Pueblo/Flagstaff 4A Championship Recap

Cedric Cobb March 11, 2023 @ 09:18 PM

In the girls 4A State Championship game it was the Tucson Pueblo Warriors taking on the Flagstaff Eagles.   The Eagles came out and gradually built up momentum. At the end of the first quarter Flagstaff held a 15-9 lead. In the second quarter Pueblo continued to hang around but Flagstaff continued to knock down shots. Pueblo got within four 31-27 despite being out rebounded two to one. The score going into halftime was 34-27 in favor of Flagstaff.   The third quarter was a continuous back and forth affair. Flagstaff got a double digit lead 37-27 but Pueblo refused to go away going on a 10-3 run of their own. Towards the end of the third quarter both teams were literally trading baskets back and forth. Heading into the fourth quarter Flagstaff still held on to a 49-43 lead. Pueblo tied it up at 52 letting the Eagles know that they were in for a battle down the stretch. Just when it seemed like Flagstaff was putting some distance between themselves Pueblo hit a three pointer to make it a 58-55 game.   With two minutes left it was 64-60 after a back door layup by Flagstaff. After a Pueblo basket with less than a minute left it was only a one possession game 66-63. A resilient Pueblo exchanged free throws with Flagstaff setting up a dramatic finish. A turnover by Pueblo before a final shot could be taken sealed a 68-65 victory for Flagstaff.   <h2>Here are some of the standout players from this great game by two teams that fought to the end</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='608219' first='Bella' last='Burcar'] Flagstaff   The versatile freshman had her coming out party. There wasn't much she didn't do. She understands the game very well and looks to make the right plays. She's a good three point shooter as well in the mid range. She runs the floor extremely well and looks to advance the ball ahead on the break. She is also a very good rebounder. One of the best 2026 in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='208241' first='Victoria' last='Cazares'] Pueblo   The senior came to play in the Championship game. She showed her entire offensive package. She slashed through the paint, hit jumpers, as well as floaters. She was as tough as nails on defense also collecting multiple steals.   [player_tooltip player_id='261416' first='Sage' last='Begay'] Flagstaff   Begay came out hot from the perimeter knocking down three's. She also displayed good post moves and just a overall knack for scoring the ball. Sage showed that she was also a willing passer and could sacrifice some of her offense for the better of the team. [player_tooltip player_id='607509' first='America' last='Cazares'] Pueblo   Cazares is a freshman that you need to know. She played with good poise and is a good ball handler. She showed range from well beyond the three point line. One of the better underclassmen in Southern AZ. [player_tooltip player_id='608254' first='Morningrain' last='Honani'] Flagstaff   Honani is an excellent ball handler who distributed the ball well to her teammates. She penetrated into the paint very well and had the court vision to find open teammates for good looks. [player_tooltip player_id='208266' first='Myla' last='Truitt'] Pueblo   The senior leader did a little bit of everything for the Warriors. She played with a ton of energy and seemed to be all over the place. She distributed the ball and played hard nosed defense displaying quick hands. She displayed good speed with the ball in the open court. [player_tooltip player_id='612227' first='Teagan' last='Martin'] Flagstaff   Though she didn't score much Martin flashed some of her potential while she was out there. She was fast and showed a burst that many players don't have. On the defensive side of the ball she's a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions.

In the girls 4A State Championship game it was the Tucson Pueblo Warriors taking on the Flagstaff Eagles.