Farmington and Navajo Prep Advance to Marv Sanders Final Saturday

Farmington High rolled into the championship game with a convincing 70 to 46 semifinal victory over Window Rock on December 12, powered by senior scoring and a decisive run after halftime. Senior guard Kjani Anitielu finished with 25 points, including 13 in the first half, and senior forward Caris Dale added 19 points as Farmington separated itself through efficient offense and pressure defense.

The early phases of the game featured tight exchanges, but Farmington began to pull away late in the second quarter and extended its margin in the third quarter. Key sequences came when Farmington converted on transition opportunities following forced turnovers, creating a swing in momentum that Window Rock could not overcome. Turnovers and rebounding battles defined stretches of the game, and Farmington converted those chances into a deep scoring advantage by the fourth quarter.

In the other semifinal, Navajo Prep edged Volcano Vista 51 to 45 in a matchup that stayed within reach until the final minutes. Kameron Dale led Navajo Prep with 19 points and Leilani Wood contributed 16, a tandem performance that carried the team through a series of momentum swings. Volcano Vista mounted runs of its own, but Navajo Prep countered with timely baskets and defensive stops late in the game, preserving a six point margin at the final whistle.

Coaches from both schools praised the leadership and execution of their seniors after the games, highlighting how experience and composure influenced key possessions. The wins set up a title game at Scorpion Arena on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. that will draw fans from across the county and renew historic competition between the programs. The matchup resonates locally because both schools have established traditions of strong tournament play and a long standing rivalry that fuels attendance and booster support.

For San Juan County the game matters beyond the court. A title game featuring two nearby schools boosts local engagement, provides exposure for student athletes, and supports nearby businesses through increased foot traffic on game day. The tournament run also offers tangible examples for youth programs in the county, reinforcing pathways for players who seek to compete at the varsity level.