Smith scores 27 as Aztecs women's basketball beats Dawson; Peterson receives Bruce Fleck Scholarship
The Pima Community College women's basketball team (10-2) returned after an 18-day holiday break and dominated another Division I school.
The No. 2 ranked Aztecs (Division II) defeated Dawson Community College (11-4) 102-63 on Wednesday as part of the sixth annual Bruce Fleck Classic at the West Campus gym.
The Aztecs took over in the second quarter outscoring the Bucs 29-14 to take a 54-35 lead at halftime. The Aztecs continued to pour it on in the third quarter as they went on a 20-3 run to close it out and take an 81-45 advantage.
Sophomore Denesia Smith (Cienega HS) scored a game-high 27 points as she went 10 for 14 from the field and 7 for 7 from the free throw line. She also had four assists and four steals.
Freshman Izzy Spruit (Mesquite HS) came off the bench and had 16 points and was 4 for 5 from three-point range. Sophomore Sydni Stallworth (Palo Verde HS) finished with 13 points and six assists while fellow sophomore Bree Cates contributed with 10 points.
The Aztecs shot 55 percent for the game and went 20 for 23 from the free throw line.
During halftime, sophomore guard Erin Peterson (Catalina Foothills HS) became the sixth recipient of the Bruce Fleck Scholarship Award. The award goes to a women's basketball player who best exemplifies work in the classroom as well as on and off the court. It is in honor of the late coach. Peterson received a book scholarship, an individual plaque and her name displayed in the gym of previous recipients. The past recipients of the award are Nadi Carey (2011), Alyssa Roche (2012), Rachel Williams (2013), Adrianna Barrientez (2014) and Hayley Pryor (2015).
"No doubt in my mind, Bruce (Fleck) would have really enjoyed coaching Erin," Pima coach Todd Holthaus said. "She just represents what is best in student-athletes and is a true role model for others to look up to."
The Aztecs return to ACCAC conference play next Wednesday, Jan. 4 against Scottsdale Community College at the West Campus gym. The game will start at 5:30 p.m.
DCC 21 14 10 18 63
PCC 25 29 27 21 102
