Affter just missing its first state title last season in Division IV, Valley Sanders left no doubt who the D-V champ was on Saturday morning in Prescott Valley.

Valley bolted to a 22-8 lead after the first period and never let up in posting a 77-40 win over Rock Point at Prescott Vally Event Center.

A wealth of followers cheered and howled as Valley won its first crown in its third try. Fans of both teams lined up well before the gates opened and were treated to Valley's day. Valley finished its season 28-1 while Rock Point, earning its second runner-up trophy (the first in 2008), closed its season 18-3. Valley lost to Phoenix Christian in last year's title game, 67-61.

The game marked the third meeting between the schools this season and all went Valley's way easily. A thorn in Rock Point's side in each contest was junior guard Cherelle Speen. Speen tallied 21 points in this one -- 19 in the first half. Three of her baskets were threes.  In the previous two games Speen scored 28 and 24. Joining Speen in double figures were senior Latisha Nastacio  and freshman Yaliyah Yazzie. Both tallied 13 points.

Six players sank threes for Valley, who other than the perimeter bombs, were busy outracing Rock Point in transition with layups. It was similar to the first two meetings in which Valley won 65-45 and 81-64.

"They've been wanting it for years and years," Valley coach Dee Mitchell, an assistant coach last year and a member of the Sanders community since 1988, said. "Last year they lost by (six). This year they wanted it bad. The seniors wanted it bad. It's a good feeling."

Crystanya Begay led Rock Point with 14 points, 13 in the second half. Pashen Johnson added 11 points and Keandra Sam chipped in seven.

Valley's only loss came in December to D-III semifinalist Chinle. They also defeated D-IV title-game participant Ganado twice -- both one-point victories.