The Sedona Red Rock High School girls basketball team earned itself a shot at the Yvonne Johnson Memorial Shootout title last week, but came up short, losing to Joy Christian Academy in the semifinals, 54-43.

“I thought we beat the best team in the tournament [Red Mesa] the day before, so I was hopeful to win a title,” second-year Sedona Head Coach Tina Hawes said.

On Dec. 27, the Scorpions easily beat Northwest Christian High School, 67-13, then needed an overtime period to sneak one away from Red Mesa High School in the nightcap, 63-59.

Senior guard Taihler Nolte scored 17 points against Northwest Christian, while chipping in with 16 points in the overtime victory over Red Mesa.

Nolte was selected to be on the All-Tournament team, which is picked by the coaches in the tournament.

On Dec. 28, Joy Christian jumped out to a 17-13 lead after the first quarter of play and never looked back.

Sophomore guard Morgan Hawes led the Scorpions against Joy Christian with 10 points while juniors Tianna and Sierra Hatler-Stefick each scored nine points.

In the third-place game, Sedona was paired with Seligman High School in the fourth and final game of the tournament for the Scorpions.

Senior Jessica Ohman led the Scorpions with nine points while Nolte and sophomore Amber Rippy each had seven in a 53-38 loss.

Tina Hawes said she was pleased her team made it in to the championship bracket of the 14th annual tournament but added she would have rather played in the title game.

“The second day we couldn’t do anything. We couldn’t shoot at all. It was frustrating sometimes,” Hawes said.

Hawes went on to praise Nolte, saying this was some of the best basketball she’s seen her play.

“She was by far our best player in the tournament for us. It is the best I’ve ever seen her play,” Hawes said.

With the 2-2 record at the Yvonne Johnson Memorial Shootout, the Scorpions improve their record to 9-5 overall this season.

Sedona was in action again Tuesday, Jan. 3, when it traveled to Bradshaw Mountain High School. Results were unavailable at press time.

Next up, the Scorpions will play host to the Badgers of Prescott High School. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.