DINÉ SPORTSZONE follows select high school sports teams from northwest New Mexico.
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Throwback to when these two State Championship teams faced off during the regular season for the tournament championship in Page, AZ. Kirtland Central defeated Page, 66-59.
One of my regrets is not recording this game, because it was a good one.
Congratulations, Madison! Adams State University is lucky to have you! Best of luck and continue the good running!
Track & Field highlight: Dathan Esson, Kirtland Central High School (Jr.)
Despite cold and gusty conditions, Esson, now a junior at KCHS, circled the oval track eight times in 10:44.21 to claim the boy's 3,200 meter run at the 2024 Penny McKnight Invitational (hosted by Aztec H.S.). Esson led from the start and fended off Luke James of Miyamura High School in the final two laps to clinch the win.
The state qualifying time in New Mexico for class 4A is 10:06.36, which Esson is certainly capable of reaching! Keep up the good running, Dathan! We see you!!
Congratulations to Nevaeh for signing her intent to continue her basketball career at Navajo Technical University! Way to go!
Track & Field highlight: Nicole Pierce, Piedra Vista High School (Sr.)
Pierce, now a senior at PVHS, dominated the 1,600 meter girl's race at the 2024 Farmington Invitational from start to finish with her nearest competitor nearly 26 seconds behind. Pierce completed the four laps in 5:38.16.
Pierce is inching her way to meeting the state qualifying time of 5:29.85 in New Mexico's class 5A. We know you can do it! Keep up the good running.
Congratulations, Newcomb Skyhawks!
Congratulations to our Lady Skyhawks who won the Shash Slam Softball tournament today with wins against Navajo Prep, Wingate and Shiprock.
MVP: Binaahozhoonii Howard
All-Tourney: Sarah Lomaintewa
All-Tourney: Tawny Platero
All-Tourney: Keyilnaazbaa Howard
All-Tourney: Nihikinibaa Howard
Collegiate athlete highlight: Aliandrea Upshaw (Navajo), Northern Arizona University Track & Field
Upshaw, a former two-time individual state champion at St. Michael Indian School, recently set a school record in the 10,000 meter run for the Northern Arizona University women's track program, crossing the finish line in an impressive 32:53.65 time, finishing in 11th place at the Stanford Invite on March 29, 2024.
Upshaw has elevated the NAU running program since transferring from the University of New Mexico. Great running, Ali!
Bronco fans: There will be a parade to celebrate the Kirtland Central girl's basketball state championship team on March 28, 2024 at 1:30 pm. The parade will follow the "Homecoming" route.
Who do you think will win the 2024 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy for Women's Play of the Year? They're all so good, and a case can be made for each of them, I think. Post your selection in the comments for fun!
The winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at a press conference during the Women's Final Four.
Source: https://naismithtrophy.com/2024-jersey-mikes-naismith-trophy-finalists/
Collegiate athlete highlight: LaKyla Yazzie (Navajo), UNLV Track & Field
Yazzie, a former standout runner at Kirtland Central High School, recently set a personal record in the 1500 meter run to finish 17th place at the 45th Annual Aztec Invitational hosted by San Diego State University in San Diego, CA on March 22-23, 2024.
There are only a handful of Navajo collegiate runners who are competitive at the NCAA D1 level, and Yazzie is up there with the pack! Great running, LaKyla! You're making our community proud!
Awesome! Great job, boys and girls!
Lobos fans: Don't forget that the game is today! Hopefully you're able to watch it live.
The game will be shown on truTV and is scheduled to air starting at 1:10 pm MST.
GO LOBOS!!
The Red vs. Green NMHSCA All-Star Basketball Games take place on March 22, 2024 for the 1A-2A games, and on March 23, 2024 for the 3A-4A, and 5A games. All games take place at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, NM.
Congratulations to all players and coaches selected for the All-Star Games. Have fun and play well!
NOTE: The list of All-Stars for both Red/Green teams for all girls' and boys' divisions can be found on the New Mexico High School Coaches Association website (use link below). The list of All-Star players is not the same as the All-State selections.
https://www.nmhsca.com/page/show/5548741-nmhsca-all-star-basketball-teams
LIVE STREAM LINK: https://gamevision.io/all-star-weekend/
(NOTE: Game Vision is hosting the live stream; A subscription is required; a 24-hour pass costs $12.95; games will be listed on Game Vision when they become available, presumably before the start of tip-off).
