PHOENIX — After breezing through the regular season with just one loss to 4A runner-up Flagstaff the Pima Lady Roughriders showed their grit and determination in Saturday’s 2A State Championship game against Sedona Red Rock.
The Roughriders beat Sedona in last year’s title game on a last second shot in overtime. It was the first meeting between the two since that game, 333 days later.
The Scorpions started strong in the 1st quarter building an 11-2 lead. Pima was 0-17 from the floor in that quarter but never quit. They outscored Sedona 20-9 in the second quarter to take a 22-20 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was nearly as difficult as the first for Pima as they scored just 3 points. Sedona led by as many as 9 but an Aubrie Sherwood layup with 8 seconds left in the quarter got the Roughriders to within 5 at 32-27.
Sedona led 36-33 with 3:35 left in the game but the Pima defense clamped down and didn’t allow the Scorpions to score again. Pima outscored Sedona 5-0 in that span to seal the win.
Pima was led in scoring by Aubrie Sherwood’s 14 points. Ashlynn Charlson added 10 points and 15 rebounds.
The Riders finished the season 29-1 and over the last two championship seasons are 49-2.
“It was another great game between us and Sedona,” said Pima Head Coach Roy Corona. “I’m happy the way we fought back in the 4th quarter with our defense. I’m so proud of the girls.”
