Hope Christian tops Portales to stay perfect in district

ALBUQUERQUE — The Portales High girls basketball team fell to Hope Christian Friday night, 74-48.

Taylee Rippee scored a game-high 18 points, but was the only Lady Ram (13-7, 2-1) in double figures. The Huskies (20-2, 3-0) were led by Alivia Lewis with 16, while both Brielle Milford and Hanna Valencia added 13 points each.

Portales struggled from outside in the first half while the Lady Huskies seemingly couldn't miss, sinking five of their nine 3-pointers in the period. Shooting wasn't the only concern for the Lady Rams according to Portales coach Wade Fraze.

"We didn't play well in any respect, but they are a very good team," Fraze said of the Huskies, winners of 10 straight. "They have only lost two seniors in three years and have beaten one of the best teams in the nation earlier in the year. With that said, we could have done everything better."

Portales will host Moriarty Tuesday night, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m.