Volcano Vista stuns unbeaten Rio Rancho with last-second dunk

Volcano Vista ended Rio Rancho’s unbeaten run with a 68-66 victory in a dramatic Albuquerque Metro Championships semifinal, sealing the game on a last-second play that split the defense and finished with a dunk by David Lunn with about four seconds remaining. The win sends Volcano Vista into the metro boys final against Cleveland and avenged an earlier-season loss to Rio Rancho.

The semifinal was a back-and-forth contest from start to finish, with momentum swinging between both clubs as lead changes and clutch possessions defined the second half. Lunn’s decisive drive and finish capped a tense closing sequence; the play unfolded after hard-fought possessions that left both teams exchanging stops and late-timeouts before the final sequence. The finish preserved a narrow margin after an intense stretch in which neither side could create separation.

Standout performances on both teams energized the crowd and underscored why this pairing drew so much attention. Rio Rancho entered the night unbeaten and carried that confidence into key stretches, while Volcano Vista answered with timely scoring and defensive stands that set up the late opportunity. The outcome is notable not only for the upset result against a team that had not lost all season, but for the psychological swing it delivers heading into the championship round.

Beyond the immediate scoreboard, the result matters to the local basketball community. For Rio Rancho, the loss ends a signature streak and will prompt reflection on late-game execution in pressure situations. For Volcano Vista, the victory provides momentum and a measure of redemption after an earlier-season defeat to the same opponent. Fans across Sandoval County who followed Rio Rancho’s run will now be watching how the program regroups for the remainder of the season.

Volcano Vista’s upcoming matchup with Cleveland shapes up as a tactical test. The final will present different matchup challenges and will put a spotlight on which team can sustain late-game poise under tournament pressure. Ticket demand and turnout at the final are likely to be strong after a semifinal that featured dramatic swings and a game-winner in the final seconds.

Our two cents? This game was a reminder that unbeaten records are never guaranteed and that late-game fundamentals win championships. If you root for either side, show up to the final and back the players — close games like this are what high school sports in Sandoval County are all about.