Wildcats Eliminate Bulldogs, Then Finish Second in State

By Sam Conner
   The Chinle Wildcats ended the season for the Winslow Bulldogs with a 57-47 win over them in the Arizona State 3A Conference semifinals. Chinle lost in the finals to favored and highly regarded Estrella Foothills. It was the second straight state championship for the Wolves. Chinle ended its season with a 25-6 record.
   Winslow built a 16-14 first quarter lead, but scored only six points in the second period to trail 25-22 at the intermission. Chinle added to its lead in the third quarter and was up 38-32 entering the final period. The Wildcats benefitted from more than twice as many free throw attempts as the Bulldogs. Chinle was 13 of 24 from the line, while Winslow was seven of 11.
   Chinle had three players in double figures led by Mathias Claw with 16 points. Koyal Clauschee and Denzel Harvey each scored 15.
   Stacey Berg led Winslow with 13 points. Kraig Shirley and Dale Dixon added 10 points each to the Bulldogs’ total.
Winslow     16   6 10 15   47
Chinle         14 11 13 21   59
   Winslow: Matt Begay 2, Kraig Shirley 10, Stacey Berg 11, Jevon Estelle 8, Dale Dixon 10 and Micheaux Begaii 6.
   Chinle: Koyal Clauschee 15, Mathius Claw 16, Brandon Yazzie 5, Denzel Harvey 15 and Laine Yazzie 8.
   The Wildcats, who had been the only 3A team to beat Estrella Foothills this season, gave the Wolves a competitive game before losing 46-40. Mathius Claw and Denzel Harvey with 13 points each led Chinle.
   The Bulldogs finished their fine season with a 21-11 record.