The Sedona Red Rock Junior High girls basketball team kept its perfect season alive, stomping out Cottonwood Community School 31-11 on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

With the win, Sedona improves to 16-0 with the Scorpions’ last loss coming to Dilcon Community School 33-31 in the Arizona Small Schools State Tournament Championship on Feb. 10.

“The girls like to compete and they have shown throughout the season that good things can happen when you play defense,” Sedona coach Kirk Westervelt said. “Even the reserves and players who may not play as much love to get after it and that is a great problem to have.”

The Scorpions were clicking early on as forward Helen Westervelt nailed two 3-pointers in the opening quarter.

“That first quarter was the best quarter we have played all season,” Westervelt said. “Helen, Leah Pedersen and Mayra Parra-Landaverde led the charge and we showed how great we look when we play to our potential.”

Defensively, Sedona’s press flustered the Lobos early as the Scorpions led 17-0 after one quarter.

“It was very good, we are disciplined in our lines and our lateral coverage was solid tonight,” Westervelt. “I think our performances lately have shown that we are gelling at the right time.”

Sedona utilized its bench more in the second quarter and led CCS 23-7 at halftime.

CCS had no answer for Sedona’s press in the third quarter as the Scorpions’ lead increased to over 20 points.

Macy Valdez converted multiple scoring opportunities from Sedona’s trapping as the Scorpions led 31-9 after three quarters.

Sedona’s defense held strong to close out the game and allowed only two points from CCS in the fourth quarter.

Parra-Landaverde led the Scorpions with 12 points while also accumulating seven rebounds and five steals against the Lobos.

“She is just an ultimate competitor who takes it personal when her assignment tries driving past her,” Westervelt said. “She has that glue on defense while also being a big part of our offense.”

Helen Westervelt had been dealing with an ankle sprain but registered 10 points, two assists and four rebounds for the Scorpions.

“I did not want to play her in the second half but she said she wanted in even if it was only a couple minutes,” Westervelt said. “She iced up her ankle with Sedona Athletic Trainer Andrea Bagnall, who ultimately
gave her the green light.”

Westervelt was most impressed by the frequent ball movement and penchant for passing in Sedona’s offense.

“They are so unselfish, the girls pass the ball and do not care who is scoring,” Westervelt said. “When our scorers are on, I think we are capable of winning a state championship.”

Despite Sedona’s heavy passing, the Scorpions only committed six turnovers — their fewest in a game this season.

“When you play disciplined and unselfish then the future is bright,” Westervelt said. “I do not care about wins and losses but if you compete and play unselfish, good things will happen.”

Pedersen registered six points and three assists while Valdez added four points for Sedona.

The Scorpions return to the court on Tuesday, Jan. 22, when Sedona hosts Mayer Middle School.

Sedona ends their regular season on the road when the Scorpions travel to Cottonwood to face Mountain View Prep on Monday, Jan. 28.

Sedona’s B team tips off at 4 p.m. and the A team plays immediately after.

The state tournament begins on Thursday, Feb. 8, and goes through Saturday, Feb. 10. Clarkdale Middle School is the tournament host.