Before Saturday’s varsity basketball games between Globe High School and Miami Jr./Sr. High School, the Vandals’ home gymnasium was rededicated to the Vargas family, including longtime coaches the late Dickie Vargas and his son Ken, with an on-court ribbon cutting; members of past Miami championship teams were there for the ceremony.

The Lady Tigers and Vandals then took the court for the evening’s first game. With their active defense and balanced scoring – the team would rack up 39 steals in the game and have four double-figure scorers – Miami built up a commanding 41-2 lead by the end of the first quarter. At halftime the Lady Vandals were ahead 62-13, and they went on to a 102-23 win. Junior Demetria Dosela put up a triple double for Miami with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and blocked two shots. Freshman Tamia Pietila led Miami in scoring with 22 and in steals with 11; junior Savannah Pietila contributed 20 and junior Leeyah Goss 12. At press time, no statistics had been posted for Globe.

In the second game, Miami’s varsity boys team completed the evening’s sweep of the rival Tigers, though the final score was closer at 66-37. At press time, no statistics had been posted for either team. 

The Lady Tigers (0-6, 0-2 in section games) have a January 5 section game at the Benjamin Franklin Lady Chargers (4-7, 1-1). With Saturday’s victory, the Lady Vandals improved to 6-2; Miami is 2-0 in section games, along with the San Carlos Lady Braves. In Miami’s next matchup, the unbeaten (16-0) Show Low Lady Cougars – champions of both the 2023 Sunnyside (Tucson) Inferno tournament and the Pepsi Holiday Invitational in Flagstaff, and ranked #6 in the state – are coming to town on Thursday, December 21.

The Vandals boys’ team is now 1-5 (0-2 in section), and will host the 6-1 Show Low Cougars on December 21. The Tigers fell to 0-12 with Saturday’s loss, and are 0-3 in section games.

For three of the local teams – Tigers, Vandals and Lady Tigers – the 2023 Copper Cities Tournament is on the horizon. This year’s invitational, hosted by Globe High School, runs December 22-23.

On Friday, Dec. 22 at GHS, the Lady Tigers will play the 7-1 San Carlos Lady Braves, 2-5 San Luis Lady Sidewinders and 0-5 (at press time) Superior Lady Panthers. The Tigers and Vandals will both be in action at MHS Friday, December 22. Globe will play the 1-7 San Manuel Miners, 1-5 Greyhills Academy Knights and 1-8 Agua Fria Owls; the Vandals will face the 4-4 San Carlos Braves, 1-5 Superior Panthers and 1-2 Dishchii’bikoh Wildcats.