Socorro’s little engine that could ran out of steam on March 3 as the Lady Warriors’ improbable turnaround came to an end with an 85-29 loss against No. 4 Tohatchi in the first round of the Class 3A girls state basketball tournament.

District 3-3A Coach of the Year Jarrod Storey.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

The loss caps a great end to a year for the Lady Warriors after a 3-17 and the loss of their coach. Athletic director Jarrod Storey stepped in and, with assistant coaches Brittany McDaniel and Brisa Garcia, led Socorro to the District 3-3A girls basketball title and into the playoffs.

It was about developing a winning attitude, and following the district basketball tournament, it was apparent the Lady Warriors had come to believe in themselves.

The outcome of Friday night’s game didn’t matter as much as Socorro’s rise from the ashes when many teams would have just packed up their tents and started focusing on next year.

At 9-19 on the year, Socorro can look back on winning the District 3-3A regular-season and district tournament championships and knowing it didn’t quit.

Storey’s next step will be finding his replacement, as he has indicated he will not continue to coach the Lady Warriors. There is not a current timeline to name a head coach.

Scoring

Jaylin Gonzales 9, Faith Lucero 9, Kaedyn Gonzalez, Jasmine Alvarado 2, Ariana Crespin 2, Tamra Fowler 2, Alex Crespin 6, Tatjana Castillo and Ashley Navrotsky.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor