Artesia downs Highland to win program's first state title since 1997

Mar. 15—As far as the Bulldogs are concerned, the blue trophy is going back right where it belongs.

Artesia knocked off defending champion Highland 55-48 in the boys 4A final Saturday at the Pit, winning the program's first state title since 1997.

The second-seeded Bulldogs (21-9) chipped their way out of an early first quarter hole before leaning on their defense to take a 23-15 lead at halftime. Artesia was able to keep eighth-seeded Highland at arm's length until a late rally cut the Hornets' (18-15) deficit to five — one they were never able to overcome.

"(Former Artesia basketball coach Bubba Jennings) sent me a text earlier yesterday and just wished us luck," Bulldogs head coach Michael Mondragon said in a postgame press conference. "He said, 'hey, bring that blue trophy home where it belongs.' That was our goal from the beginning."

Mondragon led Artesia to the 4A state final in 2021, falling 52-41 to Del Norte.

With Saturday's victory, the Bulldogs — known for their highly-successful football program — now have three basketball titles in school history.

Artesia junior Charlie Campbell overcame a slow start to score a team-high 15 points (13 in the second half) and nine rebounds. Fellow juniors Trent Egeland and Cael Houghtaling added 12 and 11 points, respectively, and grabbed seven boards each to help Artesia outrebound Highland 40-34.

The Bulldogs made only two threes on the day, but shot 43.9% from the field and made 63% of their free throws to the Hornets' 40% from the line.

Highland senior and leading scorer Jesus Licon scored a game-high 18 points, but only three in a first half that saw an extensive Hornets scoring drought. One of the most prolific shooters in state history, Licon made just four of 16 attempted threes.

"(We had) to be active," Mondragon said of his team's plan for Licon. "Making sure it's not just one guy guarding one — it's five guarding one ... We did a really good job of that today. He got loose a couple times, but palms up, standing straight up, staying steady and playing great team defense (was the key)."

Highland junior Juan Limas and senior DJ Spruell added 12 and 11 points, respectively. No other Hornet scored more than three on a day where Highland shot just 30.6% from the floor (24% from three) and largely struggled to finish at the rim.

"We probably missed 10 (or) 11 layups," Highland coach Justin Woody said. "And it's a credit to them and their size and strength. We just weren't ever comfortable around the basket."

After Licon drilled a three on the opening possession, Highland took control and raced to an 8-3 lead minutes into the first quarter. But Artesia steadied itself on defense and proceeded to rip off a 21-3 run deep into the second before closing the first half up nine points.

Even with Licon scoring 10 in the third, Highland never truly threatened Artesia until Licon stole a pass and scored at the rim to cut the Bulldogs' lead to five late in the fourth. Once again, Artesia found its poise and rode out a chaotic final minute to notch a long-awaited state title, an emotional celebration spilling out onto the Pit court.

"Happy for our town, happy for our community," Mondragon said. "And that blue trophy is going back south where it belongs."

—

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