Page girls basketball rolls Window Rock to return to 3A state title

The No. 3 Page Sand Devils girls basketball team defeated the No. 2 Fort Defiance Window Rock Fighting Scouts, 66-47, in the 3A state semifinals at Gila River Arena on Friday. 

Page will have another shot at the state title. Last year, it lost in the final, 41-40, to Valley Christian. 

Page's smooth ball movement and 19 assists helped spread its offense in the semifinal meeting. Page senior captain Lelisa Watson led both teams with 19 points. The Sand Devils dominated the boards, which led to 20 second-chance points. 

"We got 42 rebounds, and I feel that just proves how aggressive we played," said Page head coach Ryan Whitehorse. "We are the bigger team, and we needed to own the boards."

Page entered the locker room up 37-29 at the half. In the second half, Page would quickly return to a double-digit lead, which was maintained the rest of the way. 

Venessa James and Jana Solee each netted 16 points for Window Rock. Solee was also perfect from the line, making all five of her free throws.

Both teams traveled more than four hours for the game, and their fans came in droves. 

The Window Rock crowd was the louder of the two throughout the game, but the Page fans would get the final cheer. 

Window Rock finishes the season 22-7. Page improves to 21-9 with one game left to play. 

"Last year was very heartbreaking, losing by one point the last seconds of the game," Watson said. "I think this year, us seniors who played in the game are really wanting it this year, so we're going to work as hard as the other teams to get that golden ball."

RELATED:AIA state basketball tournament scores and schedules

Quote of the game

"It means so much. We had a really up and down season, and just getting back to the championship game proves what we've been working toward all season," said Whitehorse on returning to the final.

Standout performer

Watson tallied a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. She tacked on four assists and three steals for the Sand Devils as well. 

Up next

Page will face 12 Monument Valley for the 3A state title on Monday at Gila River Arena in Glendale.