Valley Christian girls basketball is all about defense. That aspect was on display again Saturday as the Trojans bid for their second consecutive 2A championship.

Plugging the middle and making every shot Thatcher took in the paint a tough one, Valley Christian made a close game a rout in the second half with a 53-35 triumph over the Eagles at Tims Toyota Center in Prescott Valley.

Although not perfect like last year's title squad, Valley Christian and coach Scott Timmer were more than pleased with a 28-2 record and a second state title in as many years. Thatcher, which last won a 2A crown in 2004, finished its season 27-4.

Leading the way as she has all season for Valley Christian was senior guard Ashton Wolf. Wolf scored nine points in the first period helping the Trojans to a 13-10 lead. Wolf ran into foul trouble in the second period and sat a good portion of the period. Thatcher made a move, cutting the margin to 21-19 at intermission.

It didn't take long for Valley Christian to regroup as Wolf continued scoring and the Trojans' 3-point game came to life in the form of Tana Kemmer. Kemmer, who sank seven 3s in the semifinal win ove Pima on Friday, made three 3s in the third period. She hit another - her fifth of the game - early in the final period and double-digit lead was secured for the rest of the contest. Kemmer finished with 15 points.

Any chance Thatcher had of rallying in the final period was dimmed by the lack of any outside or 3-point perimeter game. The Eagles did not make a 3 in the game and weren't looking to take many. They took their chances inside and couldn't get enough production to keep up with the Trojans.

Wolf, who averaged 20 points game, concluded her career with a game-high 24 points. Her scoring as usual came off steals, penetration, put backs and the occasional 3-pointer.

Also going out an a high note for Valley Christian was senior Stacey Jones, who worked her back to play the final three weeks of the season after an injury suffered playing volleyball.

Jones scored 12 points in her finale and along with Luann Bone made the middle tough going for Thatcher. Katelynn Rowan led Thatcher with seven points. Three other Eagles had six points each.