The future looks bright for these girls! 👇
KIRTLAND – In high school sports, a program can see its run toward greatness last until the graduation of some of its top stars. In the case of the Kirtland Central girls basketball team, the competit...
Farmington girls basketball nearly pulled off the upset against Sandia in the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 5A Girls Basketball Semifinals, but fell short in the final quarter, dropping a heart wrenching 58-61 decision to the Matadors.
With 25.4 seconds remaining in the game, junior shooting guard #14 Audri Wright hit the game-winning three-pointer to catapult her team to the State Championship game.
Sandia's junior point guard, Sydney Benally, led all scorers with 29 points. Maleah Charlie led Farmington with 15 points, followed Caris Dale and Kapiolani Anitielu with 14 and 13 points respectively.
Great job to both teams for bringing their A-game!
[All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE.
© 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Navajo Prep fans - there will be Parade of Champions on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm. See the original post below for the parade route details.
Congratulations to Carissa Benavidez (Diné) of Volcano Vista High School who signed her letter of intent to play collegiate soccer at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado!
Congratulations to Kaleigh Coolidge on signing her intent to play soccer for Gillette College in Gillette, Wyoming!
Congratulations to Coach Matt Melvin of Navajo Prep!
FARMINGTON – Leading the Navajo Prep boys basketball team to its first state championship, head coach Matt Melvin has been chosen by the staff of the Tri-City Record as coach of the year among San Jua...
Congratulations to Coach Devon Manning of Kirtland Central!
KIRTLAND – Winning the Class 4A state championship for the second time in three seasons, and recording back-to-back school record 29 win seasons, Kirtland Central High School girls basketball coach De...
Incredible! Congratulations to former Kirtland Central High School wrestling standout, JoJera Dodge, who recently became an individual National Champion in the 235 lbs Division at the National Wrestling Collegiate Championships held in Bossier City, Louisiana on March 14-16, 2024. Dodge, who wrestles for Grays Harbor College, pinned her opponent for the win.
Grays Harbor also claimed the team title in the women's division.
During her reign at Kirtland Central, JoJera was a 3x NMAA Wrestling State Champion.
Way to go! You deserve all the recognition and applause!!
(JoJera is pictured at the very top of the podium)
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were selected to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) 2024 4A Boys Basketball All-State Team!
Nevaughn Begay | Shiprock High School - 2nd Team
Andrew Florez | Bloomfield High School - Honorable Mention (not pictured)
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were selected to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) 2024 3A Boys Basketball All-State Team!
Jude Thomas | Navajo Preparatory School - 1st Team
Orion King | Navajo Preparatory School - 1st Team
Xavier Nez | Navajo Preparatory School - 1st Team
Kenyen Callado | Santa Fe Indian School - 1st Team
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were selected to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) 2024 3A Girls Basketball All-State Team!
Brooke Badonie | Tohatchi High School - 1st Team
Aniya Johnson | Navajo Preparatory School - 1st Team
Emma Lewis | Santa Fe Indian School - 1st Team (not pictured)
Tru Billie | Navajo Preparatory School - 2nd Team
Aleah Nez | Cuba High School - 2nd Team (not pictured)
WynterRose Sheka | Tohatchi High School - 2nd Team
Takai Martinez | Zuni High School - Honorable Mention (not pictured)
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were selected to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) 2024 4A Girls Basketball All-State Team!
Emilia Clani | Kirtland Central High School - 1st Team
Rylie Whitehair | Gallup High School - 1st Team
Allyson Tsosie | Kirtland Central High School - 1st Team
Aliya Quintana | Bloomfield High School - 2nd Team
Kayden Tsosie | Gallup High School - 2nd Team
Keira Beall-Gleason | Kirtland Central High School - Honorable Mention
Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were selected to the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) 2024 5A Girls Basketball All-State Team!
Kapiolani Anitielu | Farmington High School - 1st Team
Sydney Benally | Sandia High School - 1st Team
Lilliana Duncan | Volcano Vista - 2nd Team
Kjani Anitielu | Farmington High School - Honorable Mention
Navajo Prep boys basketball defeated Robertson, 60-50, to capture their 1st ever boys basketball State Championship title in its school history at the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 3A Boys State Championships at UNM The Pit on March, 16, 2024. This was also Navajo Prep's first appearance in a boys state championship game.
