Ellenberg on target for Gaels

Monday’s game was listed as an away game on Bishop Gorman’s girls basketball schedule.

But Gaels junior guard Aaryn Ellenberg felt right at home on Durango’s court.

Ellenberg scored 17 points in the first half, played outstanding defense and basically stole the show for 2½ quarters as the defending Class 4A state champions opened Southwest League play with a 60-38 victory over the Trailblazers.

“I consider her the Michael Jordan of women’s basketball,” Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich said of Ellenberg. “She’s just smooth. She has the ability to make things look easy. She’s amazing.”

Ellenberg scored 13 points in the first quarter on 5-for-7 shooting, making all three of her 3-point attempts.

But that wasn’t all. She also matched up against Durango’s top scorer, guard Mia Bell.

Until Ellenberg picked up her fourth foul during the third quarter, Bell was limited to eight points on 2-for-7 shooting from the field.

“She’s not one-dimensional,” Krmpotich said. “We put (Ellenberg) on the best offensive player because she’s so quick. She’s the real deal.”

Gorman (3-0, 1-0) led 32-15 at halftime and never was threatened.

Ellenberg, who played only about nine minutes in the second half, finished with 21 points.

Yahindra Edwards added three 3-pointers during the third quarter and finished with 16 points.

Bell did a ton of damage late in the game and led Durango (2-3, 0-1) with 21 points.

Bell’s teammates combined to make just 6 of 28 shots as the team continues to discover a second consistent scorer.

“We have some young kids who are still trying to get a feel for where they fit in on the team,” Durango coach Lindsay Callaghan said. “We’re trying to find another person, but we also need everyone to know they can step up and shoot.”