Clovis, Mayfield meet for fifth time in finals

ALBUQUERQUE — It'll be just like old times this afternoon at the Pit.

When Clovis High's girls face Mayfield for the Class 5A state title at 4 p.m., it'll be the fifth time since 1999 that the teams have faced off in the finals, including three times in a four-year span from 2004-07.

CMI correspondent photo: Joshua Lucero

Wildcat sophomore guard Danni Williams hits a lay up late in the fourth quarter of the Wildcats game against the La Cueva Bears Thursday afternoon at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho.

This could be considered a rubber match, since the teams have split the previous meetings.

Top-seeded and top-ranked Clovis (29-2) and No. 2 Mayfield (28-2) have similar styles, CHS coach Jeff Reed said.

"They're a lot like us," he said. "They like to press and half-court-trap. They play good halfcourt defense and they run when they can.

"I think it's going to be a thing about who's got the most energy."

Mayfield struggled on Friday before pulling out a 56-54 semifinal win over sixth-seeded and defending champion Volcano Vista when sophomore guard Scottie Bayles hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with five seconds left and then poked the ball away from the Hawks' Hannah Fenske at the buzzer as she tried to answer with a 3-pointer.

Reed, who anticipates a game played in the 50s or 60s, said the Lady Trojans' best player is 6-foot junior guard Daeshianna McCants, who can play inside or out. Other top players are 6-foot junior post Allie Pierce and 5-7 junior guard Melissa Lucero..

"I think it's going to be a heck of a game," Reed said. "I don't think either one of us will run away with it. It'd be nice if everybody just stepped up and we can win this thing, but Mayfield will be tough."

Fast facts

No. 1 Clovis (29-2) vs. No. 2 Mayfield (28-2)

What: Class 5A state championship game

When: 4 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Pit in Albuquerque

State titles: Clovis (5) 1977, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2005. Mayfield (3) 2004, 2007, 2011