Navajo Prep trailed Robertson at the half, 22-31, before soaring back into the lead and outscoring the Cardinals, 23-2, in the third quarter to secure the victory. Navajo Prep finished its championship season with a 26-4 overall record. They are coached by Matt Melvin.
Navajo Prep is only the seventh boys basketball team from San Juan County to ever win a state basketball championship title, ending a drought since Kirtland Central last won in 2003.
Way to go, Eagles! You all played like a team and with great sportsmanship!
[All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE.
© 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Navajo Prep girls basketball defeated district-rival Tohatchi, 41-26, to win the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 3A Girls State Championship trophy at UNM The Pit on March 15, 2024. Navajo Prep wrapped up their championship season with a 25-9 overall record while Tohatchi finished their season at 25-7.
This marks the 9th State Championship title for the Navajo Prep girls basketball program, and the fourth under Coach Rainy Crisp, who was also a standout basketball player for the Eagles.
Navajo Prep won state titles in 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2009, 2020, 2021, and 2024.
Congratulations, once again, to Navajo Prep girls basketball! Go Eagles!
[All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE.
© 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Kirtland Central girls basketball defeated St. Pius X, 45-33, to claim the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 4A Girls State Championship title at UNM The Pit on March 15, 2024. Kirtland Central finished their championship season with a stellar 29-3 record. Kirtland Central's only losses were to 5A's La Cueva and Farmington, and to Gallup.
This is the 21st State Championship title for the Kirtland Central girls basketball program, and the 2nd title under the guidance of Coach Devon Manning. This was also Kirtland Central's 35th appearance in the State title game.
Congratulations Broncos Nation on your championship win!
[All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE.
© 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
New Mexico Lobos received the #11 seed in the West Region bracket of the 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championships and will take on #6 Clemson in the tournament First Round on Friday, March 22nd at 1:10 pm Mountain Time, in Memphis, TN.
Let the Madness begin!
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Farmington girls basketball nearly pulled off the upset against Sandia in the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 5A Girls Basketball Semifinals, but fell short in the final quarter, dropping a heart wrenching 58-61 decision to the Matadors. With 25.4 seconds remaining in the game, junior shooting guard #14 Audri Wright hit the game-winning three-pointer to catapult her team to the State Championship game. Sandia's junior point guard, Sydney Benally, led all scorers with 29 points. Maleah Charlie led Farmington with 15 points, followed Caris Dale and Kapiolani Anitielu with 14 and 13 points respectively. Great job to both teams for bringing their A-game! [All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. © 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Navajo Prep boys basketball defeated Robertson, 60-50, to capture their 1st ever boys basketball State Championship title in its school history at the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 3A Boys State Championships at UNM The Pit on March, 16, 2024. This was also Navajo Prep's first appearance in a boys state championship game. Navajo Prep trailed Robertson at the half, 22-31, before soaring back into the lead and outscoring the Cardinals, 23-2, in the third quarter to secure the victory. Navajo Prep finished its championship season with a 26-4 overall record. They are coached by Matt Melvin. Navajo Prep is only the seventh boys basketball team from San Juan County to ever win a state basketball championship title, ending a drought since Kirtland Central last won in 2003. Way to go, Eagles! You all played like a team and with great sportsmanship! [All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. © 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Navajo Prep girls basketball defeated district-rival Tohatchi, 41-26, to win the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 3A Girls State Championship trophy at UNM The Pit on March 15, 2024. Navajo Prep wrapped up their championship season with a 25-9 overall record while Tohatchi finished their season at 25-7. This marks the 9th State Championship title for the Navajo Prep girls basketball program, and the fourth under Coach Rainy Crisp, who was also a standout basketball player for the Eagles. Navajo Prep won state titles in 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2009, 2020, 2021, and 2024. Congratulations, once again, to Navajo Prep girls basketball! Go Eagles! [All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. © 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Kirtland Central girls basketball defeated St. Pius X, 45-33, to claim the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union 4A Girls State Championship title at UNM The Pit on March 15, 2024. Kirtland Central finished their championship season with a stellar 29-3 record. Kirtland Central's only losses were to 5A's La Cueva and Farmington, and to Gallup. This is the 21st State Championship title for the Kirtland Central girls basketball program, and the 2nd title under the guidance of Coach Devon Manning. This was also Kirtland Central's 35th appearance in the State title game. Congratulations Broncos Nation on your championship win! [All content in this video, including but not limited to images, audio, and video clips, is the property of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. The content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of DINÉ SPORTSZONE. © 2024 DINÉ SPORTSZONE. All Rights Reserved.]
