Farmington stuns Gallup 53-50, extends Scorpions' win streak

Farmington pulled off a tense road upset in front of a packed house at Gallup High School, edging the Bengals 53-50 and handing Gallup its first loss in seven games. The Scorpions, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, survived a late Gallup rally when senior Caris Dale drilled a go-ahead three with 28 seconds remaining after returning from foul trouble.

Farmington built a comfortable halftime cushion, leading 32-20 thanks to efficient first-half shooting and ball security. The Scorpions hit 42 percent from the floor in the opening half while Gallup managed 32 percent and committed seven turnovers. Dale and senior Chenoa Parrish combined for 17 first-half points as Farmington took control.

The Bengals mounted a fierce response in the second half. Gallup cut a 15-point deficit early in the third on a run fueled by junior Mykeia Vicenti and junior Kayden Tsosie, the latter finishing with a team-high 17 points. Farmington’s tempo slowed as the Bengals tightened defenses and attacked the rim, outscoring the Scorpions 30-21 over the final 16 minutes.

Farmington coach Tom Adair credited Dale’s composure in the final minute. “She’s got ice in her veins,” he said, noting the decision to sit Dale much of the second half after an early third quarter foul. Adair also acknowledged the team’s midgame adjustment needs: “We knew they were going to make a run and I think sometimes we play not to lose instead of attacking.”

Senior Kjani Anitielu led Farmington with 17 points, including the three-pointer that pushed the lead to 15 in the third. Dale and Parrish finished with 12 points apiece. For Gallup, junior Marie Nez and senior Summer Joe combined for 14 points as the Bengals rallied late but fell short.

Score by quarters read Farmington 17-15-12-9 = 53; Gallup 10-10-10-20 = 50. Farmington improved to 14-1 and will travel to a neutral-site matchup against Hobbs at Moriarty High School on Friday. Gallup, now 12-2, heads to Belen Thursday before closing non-district play at Grants on Saturday.

The game underscored the intensity of county rivalry and the thin margins that will shape postseason positioning. A packed Gallup High gym reflected high local interest in girls hoops and suggested strong community engagement as district play approaches. Turnovers, foul management and late-game decision-making emerged as decisive factors that both programs will need to address.

For McKinley County fans, the result reshuffles local narratives: Farmington’s win bolsters its state-class No. 1 profile and confidence heading into tougher matchups, while Gallup must regroup quickly to protect its district ambitions. Expect both teams to use the next week to sharpen rotations and defensive assignments as the season moves toward district play and playoff seeding.