TIMES STANDARD

By Andrew Butler

Ashley Quigley, in her first organized game since playing for Arcata High in the 2016-17 season, led all scorers with 26 points as College of the Redwoods women's basketball defended home-court on opening night, downing visiting Simpson University 77-71 Tuesday evening.

"Everything felt very good tonight," Redwoods head coach Jain Tuey, now in her third season at the helm, said. "We were feeling very comfortable on the court. We talked before the game about bringing out the excitement and energy and I think (the team) did a good job of bringing that tonight."

Redwoods (1-0) was helped by a 15 point night from sophomore Darienne Kartes. Sophomore point-guard Breesia Northern, another Arcata product, dropped 10 in the win.

Northern will be tasked with helping to fill the shoes of graduated guard Bobbie Purify (who is presently preparing for her first season at Norte Dame de Namur) this season.

According to Tuey, she did a good job of it Tuesday night.

"(Northern) really stepped up this week," Tuey said. "She's a leader on our team and embraced that sophomore role tonight."

Kartes, a former Fortuna High Husky, was a dominant interior force for Redwoods a season ago and looked to have not missed a beat in Tuesday's win. She was joined in the front-court by Del Norte High product Dennise Horton.

Horton missed her senior season with Del Norte after being cut from the team for undisclosed reasons.

After more than a year out of basketball, the freshman was more than ready to take the court Tuesday night.

She started the game and had 9 points.

"(Horton) has a great basketball I.Q. and a strong presence," Tuey said.

Theresa Dicky, a freshman out of McKinleyville known for her fiery defensive play, had 6 points off the bench and some important defensive minutes in the win.

"Theresa is fitting in very well. She really brings it in practice and in everything we do," Tuey said. "We are going to rely on her defensively a lot this season."

Looking ahead

Redwoods will get back to work Friday when it hosts Ohlone College—Freemont at 6 p.m.

Redwoods begins Golden Valley Conference play on Jan. 11 at home against Butte College. Redwoods posted a 7-16 overall record and a 2-8 conference record last season.