Rehoboth rolls past Hózhó, advances to district championship game

By Truman Begay
Special to the Times

REHOBOTH, N.M. – The Rehoboth Christian Lynx (19-8) extended their winning streak to 13 games with a commanding 79-36 victory over the Hózhó Academy Wolves (15-11) in the District 1-2A tournament semifinal game on Wednesday night at Rehoboth High School.

Junior guard Trajen West led the charge with 17 points, while senior Michael Murrow and sophomore Thijs Meester each contributed 16 points. For Hózhó Academy sophomore guard Abraham Azua scored 18 points.

The Lynx wasted no time setting the pace in the first quarter, as senior Kristian Touchine opened the scoring with a fastbreak layup. Touchine led all players in the quarter with eight points on four field goals, while West and Murrow each added six, and freshman Simon Frederiksen chipped in four.

Meanwhile, Hózhó Academy struggled to keep up, with Azua leading the way on four field goals and a free throw for eight points. Despite their efforts, the Wolves trailed 24-16 heading into the second quarter.

Rehoboth’s defense tightened in the second quarter, holding Hózhó Academy to just four points while adding 17 of their own. Meester spearheaded the scoring effort with eight points, while Touchine, West, and Frederiksen each added a field goal. Azua and junior center Wyatt Piano were the only Wolves to contribute as they combined for four points.

By halftime, Rehoboth had stretched its lead to 41-19.

The Lynx maintained their momentum in the third quarter, though the Wolves began to find some offensive rhythm, adding 13 points.

However, Rehoboth continued to widen the gap, outscoring their opponent 14-13 in the frame. Murrow led the way with 10 points, while Meester, Touchine, and West each added a field goal.

For Hózhó, Azua put up five points, while three other players contributed baskets. By the end of the quarter, the Lynx held a commanding 55-32 lead.

Rehoboth closed out the game in dominant fashion, outscoring the Wolves 22-4 in the final period. West led the quarter’s scoring with seven points, while Meester added six.

Following the game, Rehoboth head coach Kevin Zwiers reflected on the win and his team’s approach.

“Yeah, we won the game, and we got through it so we can play for a district championship on Friday,” he said. “Our strategy is the same in every game—play defense, rebound, and shoot the ball on offense. We have a lot of offensive weapons, and if the ball keeps moving, somebody will make a shot for us.”

Zwiers also touched on the Lynx’s 13-game winning streak and the journey that led them to this point.

“We played a really tough preseason, and we’re a team that hasn’t played together a whole lot, so we did a lot of learning and growing during that time,” Zwiers said. “Now, we’re starting to see that come together—we’re developing the chemistry we need, and the guys are playing well right now.”

With the district championship now in sight, the Lynx turn their attention to the title game, where they will host the Dulce Hawks on Friday at Rehoboth Christian High School. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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