Behind 17 points from sophomore Allyson Tsosie and a relentless defense, the top-seeded Broncos pull away from Gallup in Class 4A championship game

Kirtland Central’s Haylee Nocki hoists the Girls 4A Championship trophy after defeating Gallup 52-33 on Friday at the Pit in Albuquerque. (Jon Austria/Special to The Tri-City Record)

Jon Austria

ALBUQUERQUE – The Kirtland Central girls basketball team added another chapter to its storied history Friday night before a capacity crowd at the University of New Mexico’s Pit, earning its 22nd state championship with a 52-33 victory over Gallup in the Class 4A final.

Led by sophomore Allyson Tsosie’s game-high 17 points and junior Elaina Claini’s 15 points, the top-seeded Broncos finished the season 29-3, including three wins in four games over their District 1-4A rival Bengals.

Gallup, the No. 2 seed, had never lost to Kirtland Central in three prior championship meetings. The most recent of those losses occurred last year when the Bengals topped the Broncos 51-41.

The Bengals, seeking a second straight state title, were outscored 44-24 in the final three quarters.

“It means a lot to get this one because it’s good to get the first one out of the way against a team like Gallup,” Kirtland Central head coach Devon Manning said. “Gallup is a tough team and they’re tough to beat, and we have so much respect for that program.”

With 22 state championships and 36 title game appearances since 1979, Kirtland Central is ranked fourth nationally for the most girls basketball state titles, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with the lead changing hands four times before the Bengals’ Marie Nez hit two free throws to provide a 9-8 lead heading into the second.

Despite a slow start from the field in the second period, Kirtland Central finished the half strong. 3-pointers from Haylee Nocki and Tsosie put the Broncos ahead as they outscored Gallup 16-8 in the frame for a 24-17 halftime lead.

From there, the Broncos dominated both ends of the floor, pairing offensive execution with a relentless press.

The Bengals committed 25 turnovers, which Kirtland Central turned into 19 points. In addition to her scoring, Tsosie recorded six of the Broncos’ 14 steals and 10 rebounds.

Gallup’s shooting struggled in the second half, as the Bengals converted only 5 of 21 shots from the floor. They finished the night shooting 26% from the field. Kirtland Central remained efficient, shooting 40% for the game.

Kirtland Central’s Allyson Tsosie attempts a layup against Gallup during the Girls 4A Championship game on Friday at the Pit in Albuquerque. (Jon Austria/Special to The Tri-City Record)

Jon Austria

Senior Krista Tsingine-Yazzie finished her Broncos career with nine rebounds and two steals. For senior teammates Nocki, Kaylyn Cadman, Alana Sanders and Bahozhoni Crosby, the win was a definitive final act.

“The rides with the girls, the practices and the opportunities to play here have been great,” Tsingine-Yazzie said.

Manning pulled his seniors in the final seconds to recognize their contributions.

“It was to tell them that they’re leaving this program better than when they found it,” Manning said. “The hard work and the yelling and screaming was worth it in the end.”

Gallup was led by Mykeia Vicenti’s 11 points as well as nine points and nine rebounds from Kayden Tsosie. The Bengals season comes to an end with a record of 27-5.

Kirtland Central’s Elaina Clani attempts a shot against Gallup during the Girls 4A Championship game on Friday at the Pit in Albuquerque. (Jon Austria/For The Tri-City Record)

Jon Austria

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