A Season of Firsts: East Mountain’s record run halted by Lady Cougars

March 7, 2026

TOHATCHI — A historic, record-breaking season for the East Mountain Lady Timberwolves came to an end Friday night as the perennial powerhouse Tohatchi Lady Cougars utilized a suffocating interior defense to secure a 59-34 victory in the opening round of the state basketball tournament.

Tohatchi (18-13), a program with multiple state titles, used its home-court advantage and postseason experience to stymie an East Mountain offense that had won 19 straight games entering the contest.

The Lady Timberwolves (22-6) struggled early against the Lady Cougars’ “clogged” paint, trailing 14-10 after the first quarter. The deficit widened significantly in the second period as Tohatchi went on an 18-4 run, sending East Mountain to the locker room trailing 32-14.

“It was just one of those games where we got down early and it was hard to come back,” said East Mountain head coach Ron Drake. “I think we cut it to two at one time, but then we missed about six free throws and six layups in a row. A little bit of nerves, maybe, because it was our first time here.”

Sophomore Evelyn Kannolt led the Lady Timberwolves with 18 points, while Kate Hushman added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Senior captain Maya Cheney anchored the glass with nine rebounds in her final high school game, and Emee Naylor contributed two boards and three steals.

Despite the loss, the 2025-26 campaign stands as the “gold standard” for East Mountain basketball. Under Drake’s leadership, the team achieved the biggest turnaround in the state, securing the program’s first-ever winning season, a perfect 8-0 district title, and its first state tournament qualification.

“Building a program is a process,” Drake said. “Not too many teams I’ve coached got there in the first season. This was so good for them. I loved this season.”

Drake, who is currently awaiting results from a PET scan and MRI before beginning radiation treatment, told parents and players that the off-season work begins in April. The program has already scheduled team camps in San Diego and local tournaments for June.

“I feel bad for the seniors, but Maya has improved so much from the first time she played to now,” Drake said of his senior captain. “I wish I had her for one more year, but she’s on her way to college.”

Tohatchi advances to the next round, while East Mountain heads home with a school-record 22 wins and a foundation for the future.