PHOENIX - Sunrise Mountain girls basketball didn't win its first state title Friday night as much as it survived the 5A title game with Canyon View.
But as they've done most of their careers, the Mustangs senior trio of Reena Bhakta, MacKenzie Dunham and Mackenzie Nielsen adjusted their games to the officiating and found a way to win.
"This is the first state championship for girls basketball in the history of our school, so I think that's always something they're going to be able to take pride in when they come back. That banner will be hanging in the gym," Sunrise Mountain coach Jen Tolle said. "Things that are difficult are meaningful. It was a difficult journey for us but it definitely grew me as a coach. I know it grew the girls as players and people. It makes it really sweet might now. They were not going to leave here tonight without that trophy."
