Sophomore Mykah Berkompas shook aside a tough start to the season Saturday, scoring a game-high 21 points as the Chaparrals earned their first victory in 2022-23 with a 68-57 win over visiting Wilbur Wright in Region 4 women's basketball.
 
Berkompas hit 7 of 16 from the floor and was perfect on six free throw attempts for COD (1-5 overall), which built a lead for good when the Aurora native scored with 3:35 to go in the first half.
 
"Mykah had to carry the load last year, and we have others who can score this season,'' head coach Abigail Talley said. "She doesn't have to be the sole scorer. She can focus on her all-around play, too. Today, so many of her shots came naturally and she took advantage of some open shots and gained confidence as the game wore on.''
 
Sierra Gibson added 14 points with seven rebounds, and Katlyn Allen earned a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Alyssa Havard followed with nine points and 11 boards.
 
The Chaps and Rams were tied at 17 through the first quarter and used a 6-0 spurt late in the second to lead 32-28 at the break.
 
COD led by as many as 15.
 
"We've learned a lot about ourselves this month,'' Talley said. "Today we learned how to play with a lead. We got a little frantic late but held it together.''
 
The Chaps are at Malcolm X on Tuesday for the first of four away from PEC Arena. Their next home game is Dec. 8 against Malcolm X.