Monument Valley and Whitehorse girls advance to 1A basketball quarterfinals
A couple of thrilling wins and a few losses were the results for San Juan County teams on day one of the 1A state tournament.
Redrock 92.7 FM will be broadcasting audio of all San Juan County team games.
MONUMENT VALLEY GIRLS
With a thrilling overtime win, the #8 Monument Valley Lady Cougar basketball team defeated the #9 Piute Thunderbirds in the second round of the 1A girls state basketball tournament.
The Lady Cougars were able to hang on in overtime to earn the 48-44 victory and advance to the state quarterfinals.
The game was tight from start to finish, tied 21-21 at halftime and 38-38 at the end of regulation. The Cougars outscored the Thunderbirds 10-6 in the overtime period
Monument Valley was led by Dakotah Cly, who scored a team high 16 points. None were more important than two critical free throws she made with less than five seconds in overtime to secure the win.
Discussing the free throws, Cly said, “I practice my free throws every day. I was like this is just a routine, trying to ignore the crowd, shoot, and follow through.”
Cly was dominant attacking the hoop, with six field goals and four free throws.
Shikeeya Hudson scored 13 points, including three three-point shots. Hudson made a key field goal in overtime before fouling out.
Scoring all three of her points in the overtime was Ayainna Cly, who also had a number of steals during the overtime period.
Malaya Blackmountain scored nine for the Cougars and Kaylisa Tome added six, including a basket in overtime.
Taylor Stanley came off the bench to replace Hudson and made a critical free throw late in overtime to extend the Cougar lead.
“I think us having fun on the court,” was the key to the win, according to Ayainna Cly.
“Taking it slow and controlling the game to how we like to play. I think that’s the key to having that sportsmanship and connection together as friends.”
Dakotah Cly said that the key to the victory was, “Our teamwork and our communication… Overall, just giving each other feedback on what to fix and that’s what got us through this game.”
Both of the Clys are juniors and are at Monument Valley for the first year. Dakotah, who played at Whitehorse last year, explained, “I’m proud of my team. I’m happy to be back playing for my hometown.”
Ayaianna added, “ I’m just excited to be here, my first year being here”
The Cougars face the #1 seed Rich Rebels in a quarterfinal matchup on February 27. The game tips off at 4 pm. It will be broadcast on Redrock92.
Aiyanna Cly made a prediction, “I think we can win if we keep hustling and play as a team.”
Monument Valley postgame interview link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/DPAqsvQXzcE?si=66A8Hgl0HJncL31W&t=16784
WHITEHORSE GIRLS
The #5 seed Whitehorse girls basketball team defeated the #12 seed Wendover Wildcats in the second round of the 1A girls state basketball tournament. The Raiders built 13-9 lead after one quarter that they extended to 27-17 at halftime. The Raiders continued to pull away in the second half leading 37-23 after three quarters and ultimately winning the game 50-42.
In a game the Raiders controlled throughout Whitehorse was able to use intense defense and excellent ball movement to win one their first day at the state tournament.
The lady Raiders were led by Keiarra Martin who finished with 15 points in the game, Hannah Clark chipped in 13 while Lamyia Benally had eight and Heidi Clark scored seven. Kayla Mitchell scored three while Alyssa Eltsosie and Lakyara Begay each had two in the win.
When asked in the postgame interview on Redrock 92.7 FM Senior Lamyia Benally shared that the team is enjoying momentum after winning their first region title in 20 years.
“It made history for us. This year, I feel very proud about how my team is. Everybody wants to support us, they can see we’re here to make a change for ourselves. I just want everyone to know we’re capable of doing anything.”
Teammate Hannah Clark had perhaps one of the most dazzling plays of the game with a hesitation move going inside and faking a pass to team-leading scorer Martin to give herself an open look at the basket. Reflecting after the game Hannah Clark shared its not something that’s worked on.
“It depends on my teammates. They help me, they challenge me every day. They get me there. They help me build and get that confidence in driving in. I give credit to my teammates and also my coaches.”
When asked both girls didn’t have a particular teammate that stood out but Benally the whole team played together.
“The whole team, I don't think it was individuals. We were all out there. We were one team. That’s the basics of basketball to be honest. I’m proud of everyone. We did show up and show out there. I’m happy about it.”
Hannah Clark did shoutout the secondary unit for their work in the game.
“The second string. Their first time playing and I expect our starting five to do good but I was surprised that our coach went out and played our second unit, they impressed me.”
Benally has seen her own game point totals over 20 in the past but the senior says she’s not interested in individual awards.
“I really don’t care about the points. I know I'm putting the effort in for my team. Take for example, Heidi, Hannah, Kerri, they’re able to make more points than I do. We all have off-games every now and again but we’re capable of playing defense. Making those rebounds and having that chemistry also is the main thing.”
Hannah Clark also shared this year is special as she’s playing with her senior sister Heidi Clark.
“Since it's our last year together. I cherish every moment. It's fun playing varsity, my first time playing varsity with her. We both have a goal here at state. We have that communication, that chemistry.”
With a large crowd behind the Raiders, Benally is hopeful for the team to make a deep tournament run.
“I appreciate the fans, everyone, our team loves you. Let’s just get this championship”
The Raiders face the #4 seed Wayne Badgers on February 27. The game tips off at 5:30 pm.
Whitehorse postgame interview link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/DPAqsvQXzcE?si=H3cleXxGA39w3sK6&t=5422
MONTICELLO BOYS
The #8 seeded Monticello boys basketball team was defeated by #9 seed Piute Thunderbirds 60-43 in the second round of the 1A boys state basketball tournament. Piute built a 32-23 lead that they were able to extend in the second half for the victory.
The Buckaroos were led in scoring by Cache Young who finished with 13 points, while Kaden Pehrson scored 11. Jackson Keyes finished with nine points while Traken Lee and Kord Young each scored five points.
Monticello boys play February 27 at 2:30 pm against #17 seed Altamont.
WHITEHORSE BOYS
The #12 seeded Whitehorse boys basketball team was defeated by #5 seed Tabiona in the second round of the 1A boys state basketball tournament. Tabiona built a 45-22 halftime lead they extended to 76-42 to beat the Raiders.
The Raiders were led in the game by Dominic Dance who finished with 12 points, while Hyatt Thomas scored 11 and Kalin Tohonnie added 10 points. Adam Joe scored seven while Tristan Black had two points.
Whitehorse boys play February 27 at 1:00 pm against #13 seed Manila.
MONTICELLO GIRLS
The #16 seeded Monticello girls basketball team were defeated by the #1 seed Rich Rebels in the second round of the 1A girls state basketball tournament. Rich built a 28-7 halftime lead, with the final score favoring Rich 50-16.
Monticello was led in the game by Maron Freestone who finished with five points. Braylee Freestone and Makenna Peterson each finished with four points while Mechaiyah Lansing scored 3.
Monticello girls play February 27 at 10:00 am against #9 seed Piute. The game will be a measuring stick for the girls as it is a rematch of the first game of the season when the Thunderbirds beat the Buckaroos 56-10. Tip off is set for 10:00 am.
Without video rights Redrock 92.7 FM and redrock92.com will be providing only audio broadcasts at the state tournament.