The defense the Ignacio High School girls basketball team has leaned on all season pushed the Bobcats into the Class 2A District 3 championship game Friday in Cortez.

IHS (16-4, 12-1 San Juan League) held Dolores to one point in the third quarter of a 67-29 victory in the semifinals to advance to the title game.

“At halftime it was pretty close, and then our kids really stepped up in the second half,” IHS head coach Shane Seibel said. “They played really well coming out of halftime.”

Freshman Hilda Garcia led IHS with 20 points.

Chrystianne Valdez also made an impact in her return from injury with 10 points and six steals.

“(Her return) is at an amazing time,” Seibel said. “We’re getting a little thin at guard, so it really helps us.”

The Bobcats have assured themselves a spot in the regional tournament with a victory but can improve their seeding with a win Saturday against either Mancos or Ridgway, who played at 8 p.m. Friday. The championship game will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Cortez.

“Either team is a quality team. We’ve gotta be prepared mentally,” Seibel said. “Quite frankly, they’ve got to play well to win it. I think either team is going to be a fantastic challenge.”

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