Shiprock Lady Chieftains Earn State Tournament Opportunity

Interview with Coach McCaskill

Bracket Correction Moves Shiprock to #11 Seed

The postseason just got a little more exciting for the Shiprock Chieftains.

When the Class 4A state tournament brackets were initially released, Shiprock appeared as the #14 seed. But after the New Mexico Activities Association reviewed the bracket, a correction was made on Tuesday, March 3, moving the Lady Chieftains up to the #11 seed.

With the adjustment, Shiprock will now travel to face the Bernalillo Spartans, the #6 seed, in the opening round of the state tournament.

Battle-Tested Season

Shiprock enters the tournament after navigating one of the toughest districts in Class 4A. The Lady Chieftains finished third in district, with their only losses coming against two of the top teams in the state — Kirtland Central Broncos and Gallup Bengals, who earned the top two seeds in the 4A bracket.

Competing in that kind of environment throughout the season has helped prepare the Lady Chieftains for the intensity of tournament basketball.

A Familiar Opponent

Shiprock and Bernalillo have already seen each other this season. The two teams met on January 17, just before district play began, with Bernalillo coming away with the win.

Now, the Lady Chieftains get another chance — this time on the postseason stage.

Opportunity in March

For Shiprock, simply reaching the state tournament is an accomplishment that reflects the growth and determination of the team throughout the season. Now the focus turns to embracing the opportunity ahead.

March basketball has a way of producing surprises, and teams that enter the tournament battle-tested often find themselves ready for the moment.

The Lady Chieftains will take the court with confidence, experience, and the belief that anything can happen once the ball is tipped.

And after a season of hard work, Shiprock now gets its shot on the state tournament stage.

Story by Walter Dorman