Powered by Asia James, Bayle Talkalai and Jana Solee, No. 14 Window Rock Lady Scouts outlasted pesky No. 19 Show Low Lady Cougars, 67-45, in the opening round of the 3A State Tournament at Window Rock High School's Events Center in Fort Defiance on Tuesday night.

James poured in 21 points, while Talkalai added 19 points and Solee canned 16 for the Lady Scouts.

The first round of the 3A State Tournament began tonight (Tuesday) at various venues throughout the state. Opening round games were hosted by high seeds in the 24-team bracket. After tonight's first round action, the field was cut down to 16 teams.

Window Rock, 12-15, advance into the second round of the state tournament. The Lady Scouts face No. 3 Yuma Catholic this Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Gila Ridge High School in Yuma.

Show Low finished its hoops season at 16-14.

Window Rock head coach Sharon Toadecheenie said the Lady Scouts played better defense than its previous games.

"The girls played much better defense," Toadecheenie said. "We were in a slump. Defensively and offensively, the girls played much better. The girls executed. The girls had a slow start and played much better as the game progressed. It was a good win in the first round of the state tournament."

After Show Low's Cody Watson canned the opening basket, for a 2-0 lead, Window Rock rattled the cages for nine unanswered points, including four points from Bayle Talkalai.

During the final two minutes of the first period, Window Rock and Show Low both netted four points apiece. The Lady Scouts took a 13-6 lead when the first stanza ended.

Window Rock went on a 12-5 run during the initial two minutes of the second quarter, for a 24-11 advantage. During the final four minutes of the second quarter, Window Rock and Show Low traded baskets.

Window Rock's Shinezbi Teller canned a pair of charity tosses for a 26-15 lead. Show Low's Ellsworth knocked down a basket. Lady Scouts' Solee busted a basket from the perimeter. Ellsworth added a basket, cutting Window Rock's lead to nine points, 28-19 with 3:08 remaining in the second quarter.

A basket by Lexus Fabok brought Show Low within seven points, 28-21. With 26 seconds left, prior to halftime, Solee tallied a basket, lifting Window Rock to a 30-21 lead at intermission.

Window Rock started off the third quarter, with a strong 6-0 run. Talkalai hit a free throw, Ashley Hale added a basket and Solee chipped in with three points for a 36-21 lead wit 5:15 remaining in the third quarter.

Show Low's Harlie Hitchcock knocked down a pair of charity tosses and Ellsworth added a bucket from the perimeter. Window Rock's James stepped up with a three-point play, followed by a pair of treys, as the Lady Scouts broke the game wide open when the third period ended, 47-32.

Window Rock extended its lead to 57-36, after outscoring the Lady Cougars, 10-4, to begin the fourth quarter. The Lady Scouts' defense stymied the Lady Cougars, as Show Low failed the score.

Window Rock's Bayle Talkalai and James both hit bskets. Jelly Gamboa hit a pair of free throws and Hannah Barclay added a charity toss. Window Rock took a 61-39 lead.

The Lady Scouts and Lady Cougars both canned six points apiece during the final two minutes.

Fabok led Show Low with nine points and Ellsworth added eight points.