Scorpions Sting Eagles in Thriller to Claim Hobbs Title

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>HOBBS, N.M.</em> — In a heart-pounding Class 5A showdown for the championship of the 8th Hobbs Holiday Tournament at Tasker Arena on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the Farmington Scorpions (11-1) outlasted the host Hobbs Eagles (8-2) 65-62 in a fast-paced thriller loaded with drama.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams brought relentless energy, flying up and down the court with tenacity in a game featuring eight ties and just four lead changes. Hobbs won the tip and dominated early, jumping out to a 12-0 run to open the first quarter. But the Scorpions battled back fiercely with a 17-7 surge to close the period, trailing just 19-17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The intensity carried into the second, with Hobbs carrying a slim 39-36 edge into halftime. The third quarter saw the teams trade blows until it ended knotted at 52-52, setting up a wild fourth quarter full of excitement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With under 40 seconds left, Farmington clung to a 63-60 lead in a one-possession game. The Scorpions sank two crucial free throws to extend it to 65-60, but Hobbs answered quickly with a jumper to make it 65-62 with under 14 seconds remaining. Farmington then inbounded smartly, escaping a corner trap with a daring pass to dribble out the clock and seal the championship victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Farmington's senior quartet delivered in the clutch, combining for 59 of the team's 65 points. Caris Dale led the way with a team-high 19 points, hitting timely buckets and draining big threes from beyond the arc. Chenoa Parrish added 16 points with relentless plays around the rim. Kjani Anitielu, despite picking up her fourth foul early in the fourth quarter, contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds while serving as the Scorpions' top playmaker all night. Carly Conley chipped in 11 points, with nine coming in the second half as she provided key relief points and battled fiercely in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Hobbs, Matysen Zepeda dazzled with a team-high 19 points, slicing off the dribble and knocking down multiple threes — including a slick step-back. Aliana Armitage posted a monster double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, sparking the Eagles on both ends with assists and steals. [player_tooltip player_id='583274' first='Kacelynn' last='Muniez'] rounded out the attack with 12 points, doing much of her damage from outside the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Scorpions, coached by Thomas Adair, claimed the tournament crown in thrilling fashion, while Joe Carpenter's Eagles put up a valiant fight on their home floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->