The fourth year was a charm for Rock Point Lady Cougars head coach Andrew Reed.

After chasing the gold ball, signifying a State Championship, for three years, Reed hit the jackpot, earning an initial state title last Saturday.

Rock Point knocked off Baboquivari, 69-61, for the 1A girls' state championship before a large crowd at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley.

Rock Point completed its season with an outstanding 26-4 overall record. The Lady Cougars finished with an 11-1 1A North Region record. Rock Point garnered the 1A North Regional Tournament championship.

Among Rock Point's four losses were a 55-46 defeat to Chinle Lady Wildcats in the Choice Wireless Tournament; a 44-38 defeat at the hands of Durango, (Colorado), during the regular season. A 31-25 defeat at the expense of Aztec; and a 58-49 loss to St. Michael Lady Cardinals.

Enroute to earning the state championship, Rock Point eliminated Mayer, 65-48, in the state tournament play-in. The Lady Cougars defeated Williams, 64-42, in the state tournament quarterfinals. Rock Point edged Fort Thomas, 45-41, in the state tournament semifinals.

Reed, who completed his fourth year as Rock Point's head mentor, said winning the state title means a lot to the players.

"They've (players) been working hard for this second half of the season," Reed said. "As a coach, I had to step back and figure out where we need to improve. Once we figured out, everything worked out for us. Winning the state title is awesome. i've been chasing that gold ball for three years."

Reed continued, "Of course I've won three regional championships, but my overall goal was the state title."

Reed said the Lady Cougars worked hard to bring the state title back to the community of Rock Point, which is located on the Navajo Nation in the northeast corner of northern Arizona, near the Four Corners area.

"I believed the community of Rock Point deserves a state title," Reed stated. "I'm glad I was was the one to bring one (state championship) back to them. Lastly, we (Lady Cougars) were representing the Navajo Nation and surrounding schools on the reservation. We take pride in our culture, language and tradition. We are pleased to have our Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez support us during the state championship game. Thank you, President Nez."

As the horn sounded on the game time clock, signifying the end of the game, Reed said it was an awesome feeling.

"It was a major relief to get the monkey off our back," Reed said. "I was more excited for my team, than myself, because they (Lady Cougars) deserved it (state title)."

State championship team members include starters, junior guard. co-captain Tierra John; junior forward, co-captain Rylisha Begay; senior guard Taitlyn Woody; freshman forward Arianne Begay; sophomore center Tamira John.

Team members include, freshman guard forward June Yazzie; freshman guard Sasha Chee, sophomore guard Danielle Johnson; sophomore guard Shelby Chee; junior guard forward Alanna Smiley; sophomore guard Dairah Grey; freshman guard/forward Tifanny Tallboy; senior forward Liana Blueeyes; and senior center Caitlin Yazzie.

Reed pointed out that the Lady Cougars were determined throughout the season to improve their performance.

"Some of the players play basketball year round in club play during the off season, summer league and summer tournaments, attend individual/team camps in the summer," Reed said. "Overall, their work and dedication paid off."

Reed said the program's future looks strong.

"This year's squad is losing only one starter and total of three seniors," Reed said. "The team is young and has a lot of experience already playing against teams in 2A, 3A and 4A level in tournament play. There is always a chance that some JV players will move up to varsity team."