Kris Morales is a Cronkite Arizona State University student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365.com

GILBERT- McClintock girls basketball kept the ball rolling Tuesday night, defeating Higley High School in a non-section game, 50-29. The Chargers took a commanding lead early and led 17-3 after one quarter.

A key playmaker for the Chargers was freshman guard Aiyanna Perkins, who scored eight points in just the first quarter and finished with 19 points. “I feel that I rebounded a lot," said Perkins, "and got the steals I needed to contribute to tonights win I also feel that I could’ve communicated more.”

Entering the second quarter, Perkins and McClintock full-court pressed and did not let the Knights to advance past the three-point line. Perkins ended the first half with three steals. With Perkins getting key steals, junior point guard Xaria Culver made key passes to senior guard Ialesha Mike, who knocked down a key three-pointer in the second quarter. Mike ended the game with eight points.

Heading into the second half, the Chargers had a commanding 21-point lead, 34-13. The game was controlled by the Chargers, whether it was the defense making the correct steals or the offense making adjustments and connecting passes to the open shooter. By the start of the fourth quarter the Chargers le 46-17 and were simply trying to play smart ball and control the clock as there was no need to making bad decisions. Head coach Sydnie Lengyel had her team playing disciplined hoops.

Afterward, Perkins mentioned that communication could have been better even after a huge victory. “I feel that communication was lacking tonight and we will definitely need to improve that before our next game," Perkins said. "Our press could defiantly improve if we all press we can create more opportunity’s to have breakaways.”

“Before our next game I feel that we can work on moving the ball faster and creating a fast pace to really get the team going," said Culver, a sentiment that Mike echoed.

“I feel that we need to look around more and choose better shots," said Mike,  as well as what Aiyanna said she’s right and we need to communicate more."

McClintock (2-0) still has six games to play before conference play starts. That's plenty of time for the team to focus on communication and more pressure on the ball.

McClintock will host Tempe High School next Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. in a non-section game and Higley will try to avoid a three game losing streak as it takes on Camelback High School December 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in a non-section game.