Rancho Solano guard Tyson Legner has been banged up much of the season, but with the playoffs in full swing and title game Saturday this was no time to ease off.

Legner was in high gear in the 3A boys final taking the ball to the basket often to the tune 23 points as he helped lead the fifth-seeded Mustangs to their second state title in three years with a 46-35 win over No. 3 Trivium Prep at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Rancho Solano toughened itself with some grueling competition in invitationals against larger schools and many of the top teams in 2A. The Mustangs ended the season 18-14, but the slighly better than .500 record feels good with a trophy attached. Trivium Prep posted its best season yet in its short existence with a 28-3 mark under coach Ryan Nelson.

Legner aggravated his sore knee in Friday's semifinal win over Alchesay. He prepared himself to disregard the irritation.

"Before the game it still hurt and was a little tight," Legner said. "Once it got going adrenelin took over. If it hurts tonight, I won't care."

Legner become a factor offensively in the second quarter scoring five points in the period as Rancho Solano's 13-4 advantage in the quarter led it to a 24-16 halftime edge. He took pressure off teammate Hunter Ruck, who kept the Mustangs afloat with 13 first-half points and finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Legner weaved his way to 16 of his 23 points in the second half.

 "Tyson's been bothered by the knee a lot this year," Rancho Solano coach Aaron Trigg said. "He's one of the toughest kids I've been around both mentally and physically. He brings so much to the table. Every team he's played on has been a winner."

Rancho Solano guard Tyson Legner scores in the fourth quarter vs. Trivium Prep. (Azpreps365 photo).

Trivium Prep didn't go away in the second half after trailing by eight. It stayed within striking distance and pulled within 38-35 with 1:52 to play on a layup by John Jeanesse.

Rancho Solano ran some time off the clock and drew a foul that didn't have it in the bonus yet. They regrouped and Legner began a hell-bent drive to the hoop with 1:08 left bumping the lead to 40-35.

Trivium attempted  several shots, including a couple threes, but couldn't convert. The Mustangs Jackson Seagrave hit four of four free throws in the final 30 seconds. Legner finished the win with a break-away layup in the final three seconds.

Jake Taylor led Trivium Prep with 12 points. The Crimson Knights shot just 34 percent from the field for the game and 1 for 10 from three-point range.