Ganado Lady Hornets close regular season with commanding win over Hopi Lady Bruins

By Truman Begaye
Special to the Times

BURNSIDE, Ariz. – The Ganado Lady Hornets (16-8) wrapped up their regular season in dominant fashion, securing a 59-42 victory over the Hopi Lady Bruins (9-10) at the Ganado Pavilion on Monday night.

After a narrow loss to Chinle two nights earlier, the Hornets sharpened their focus, particularly on their shooting efficiency, and delivered a strong second-half performance to seal the win.

Junior guard Jasah McIntosh led the Hornets with 20 points, while senior guard Faith James contributed 17. Hopi’s offense was spearheaded by senior Soonwy Lomayestewa, who tallied 13 points. The first half remained a close battle, but Ganado pulled away in the third quarter, building a decisive lead that carried them to victory.

The game started with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, as turnovers marked the opening minutes. McIntosh broke the ice for Ganado with a mid-range jumper, followed by a layup from James to give the Hornets an early four-point edge.

Hopi quickly responded with junior Naomi Saufkie driving to the basket for the Bruins’ first points. McIntosh led the way with six first-quarter points, while James and sophomore center Rakal Nez each added two.

On the Hopi side, Lomayestewa led with five points, while Saufkie and senior Jordyn Lomakema chipped in two apiece. At the end of the first quarter, Ganado held a narrow 10-9 lead.

Both teams found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, matching each other point for point. McIntosh knocked down two 3-pointers for six points, while James added a 3 of her own, and freshman guard Cheyenne Denetso contributed two points.

Hopi’s Saufkie led her squad with five points, complemented by two apiece from Lomayestewa, senior Nanaba Nuvayokva, and sophomore Jayme Pawesiewma.

The teams headed into halftime with Ganado clinging to a slim 21-20 advantage.

The Hornets turned up the intensity in the third quarter, outscoring the Bruins 22-12. James and McIntosh got things rolling with back-to-back 3-pointers, creating separation on the scoreboard.

Although Lomayestewa responded with a layup at the 7:11 mark, Hopi struggled to keep pace. Costly fouls sent James to the free-throw line, where she converted three attempts, including an and-1 opportunity at the 5:18 mark. James dominated the quarter with 10 points, McIntosh followed with eight, freshman guard Jewel Curley hit a key three-pointer, and junior forward Oleshia Tsosie added a free throw.

Hopi’s offense, led by Lomayestewa’s six points, found some answers, but the Hornets entered the final frame with a commanding 43-32 lead.

Ganado ensured there would be no comeback by delivering another strong quarter, adding 16 more points to their total. Junior forward Shawntaya Smith led the charge with seven points, while Nez, Tsosie, and James each contributed two, and senior forward Megan Chaca drained a 3-pointer.

Hopi’s offense, meanwhile, slowed, managing just 10 points. Lomayestewa led with four points, while sophomore Kanala Crook, sophomore Neveah Lomintewa, and Lomakema each added two.

Ganado head coach Galen Williams credited his team’s improvement and resilience following their loss to Chinle. “I think the loss to Chinle had us reflecting on what really happened because we missed shots that could have won that game. Coming here and playing Hopi helped us regain our confidence for regionals next week,” Williams said.

Reflecting on the season, Williams remained optimistic. “The season went better than I expected. I think the girls realized we had an opportunity to grow and improve. Going into practice, we have to fine-tune our strategy and prepare for regionals.”

With the regular season behind them, both teams now turn their attention to regional tournament play. The Hornets will travel to the Bee Hółdzil Events Center in Fort Defiance to face Monument Valley in the opening round of the 3A North Regional Basketball Tournament, which starts today.

The Hopi Bruins, meanwhile, will head to Many Farms today for the opening round of the 2A North Regional Tournament.

---