The main event at Fort Thomas on Tuesday night was as good as it gets.

All three games between Fort Thomas and Pima went down to the wire last season, and the first meeting of 2009-10 was no different. The Apaches held on for a 54-51 win in the season opener for both teams.

Pima was the better team in the first quarter, but Fort Thomas kicked its offense into gear with 22 second-quarter points and took a 28-26 lead at halftime.

Pima’s Nicole Schmidt, left, tries to strip the ball from Fort Thomas senior Nikki Pike on Tuesday night. Pima opened up a big lead early and won the game 55-31. Schmidt, a junior, had 10 points in the victory. Photo by Brian Wright

A great effort from senior guard Devon Saline (19 points) helped the Roughriders take a 10-point lead (40-30) in the third quarter, but the Apaches closed the quarter on an 8-0 run.

Saline’s hustle and ability to knock down shots kept Pima in the game every time Fort Thomas went on a run.

Senior Estevan Mesa knocked down two free throws for Fort Thomas to put the Apaches up 48-47 with 1:45 left in the game.

Pima had one last chance after a timeout with four seconds left trailing 54-51. Justin Judd had a good look at a 3-pointer, but his shot hit the back iron.

Mesa led the Apaches with 15 points, and senior Troy Stanley added 14.

“When you get a rivalry game to kick off the season, it adds even more intensity,” Fort Thomas coach Steve Yoder said.

“What more can you ask for from Pima (versus) Fort Thomas? To start the season, it’s a great momentum-builder to get a win in it.”

Saline led all scorers with 19 for Pima; senior Dillon Goodman had 10, and Tanner Hancock added nine.

Pima girls excellent in season debut

A combination of factors led to the Pima-Fort Thomas girls game getting out of hand early.

Four Apaches didn’t start (but later played) due to disciplinary reasons, and Pima was in midseason form from nearly the opening tip.

The Roughriders raced to a 29-0 lead in the first half and won the game 55-31.

Fort Thomas couldn’t hit any shots early. The Apaches didn’t score until there was less than two minutes left in the second quarter.

For Pima, the points came quickly and easily. Senior forward Kitt Bryce made a living underneath the basket. She scored in the halfcourt and finished plays on the run.

Bryce finished with 18 points, and junior Nicole Schmidt had 10. All of Pima’s starters exited the game midway through the third quarter.

Every player on Pima’s roster scored, which was something the ‘Riders didn’t do once last season. Laiken Molina led the Apaches with 11 points.

Seniors Corley Lines and JayAnn Kieffer and sophomore Shayla Hancock helped Pima run like a well-oiled machine Tuesday.

The ‘Riders have one of the most talented 2A teams in the state. They also carry a No. 4 preseason ranking.

Pima (1-0) resumes play Dec. 3-5 at the Phoenix Christian Tournament, and Fort Thomas (0-1) plays at home again Dec. 1 against Thatcher.