Page's Jayce Salabiye (50) banks in a shot in the 2nd quarter of the 3A title game (AzPreps365 photo)

It might not have seemed like a big deal, but when Page scored the first two baskets of the fourth quarter courtesy of Jacey Salabiye and Myka Taliman Monday afternoon it was a key moment for Page coach Ryan Whitehorse. A five-point lead -- the game's biggest?

"Right then I had nothing but confidence when we had that cushion," Whitehorse said.

That cushion was just two possessions worth, but his team never let it fall below that advantage the final 6 1/2 minutes in beating Monument Valley, 41-34, to win the 3A girls basketball title at Gila River Arena.

The championship was the fifth for Page in its history and first since 2015. The Sand Devils have been a frequent participant this decade in the finals as it was their fifth appearance. Page (22-9) as runner-up last year losing by one point in the final Monument Valley made a valiant run at the title finishing 15-16, but improving as the season wore on with a lineup that starts only one senior. It was Page's third win in four tries vs. Monument Valley this season.

The hero of the day for Page offensively in a defense-dominated contest was junior Mikala Benally. Benally sank 3 of 4, 3-point baskets in the opening half helping Page stay even at 18 after the first 16 minutes. She finished with 17 points, scoring six of those in the final quarter . She finished 4 of 8 from the field and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line.

"She (Mikala) kept us in the game," Whitehorse said. "We were having trouble with turnovers. She made some big shots." 

Page's miscues in the first half were costly as Monument Valley turned 11 turnovers into 14 of its 18 points. When the game ended the turnovers were still high (20 for Page), but only two more points came off the additional nine turnovers.

"We let them get more comfortable near the end of the second quarter with our pressure falling off some," Monument Valley coach Jason Franklin said.  "We weren't as aggressive. They'r a great team and they've been here before. They were composed in the last quarter protecting the lead."

Salabiye, the only senior in Page's starting lineup, finished with seven points. Her contribution was on the boards as she grabbed 11 rebounds. Taliman added eight points and four assists, the last one to Benally in the final period for a transition layup that completed an 8-0 run for a 39-30 lead. Page was efficient from the free-throw line as a team, making 14 of 17.

Monument Valley was led in scoring by junior Taylor Nez with 14 points. Nez shot 50 percent from the field, but no other teammate came close to that as the Mustangs made just 13 of 47 shots (28 percent.