Piedra Vista girls claim Rumble in the Jungle title with win over Aztec

By Truman Begaye
Special to the Times

AZTEC — Piedra Vista left no doubt Saturday afternoon, edging host Aztec 43-39 to capture the girls championship at the 2025 Rumble in the Jungle tournament.

Senior leaders Jaime Pierce and Shahiyena John guided the Lady Panthers with 13 points apiece as Piedra Vista controlled the final moments after a tightly contested game that featured ties in both the first and third quarters.

The opening quarter reflected the tone of the matchup, with both teams attacking the basket and matching each other possession for possession. Sophomore guard Ashlynn Barney led the Panthers with four points, while Pierce added a field goal and John and senior guard Anika Stanley combined for three free throws.

Aztec answered behind junior guard Khloe Schmidt, who scored five points in the quarter. Senior Alisia Valerio added a basket, and senior guard Jazzlyn Gomez knocked down two free throws as the teams finished the period tied.

Piedra Vista gained a slight edge in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers 10-8 to take a 19-17 lead into halftime. John led the Panthers with five points in the period, while Barney, Chloe Hickman, and Stanley each contributed two.

Schmidt continued to pace Aztec alongside Gomez, who scored three points. Sophomore Kamber Martin added two as the Tigers kept the game within one possession heading into the break.

Aztec surged in the third quarter, outscoring the Panthers 15-13 to force the game’s second tie. Martin led the Tigers with five points, while Gomez and Schmidt added four apiece and junior guard Alaina Grover chipped in two.

Pierce answered for Piedra Vista with five points in the quarter, John added four, and Barney and junior forward Olivia Chavez each scored two as the teams entered the fourth quarter deadlocked at 32.

The Panthers delivered when it mattered most. Piedra Vista held Aztec to seven points in the final frame while scoring 11 of its own. Pierce took control, scoring a quarter-high six points, with John adding four to seal the championship.

Aztec made a final push at the free-throw line, with Gomez scoring three points in the quarter. Martin and Schmidt each added a basket, but the Tigers were unable to close the gap as time expired.

With the win, Piedra Vista improves to 5-2. The Lady Panthers will take a week off before returning to action Dec. 29 at Eastwood against the Troopers. Aztec falls to 5-4 and will return to the court Jan. 6 when it hosts Farmington.

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