Allyson Tsosie Named The Graphic Designer Athlete of the Week From Kirtland Central
By Wally D
Photos by Lorenzo Montoya Jr.
For many players, greatness shows up loudly. For Allyson Tsosie, it often shows up quietly — in the right basket at the right time, in the extra rebound no one notices, in a defensive stop when momentum is slipping, and in the calm presence of a player who always seems to rise when her team needs her most.
That is exactly why the Kirtland Central sophomore has been named The Graphic Designer Athlete of the Week after helping lead Kirtland Central Broncos to another state championship run.
Tsosie finished the four-game state tournament with 67 total points, continuing a season in which she averaged 15.5 points per game while leading the state in field goal percentage at 55 percent.
Inside The Pit, her production came exactly when championship basketball demanded it.
In the quarterfinal round against Lovington, Tsosie delivered 24 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the field, knocking down 4 three-pointers, and adding 5 rebounds in Kirtland Central’s 68-25 victory.
In the semifinal against Hope Christian, she followed with 13 points, hitting 5-of-11 shots, adding 4 rebounds, and helping steady the Broncos during a key second-half push in a 61-38 win.
In the state championship game, she added 17 points, once again stepping forward in one of the biggest moments of the season as Kirtland Central secured another title.
That means in the opening round before arriving at The Pit, Tsosie scored 13 points, completing her 67-point tournament total.
Coach Manning says what makes Allyson special is that she never forces herself into the spotlight, yet constantly impacts winning basketball.
“Allyson is one of those players every coach loves because she understands the game, she stays patient, and when her moment comes, she delivers,” Manning said. “She doesn’t need attention, she just plays the right way every possession.”
That description fits perfectly.
Tsosie is a true team player — willing to do whatever the moment requires. If scoring is needed, she scores. If rebounding is needed, she rebounds. If leadership is needed, she calmly provides it without noise.
Even as only a sophomore, she already carries championship experience that began unusually early. As an eighth grader, Allyson was part of Kirtland Central’s state championship team that defeated St. Pius X Sartans, and that tournament was really the first time many saw her step forward on a big stage and help lead her team during critical moments of a title run. Even then, her calm style stood out — never flashy, just steady, confident, and ready when the moment called for it.
She remains one of those rare players who quietly controls games — humble, steady, and always ready when her team needs her most.
And usually before opponents realize it, Allyson Tsosie has already made the difference.
Congratulations to our The Graphic Designer Athlete of the Week,
Allyson Tsosie
The Graphic Designer Athlete of the Week is proudly sponsored by The Graphic Designer — your local source for custom embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, business branding, signs, banners, and creative design services. Conveniently located in Farmington, The Graphic Designer helps businesses, schools, teams, and organizations stand out with professional quality and personalized service.
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