SANDIA PARK — The drought is over. For the first time in school history, the East Mountain girls basketball team has captured the District 5-3A title, punctuating a historic regular season with a 44-31 victory over Cottonwood on Senior Night on Tuesday.

The win extends the Timberwolves’ winning streak to 17 games, bringing their overall record to 20-5 and a perfect 7-0 in league play.

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Dominance from the Tip

East Mountain wasted no time asserting their will. Driven by a balanced attack, the Timberwolves jumped out to a 19-5 lead in the first quarter, fueled by six points apiece from Kate Hushman and Emee Naylor. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 28-12.

Though Cottonwood managed a 12-4 run in the final frame, the damage was already done. Hushman finished with a game-high 15 points, while Genesis Navarro-Chavez and Maya Cheney each chipped in 8 points to secure the milestone victory.

East Mountain Scoring Summary:

• Kate Hushman: 15 pts
• Genesis Navarro-Chavez: 8 pts
• Maya Cheney: 8 pts
• Evelyn Kannolt: 6 pts
• Emee Naylor: 6 pts

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A System That Works

For head coach Ron Drake, who has two state titles on his resume, this championship holds a special place. Despite being in his first year with a program that has historically struggled, Drake has transformed the Timberwolves into a powerhouse.

“It’s not a state title, but it’s close,” Drake said, visibly moved after the game. “With the kids buying into my system and getting better each day, it’s got to be in the top three [moments] for me.”

Drake identified a mid-season loss to Tucumcari—a game they lost by only two after losing by 40 the previous year—as the turning point. “I saw the shift. I told them, ‘We’re a good team.’ And then we just started rolling.”

The coach also praised his team’s maturity on an emotional Senior Night. “I told them last night: I know it’s Senior Night, but we’ve got to focus. If we win this, we win districts. They did a great job putting the emotion aside.”

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Leading Under Pressure

Senior Maya Cheney was a force on the defensive end, providing a physical presence under the basket that stifled Cottonwood’s interior game.

“I tried to treat it just like any other game,” Cheney said. “I didn’t want to get too nervous and psych myself out, but I was honestly a lot more nervous before this because it’s Senior Night and the most important game I’ve ever played.”

Reflecting on the program’s evolution, Cheney admitted the success has exceeded her wildest expectations. “I never thought this team would be able to go to state. It’s just crazy.”

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The Road Ahead

With the district trophy in hand, the Timberwolves turn their attention to the district tournament next week and the looming state tournament. While the pressure of leading a program to its first state appearance is high, Coach Drake is keeping the message simple.

“One day at a time, man,” Drake said. “One day at a time.”