Bonanza girls knock off higher-ranked Durango in Southwest playoff race

Every win matters when teams are fighting for playoff position at the end of the season.

It matters more when the win comes against a higher-ranked team — as Bonanza’s girls basketball team found out Friday night.

The Bengals’ 58-56 victory over host Durango allowed them to bump the Trailblazers and ascend into third place in the Southwest League standings with only one week left in the regular season.

Bonanza (14-5, 10-3 Southwest League) made 6-of-7 free throws in the fourth quarter to clinch the win.

“Durango has a great team and this was a huge win for our school,” Bonanza coach Thomas Rainey said. “From the beginning of the season, I told the girls that if we improve every single game, then we’ll be ready for the playoffs — and they’re doing exactly that. I’m very pleased with where we’re at and it’s right where I want to be.”

The Bengals took advantage of free-throw opportunities, sinking 11 of 15 from the line overall, while Durango (16-11, 10-4) shot 11-for-20.

Alice Pitts was 4-for-4 from the stripe in the game’s final 26 seconds.

Pitts, who started her basketball career at Durango, said the win had even more significance for her.

“This used to be my old school and this is extra special for me,” Pitts said. “I knew those were big shots for me and I didn’t think about it at all as I knew my teammates were counting on me.”

Rainey said the senior guard thrived in the close game.

“Alice is the kind of person who loves pressure and it showed tonight,” he added. “She wanted the ball at the end and she made all of her free throws. As a coach, you can’t ask for anything more.”

The teams were tied at 42 points apiece going into the final period, and Durango took its first lead on a put-back bucket by Cherelle Hicks, who finished with eight points, nine rebounds and seven steals.

The Trailblazers added a layup by Tiarra Belville, who led her team with 19 points, for their biggest lead at 46-42.

But Bonanza roared back, with center Alex Duncan scoring seven of her 17 points in the fourth quarter — including a layup with four minutes remaining that gave the Bengals their final lead.

The Trailblazers made a spirited comeback attempt and pulled to within one at 57-56 when Jasmine Thomas, who contributed 13 points, five assists and six rebounds, nailed a 3-pointer with three seconds left, but it was as close as they would get.

Daytril Beals scored 15 of her 19 points in the first half for Bonanza.