Their home court definitely was an advantage as the Ross Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade girls each won their portion of the East Valley League Tournament this week.

The seventh-graders – seeded first in the five-team bracket – defeated Denair 38-19 in the championship game Thursday. Natalie Riggs had 12 points and Peyton Silveira 10 for Ross, which improved its record to 11-1. The Huskies opened the tournament Wednesday with a 43-12 victory over Waterford. Riggs and Avery Harp were chosen as co-Most Valuable Players of the tournament. Riggs totaled 16 points, 10 steals and eight assists in the two games while Harp scored 20 points, grabbed 27 rebounds, made seven steals and dished out five assists.

The eighth-graders were the second seeds in their six-team bracket and knocked off top-seeded Hickman 42-30 in the final game behind Kindal Barstow’s 23 points. In their first game Wednesday, the Huskies defeated Spratling 41-31. Barstow was named the MVP of the tournament after scoring 43 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, making 10 steals and handing out eight assists in the two games. Ross is now 12-2 on the season.

“The competition was excellent throughout the tournament, and I am super proud of our coaches, athletes and athletic director, Jayce Jepson, who helped organize the event,” said Ross Principal Mary La Rosa. “It takes a village, and we have one of the best at Ross Middle School.”