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TULAROSA, NM — The Tularosa Wildcats proved why they are the class of District 4-3A on Saturday night, outlasting the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) Colts 49-42 to capture the District Tournament Championship.
In a gritty, defensive battle that lived up to the championship billing, the Wildcats relied on a balanced scoring attack and disciplined late-game execution to secure the blue trophy in front of a raucous home crowd.
Balanced Attack Secures the Win
Tularosa’s victory was a testament to their "strength in numbers" philosophy. While no single player dominated the stat sheet, the Wildcats’ depth proved too much for the Colts to overcome.
Eluciano Gonzales and Kameron Blazer spearheaded the effort with 10 points apiece, consistently finding ways to penetrate the NMMI zone. Senior leader Jacoby Apachito added 9 points, while Joe Chavez and Cameron Holguin each chipped in 8, ensuring the Wildcats had multiple scoring threats on the diamond at all times.
A Season for the Record Books
With the win, Tularosa caps off a dominant regular season and tournament run with a 24-3 overall record. The Wildcats went undefeated in district play, further cementing their status as a legitimate contender for the upcoming NMAA State Basketball Championships.
The victory marks Tularosa's eighth consecutive win, a streak that saw them sweep their season series against NMMI and dispatch other district rivals like Ruidoso and Dexter with clinical efficiency.
What's Next?
The Wildcats now turn their attention to the 2026 NMAA State Tournament. With their current 24-3 resume and a District Championship in hand, Tularosa is widely expected to earn a top-4 seed, which would grant them home-court advantage for the opening round of the state playoffs.
District 4-3A Final Standings (Post-Tournament):
1. Tularosa Wildcats (24-3)
2. NMMI Colts (17-9)
3. Ruidoso Warriors (13-15)
4. Dexter Demons (12-14)
Stay tuned to KALHradio.org the voice of the Tularosa Wildcats and AlamogordoTownNews.org for further updates