Rams cruise past Eldorado, win three in one week

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Rams girls basketball team (8-2) collected its third win of the week as they cruised by the Eldorado Eagles (3-4) at home Dec. 20.

The final: Rio Rancho 58, Eldorado 17.

Since their loss to Sandia Dec. 14, Rio Rancho has been on an absolute tear, outscoring opponents 186-53 in the three-game span.

"It's a good ode to our preparation and dedication. What we have been trying to do here is change the landscape, change the culture," assistant coach Eric Jack said.

Jack has taken over head coaching duties while current head coach Lori Mabrey is helping her husband through a very serious medical matter.

"We want to work hard for her ... doing all the things she coached us and prepared us to do," Jack said. "She's always involved; she's always there. We talk on the phone immediately after the games."

Freshman Madilynn Martinez led the way for the Rams as she finished the night with 17 points (team high) and a couple of made 3s.

"We have developed everything: our press, our offensive flow, everyone's just gotten stronger," Madilynn said. “We are getting there.”

Freshman Larissa Martinez, the other Martinez twin, was brilliant beyond the arc, sinking three 3s. Larissa also had five rebounds and three steals.

"Me and my sister put in the extra hours everyday ... when we get open, we take the shot," Larissa said.

Senior Jayme Archuleta is proving to be on the top defenders in the district and finished the game with three steals, two of which led to easy layups. She also deflected three passes and intercepted a couple more.

The Rams will have a two-week break before they face off against Rio Grande (1-4) in a road bout Jan. 7.