Timberwolves vs. Cougars: East Mountain Faces Road Test in State Debut

History will be made on the hardwood this Friday as the East Mountain Lady Timberwolves step into the state tournament for the first time in program history.

The No. 9 seeded Lady Timberwolves (22-5) are set to travel to face the No. 8 Tohatchi Lady Cougars in a clash that tips off at 6 p.m. While the Cougars are postseason veterans, this game marks a monumental milestone for the Sandia Park community.

“It’s a proud moment for this group,” said East Mountain head coach Ron Drake. “They’ve worked to build a new standard here, and being the first team in school history to make the state bracket is something they’ll never forget. Now, they’re ready to show they belong.”

The Lady Timberwolves enter the tournament on the back of a perfect 8-0 run through District 5-3A. Their disciplined, defensive-first approach has been their calling card all season, holding opponents to under 40 points in the majority of their contests.

Sophomore point guard Evelyn Kannolt anchors the squad, bringing a versatile stat line of 15.9 points and 4.2 steals per game. She is joined by freshman Kate Hushman, whose presence in the paint (9.3 RPG, 63% FG) has transformed East Mountain into a multi-dimensional threat.

They face a formidable test in the Tohatchi Lady Cougars (17-13). Despite a lower overall record, the Cougars’ #8 seed reflects a brutal strength of schedule that included several 4A and 5A powerhouses. Led by freshman Jhett Dale and junior Taytm Long, Tohatchi is known for a relentless, high-pressure defense that thrives in the loud environment of the “Cougar Den.”

The matchup presents a fascinating battle of styles: East Mountain’s patient, structured half-court game against the chaotic, high-tempo energy of Tohatchi. For the Lady Timberwolves, the key to an upset will be keeping their composure in a hostile road environment during their first-ever state appearance.

The winner of Friday’s game will advance to the state quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 10, likely setting up a showdown with the top-seeded Navajo Prep.

Tohatchi Lady Cougars (Seed #8)

• Jhett Dale (Fr.): Leads the team with 12.6 points per game and 4.6 steals per game.
• Taytm Long (Jr.): The primary interior threat, averaging 4.2 rebounds per game.
• Maddie Pasquale (Sr.): The veteran facilitator with 3.1 assists per game.
• Record: 17–13 overall It’s a deceptive record with losses coming against 4-5A teams and 3A’s No. 1 Navajo Prep.

East Mountain Lady Timberwolves (Seed #9) Starters

• Evelyn Kannolt (So.): The offensive engine, averaging 15.9 points per game and the team’s “pickpocket” with 4.2 steals per game.
• Kate Hushman (Fr.): A standout freshman with an efficient 63% field goal percentage, 14.7 points per game and a team-high 9.3 rebounds per game.
• Maya Cheney (Sr.): Cheney came on strong in District 5-3A and forced defenses to pay more attention. The senior averages 5.3 points per game and 5.1 boards.
• Genesis Navarro-Chavez (Jr.): Chavez is solid and averages 4.2 points a game. It’s her ability to hit the surprise three and feisty defense that draws notice.
• Emme Naylor (Jr.): Naylor is third in scoring (6.9 points) and has displayed the ability to score in double digits. Defenses respect her game and set to double up on her.

The New Gold Standard

Regardless of the outcome of Friday’s game, the 2025-26 East Mountain Lady Timberwolves have set the gold-standard for the program and this year’s accomplishments include:

• First-ever winning season 22-5
• First-ever District Title 8-0
• First-ever District Tournament Title
• First-ever State Tournament Qualification
• School record 19-game winning streak
• School record 22 wins