2018 New Mexico High School State Championships.

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The Vixens of Fort Sumner/House became the first combined team to lay claim to a New Mexico state title following their 49-38 win over Penasco. The Vixens came out strong in the first quarter, "We were able to to jump on them [Penasco[ early. We've been talking really that last two years about the teams that can handle the nerves at the beginning of it are the teams that usually end up winning," Head Coach Ben Segura said afterwards.

Following an Alaska Lopez triple for Penasco to put the Panthers up 3-1 the Vixens ended the quarter with a 11-1 run. Abby Wilton scored six points and grabbed six points during the opening frame to get her going towards what ended up being a double-double (13 points and 13 rebounds) night.

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Penasco was able to find their footing a little more in the second quarter and started to find the bottom of the bucket but Fort Sumner/House stayed hot from their quarter ending run. The first quarter was the Abby Wilton show and in the second it was Claudia Torres and Jordyn Stowe who took over. Torres pumped in six points and Stowe seven including a three from the top of the key just as the buzzer sounded. The triple by Stowe gave the Vixens a 28-17 edge,

"I told Abby before the game I felt like I was going to hit a three-pointer tonight, so when it went in I was like, yes!," Stowe commented.

Midway through the third, Wilton nailed a baseline jumper to push the Fort Sumner/House lead out to 11 at 32-21. Carly Gonzales scored four straight to get the Panthers back within seven, but they would get no closer. At the end of three it was the Vixens taking a 35-27 lead into the fourth.

In fourth following a Gonzales free throw it was a 39-35 game, but the Vixens responded with a 8-1 scoring run. The game clinching run was sparked by a Torres and-one play and from there it was a combination of defense and timely free throws and rebounding to seal the victory.

"Our whole focal point against this team was stop the drive first, run at their shooters, and rebound. They got away from us a few times in transition but for most of the game we did a good job. We are led by six great seniors and I'm proud of them and all the girls," Segura said.

Final Stats

Fort Sumner/House

Abby Wilton 13 points 13 rebounds

Claudia Torres 13 points 5 rebounds

Karla Paredez 12 points

16-45 (36%) FG

4-11 (36%) 3PT

13-25 (52%) FT

Penasco

Carly Gonzales 15 points 20 rebounds

Bianca Contreras 9 points 3 assists

13-53 (25%) FG

1-16 (6%) 3PT

11-18 (61%) FT

Related: Play-by-Play from the game