Kirtland Central Claims 22nd State Title, Defeats Gallup 52-33

For the first time in four championship meetings stretching back to 2011, Kirtland Central left The Pit with a state title and a win over Gallup. The Lady Broncos defeated the Bengals 52-33 Friday night before a capacity crowd at the University of New Mexico, claiming the program's 22nd New Mexico Class 4A girls basketball championship and finishing the season 29-3.

Sophomore Allyson Tsosie led all scorers with 17 points, 10 rebounds and six steals, and junior Elaina Claini added 15 points for the top-seeded Broncos. The performance capped what head coach Devon Manning described as a team that had genuinely grown into the moment.

"They knew it was going to be a long game," Manning said. "They didn't get frustrated or rattled. That's the difference between last year's team and this year's team. They've grown up and matured."

The game opened tightly, with the lead changing hands four times in the first quarter before Gallup's Marie Nez converted two free throws to give the Bengals a 9-8 edge heading into the second. From there, Kirtland took control. The Bengals, who entered as the No. 2 seed and defending champions, were outscored 44-24 over the final three quarters as Gallup's mistakes allowed Kirtland to capitalize repeatedly.

Manning called the rivalry win significant beyond the scoreboard. Gallup had beaten Kirtland Central in all three of their previous state final meetings, including a 51-41 decision last year. "It means a lot to get this one because it's good to get the first one out of the way against a team like Gallup," Manning said. "Gallup is a tough team and they're tough to beat, and we have so much respect for that program."

Gallup finished 27-5, led in the final by Mykeia Vicenti's 11 points and Kayden Tsosie's nine points and nine rebounds. The Bengals had advanced to the final by beating Albuquerque Academy 54-44 in the semifinals.

For Kirtland, the title was also a farewell for five seniors. Manning pulled Krista Tsingine-Yazzie, Haylee Nocki, Kaylyn Cadman, Alana Sanders and Bahozhoni Crosby from the floor in the final seconds to recognize their contributions. Tsingine-Yazzie, who finished with nine rebounds and two steals, reflected simply on what the run had meant. "The rides with the girls, the practices and the opportunities to play here have been great," she said.

Manning framed the gesture plainly: "It was to tell them that they're leaving this program better than when they found it. The hard work and the yelling and screaming was worth it in the end."

With 22 state championships and 36 title-game appearances since 1979, Kirtland Central ranks fourth nationally in girls basketball state titles according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. The title also extended a remarkable stretch of dominance in Class 4A, where Gallup and Kirtland Central have combined to win every championship over the past five seasons, with Gallup taking three and Kirtland two. Manning noted the historic nature of this particular win: "It's always good to be the first to do something. This is the first team to beat Gallup in the state championship. It's difficult to beat Gallup in any game, regular season, district championship or state championship. They're a very respectable team.