Volcano Vista got a rare scare but survived and advanced to the state title game.
The top-seeded Hawks weathered a 3-point barrage and a fourth-quarter run to beat No. 4 Farmington 67-55 Thursday in the semifinals of the Class 5A state basketball tournament.
The 55 points were the most allowed by Volcano Vista this season, and the 12-point margin of victory was the second smallest.
Volcano Vista led by 23 points early in the third quarter before Farmington hit seven 3-pointers to trim the Hawks’ lead to seven points with 4:31 left in the game.
Sophomore Taejhuan Hill scored four quick points off offensive rebounds, and Jaelyn Bates iced the game with a couple of free throws.
Hill finished with 18 points and 15 rebounds, 10 of which were on the offensive end.
“Although she’s young, we really trust her,” Bates said of Hill. “She’s very strong. She allows the people to close in on her, and that’s what gets me into tiny those open shots. And she’s able to get those rebounds, she’s able to clean up the boards. She finishes really well, and she’s a great all-around player. It opens up everything for everyone.”
Natalia Chavez scored 18 points, and Bates added 13 for the Hawks (28-0), who won their 41st straight game.
The Hawks have a rematch from last year’s state championship game against No. 2 Hobbs at 6 p.m. Friday as they gun for their second straight state crown.
