The Monterey Lady Plainsmen are State Champions

Aaliyah Chavez lived up to the hype as the nation's top basketball recruit in front of a packed house, dropping 19 points in the win.

Monterey led early but did not pull away until the 2nd quarter. Usually known for their offense, the Lady Plainsmen completely locked down Liberty Hill in the 2nd quarter and only allowed one basket. The Lady Panthers shot 1-20 in that second period. Monterey turned a 3-point advantage to a 33-point advantage by the time the halftime buzzer sounded.

Liberty Hill played much better in the 3rd quarter. The Lady Panthers even hit consecutive three-point-shots to put a run together, but Monterey was always there to shut Liberty Hill down.

Ari Johnson was a force inside. Despite not feeling well, Johnson battled sickness throughout the afternoon, but she pushed through and helped lead her. She finished the contest with 12 points on 6-11 shooting, but her most impressive stats were on the boards and on defense. Johnson snagged nine rebounds, including six offensive rebounds, and six blocks.

Chavez had a rare off-shooting night. She went 8-26 from the field on Saturday but still managed to lead all scorers with 19 points. Stepping up in a big way, Ambrosia Cole once again made her presence known for this team. She led her team in rebounds with 12 and finished second in scoring behind Chavez with 16 points.

"Chavez's teammates love her, and she loves her teammates," Head Coach Jill Schneider said after the game. "I think that was on display today. The chemistry we have as a unit. I'm just proud of the whole group."

Monterey slammed the door shut in the 4th quarter when Shamari Wilkerson hit back-to-back threes to put the game to bed. Monterey dribbled out the final ten seconds to claim the Lady Plainsmen a state championship.

After the game, Cole, Chavez, Johnson, and Coach Schneider held a press conference to talk about their season. Watch that press conference below:

Monterey did what few teams ever manage to have an opportunity to do. The final goal that each team across the state suffers for during the offseason every single year. A State Championship. This is something these ladies and the larger Lubbock community will never forget.

Monterey finishes the season with a 37-5 overall record and a 5A Division II State Championship.