Xavier hoops keeps foot on the accelerator

Xavier Prep’s basketball team won its fourth game in a row after playing in a tough “pre-season’’ tournament in Gilbert, speeding past visiting Glendale Mountain Ridge 90-32 at the Activity Center on Wednesday night (Dec. 6).

It was the second straight night that the Gators (6-3) played with a running clock in the fourth quarter due to a big lead. They also did it at Mesa Mountain View on Tuesday Night (Dec. 5).

Xavier had 14 players score, with senior forward Montana Oltrogge getting 18. She connected on three 3-pointers in the third quarter, shortly before she and the other four starters departed and sat out the rest of the game.

Other players in double figures were senior guard Payton Davis (13), junior point guard Leilani McIntosh (12) and senior post Katie Hassett (11). Xavier connected on nine 3-pointers for the game.

The Gators had the game under control in the opening quarter, outscoring the Mountain Lions 23-0. Hassett scored nine points during that stretch.

Sophomore Jordan Kress led the way for Mountain Ridge with 17 points, including four 3-point baskets.

The Gators’ next game is away from home on Monday (Dec. 11), but they don’t have far to go. Players and fans can paddle their canoes south across the Grand Canal to neighboring Phoenix Central. Tipoff is 7 p.m.