Gators set torrid pace, claim title

Five games deep into its season, Green Valley's girls basketball team has sent a clear message to future opponents.

Be ready to keep up ... or else.

The Gators put on an offensive clinic in the two-day Turkey Tournament at Silverado, finishing it with a 95-81 win over Liberty on Saturday in the title game.

In five games, the Gators scored 425 points, and one of those games was played with a continuously running clock for the entire second half.

"In the offseason, these girls worked so hard. They put in the effort," Green Valley coach Lorenzo Jarvis said. "Every day they try to get better."

Senior guard Jasmine Jarvis, who earned tournament Most Valuable Player honors, scored 129 points in five games, including 28 in the title tilt. Senior forward Sarah Pickus wasn't far behind with 25 points in the finale and 120 in the five games.

Pickus played the championship with an injured finger on her left hand.

Green Valley used a quick-strike transition offense to rattle off a 22-3 first-half run and take control of the game.

"We run so much in practice, and we play everything in practice like it's a game, so having three games in one day, we didn't really get tired until the end," Pickus said. "We have a lot of speed, and we're able to get our posts up the floor."

The Gators extended their lead to 36-15 by the midway point of the first half and never let the Patriots get closer than 13 points the rest of way.

Green Valley won the Sunrise Region title last year but appeared to have a big question mark when it had to replace graduated senior post Vajae Robinson.

In stepped Angelica Mack, and off went the Gators again. "I can't say enough about her," Coach Jarvis said.

Danielle Christenson added 22 points and Mack 14 in the championship.

Despite the large deficit, Liberty, which won its first four games in the tournament, didn't quit.

The Patriots trailed 72-46 before cutting Green Valley's lead to 91-78 in the final minute.

Amanda Delgado led Liberty with 37 points. Phoebe Baker added 17 and Destiny Whitehead 10 for the Patriots.

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.