Navajo Prep Boys Earn #4 Seed in First Year Under Coach Garrison
Interview with Coach Garrison
Eagles Host Hot Springs in State Tournament Opener
A new era for the Navajo Preparatory School Eagles has quickly turned into a successful one.
In his first season leading the program, head coach Coach Garrison has guided the Eagles to the #4 seed in the Class 3A State Tournament, earning the opportunity to host a first-round playoff game Saturday.
Navajo Prep will welcome Hot Springs Tigers, the #13 seed, in what promises to be an exciting postseason matchup.
A Strong First Season
Taking over a program always brings questions — new leadership, new systems, and new expectations. But Coach Garrison and the Eagles have responded with a strong season that has positioned them among the top teams in the bracket.
The Eagles have played with energy and confidence throughout the year, developing an identity built around teamwork and disciplined basketball.
That consistency helped Navajo Prep climb the rankings and secure the important top-four seed, giving them home court advantage to start the tournament.
Protecting the Home Floor
Hosting a first-round state tournament game is always special for a program, and it brings a big opportunity for the Eagles.
Playing in front of the home crowd can provide an emotional boost, and Navajo Prep will look to feed off that energy when they take the floor Saturday against Hot Springs.
But postseason basketball also demands focus.
Every possession matters, and every mistake can swing momentum quickly in a win-or-go-home environment.
Opportunity in March
While the Eagles enter as the higher seed, state tournament games rarely follow the script. Hot Springs will arrive looking to pull off an upset, while Navajo Prep hopes to use its experience and composure to advance.
For Coach Garrison, the moment represents an impressive milestone in his first season at the helm — guiding his team not only into the state tournament, but into a position to host.
Now the focus turns to execution.
The Eagles have earned their place among the top teams in Class 3A.
The next step is proving it when the tournament tips off Saturday.
Story by Walter Dorman
