Coronado romps over Douglas County

The Coronado girls basketball team beat visiting Douglas County, one of the Continental League favorites, 64-43 on Friday night.

Coronado pulled away midway through the first quarter and never looked back in winning its season opener.

"I was really pleased with our play," Coronado coach Jamie Risberg said. "I was really pleased with our hustle. The girls really showed a lot of heart out there.

"After losing three great seniors last year, everyone said we wouldn't be able to play because we didn't have them. I think they had something to prove and they wanted to prove it on the scoreboard. (Douglas County) was ranked No. 7 in the state."

Coronado was ahead by five at the end of the first quarter and increased the lead to 14 at the half. The second-quarter surge was led by the shooting of Shonda Graham, who had 18 points, including three 3-pointers. Ami Nunn and Jenny Farrar contributed 10 points each, and Megan McOmber and Nikki Stratton each had eight points.

"When we saw their all-American (6-foot-3 center Liz Sherwood) wasn't going to come out and guard her, we told Shonda to just keep on shooting," said the coach. "We told her to just keep shooting that basketball and make her come out and play you."

Sherwood picked up her third foul less than halfway through the second period, which led to her less-than-aggressive defense.

Although she led Douglas County in scoring, Sherwood was held in check for most of the game. Six of her 13 points came in the fourth quarter while Coronado held a comfortable, double-digit lead.

Vanessa Espinoza had 10 points for Douglas County.

- Paul G. Wallace may be reached at 636-0250 or gtsports@gazette.com

Girls basketball

CORONADO 64

DOUGLAS CO. 43

HIGHLIGHT: Shonda Graham scores 18 points, including nine from 3- point range.

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