Rehoboth, Tohatchi, Gallup Boys Capture District Crowns Saturday

Gallup finished the night with a 62-53 victory over Shiprock to secure the 1-4A title and a 21-7 mark. “The Bengals (21-7) regrouped and finished out the District 1-4A championship game on a 5-0 run to secure an entertaining 62-53 win.” Gallup coach Ryan Becenti reflected on Shiprock’s run up to the game and the opponent’s coaching staff. “The way Shiprock was playing, you know, upsetting (No. 2) Bloomfield, they came in with a lot of momentum,” Gallup coach Ryan Becenti said. “They’re a tough team and coach (Larenson) Henderson does a good job with his boys. They fought hard all game long.” “Gallup senior Joshua Keeto (21) splits the defense as he drives to the basket for a layup attempt against Shiprock defenders Ashton Keith (30) and Joaquin Nez (right) during the District 1-4A championship game on Saturday night. Gallup prevailed with a 62-53 win.”

Rehoboth Christian ran away in the District 1-2A final at Rehoboth Christian High School, posting a 60-44 win over Hózhó Academy after jumping out to a 20-1 lead in the early going of the second period. Longtime Rehoboth coach Kevin Zwiers emphasized experience and defense as decisive factors. “We’ve been in this situation before and this was Hózhó’s first time (playing in a district title game) and I don’t know if there were nerves or whatever, but we had a great start,” longtime Rehoboth coach Kevin Zwiers said. “I mean, we played really solid defense, and we were able to put the ball in the basket and we were attacking. The key was playing defense and grabbing some rebounds.” “Rehoboth Christian Lynx Trajen West (right) and Hózhó Academy’s Kaleb Bowannie (4) battle for a rebound during the District 1-2A championship game on Saturday afternoon at Rehoboth Christian High School. The Lynx won 60-44 after jumping out to a 20-1 lead in the early going of the second period.”