NW New Mexico News

The KCHS Lady Broncos have advanced to the State Championship after a resilient comeback victory against Valencia. Despite a challenging first half, the team rallied to secure the win and move forward in the competition.

In a post-game conference, Coach Manning acknowledged Valencia's strong initial performance, particularly their effective one-two zone defense that caused difficulties for the Lady Broncos. However, halftime marked a crucial turning point for the team.

Coach Manning humorously mentioned "ripping them" at halftime but clarified that they focused on setting achievable goals for the second half. The primary objective was to reduce their deficit to under five points before the fourth quarter, which they accomplished. Manning emphasized that entering the final quarter with a close score made it a "toss-up," and praised his players for digging deep defensively. The team's strategic defensive adjustments were pivotal, especially as their offense only started clicking midway through the third quarter.

Players echoed this sentiment of resilience. Allyson Tsosie spoke about overcoming being down at halftime and coming out stronger. Akeelah Joe reflected on an 18-3 run in the third quarter that gave them the lead, describing it as rewarding. She also highlighted stepping up offensively when needed and how their energy drives team performance.

Manning commended his players' talents, noting many possess instincts and abilities "you can't coach." He also highlighted the team's depth as a key factor in their success, allowing them to maintain pressure without losing performance quality. Players like Kaylyn Cadman were noted for significant contributions, with Manning praising several members' defensive skills.

Looking ahead, the Lady Broncos will face Gallup in the State Championship—a familiar opponent they have encountered three times this season, winning two matches but losing in overtime during the district championship. When asked about facing Gallup again, Tsosie remarked simply: "It's just Gallup. It’s another team you have to play in the championship."

Manning expressed confidence that his team would not be overwhelmed by the occasion despite having many sophomores and freshmen playing with maturity. The upcoming game against Gallup is expected to be lively and intense as both teams vie for victory.