Kirtland Central girls basketball team were joined by the community in a send-off celebration as they travel to Albuquerque, NM for the 2024 Nusenda Credit Union Girls 4A Basketball State Championships. #1 Kirtland Central plays #8 Valencia in the Quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30 pm at UNM The Pit. See you there! GO BRONCOS!
Congratulations Bronco Nation! In a hard-fought battle, the Kirtland Central Broncos girls’ basketball team claimed the 2024 District 1–4A Tournament Championship title by defeating Gallup Bengals, 61-59, before a capacity crowd at Bronco Arena. This was the fourth meeting between these two highly ranked teams in New Mexico’s class 4A. Next up is the State Basketball Championships for both teams, whose seedings will be announced this Sunday, March 3rd.
Kirtland Central Broncos girls basketball solidified their number One Seed for the upcoming District 1-4A tournament by defeating Gallup, 60-44, in a tie-breaker contest. The Broncos improve to 23-3 overall and finish 10-1 in district while the Bengals drop to 20-7 overall and 9-2 in district. Great game, girls!
Kirtland Central girls basketball continues to roll through the district season with a 71-31 win over Shiprock, improving to 5-0 and 18-2 overall.
Gallup Lady Bengals fell short to Bernalillo, 63-59, in the 4A NMAA Girls State Basketball Championship Semi-final. Check out these highlights from the courtside. Rylie Whitehair did work in the paint! So did Hailey Long!
Kirtland Central defeated Bernalillo, 55-32, to claim the 2022 NMAA Girls State Basketball Championship title in the Class 4A division at UNM the PIT on March 11th. Kirtland Central capped their championship season at 27-5. It is the 20th State Championship title for the Kirtland Central girls basketball program, the most of any high school, girls or boys, in the state of New Mexico, and tied for 4th, nationally, for the most state championships by a team according to NFHS record books. (2022, 2012, 2010, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980) Not to mention, the game was the 33rd time Kirtland Central has appeared in a State Championship game. The third time is the charm for Coach Devon Manning. Manning led Kirtland Central to the championship game in 2019 (his first year), 2020, and 2022, coming up short in the first two appearances and then winning the title this year. We couldn't be prouder of Coach Manning and his staff. And to Bronco Nation - THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP! The roars were spectacular.
Kirtland Central congratulates Bernalillo's Juliana Aragon for her incredible prep basketball career. 👏 Event: 2022 NMAA Girls State Basketball Championships - Class 4A Championship featuring #1 Kirtland Central vs. #3 Bernalillo Date: March 11, 2022 Location: University of New Mexico, the PIT, Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)
Kirtland Central knocks down three consecutive treys to start the Q3. This was the moment they really sealed the victory! Kirtland Central defeated Bernalillo, 55-32. Event: 2022 NMAA Girls State Basketball Championships - Class 4A Championship featuring #1 Kirtland Central vs. #3 Bernalillo Date: March 11, 2022 Location: University of New Mexico, the PIT, Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)
St. Michael's scored on the baseline with seconds left to win the 3A Quarterfinals matchup against Navajo Prep, 41-40. This game was wild!
Navajo Prep's Dontrelle Denetso hit this incredible jump shot with less than 30 seconds left in the game against St. Michael's to give Navajo Prep the lead, 40-39. But St. Michael's came back and scored to win the game, 41-40. What a game! Congratulations Navajo Prep for making it this far!
The crowd lights up during the 4A Semifinal matchup between #2 Gallup and #3 Bernalillo. Bernalillo defeated Gallup, 63-59. ❤
4A Girls Semifinals Halftime #2 Gallup 33 #3 Bernalillo 33
3A Girls Semifinal Final #2 Tohatchi 41 #3 SFIS 43
Tohatchi's Sheka hits her third trey in the 1st quarter. Tohatchi up, 17-12
Kirtland Central punches their ticket to the Ship!! Final #1 Kirtland Central 48 #4 Portales 43
4A Girls Semifinal coming up. Let's go Broncos!!
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