

For the full story, please see the Friday, Dec. 21, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.