Winslow boy's basketball team picked up where they left off last February.

Winslow, 3A defending State Champion, chalked up a victory, a first win of a new season.

Winslow's defense in the second half was the key as the Bulldogs turned a close game into a 16-point victory, 63-47, over the Flagstaff Eagles in a freedom game played in Flagstaff on Tuesday night in boy's basketball action.

Winslow boy's head coach Scott Corum praised the Bulldogs' defensive effort.

"Our defense was really good in the second half," Corum said. "We picked up our intensity and effort as well. We won all the hustle points in the second half."

In the girl's contest played at Don Petranovich Gymnasium in Winslow, Flagstaff edged Winslow, 49-45.

Jerron Jordan, Winslow girl's head coach, said the Lady Bulldogs committed turnovers and shot poorly at the charity stripe.

"Flagstaff is a solid team," Jordan said. "The lead went back and forth. We had opportunities to capitalize, but we didn't. This being the first game of the year, the game was filled with turnovers. We didn't shoot well at the free throw line. My girls played hard."

Boys

Winslow 63, Flagstaff 47

Winslow began the game with intensity. The Bulldogs took a six-point lead, 14-8, at the end of the first quarter.

Flagstaff stormed back in the second quarter. The Eagles outscored Winslow, 16-9, to take a 24-23 lead at the end of the first half.

The Bulldogs stepped up in the third quarter. with a hot hand, scorching the cords for 28 points. Flagstaff settled for 10 points. Winslow held a 51-34 lead after three periods of action.

Winslow's stingy defense held Flagstaff to seven points in the fourth frame. The Bulldogs knocked down 12 points during the final eight minutes of play.

Zachary Wagner led Winslow offensively, pumping in 24 points. Darius James tallied 14 points for the Bulldogs. Dustin Richards and Tyrell Young each netted eight points for Winslow.

Winslow will not see acton until after Thanksgiving holiday. The Bulldogs entertain the Page Sand Devils next Tuesday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Winslow.

Girls

Flagstaff 49, Winslow 45

The game was close and the lead see-sawed throughout the 32 minutes of action.

Flagstaff held a 10-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Eagles and Lady Bulldogs played evenly throughout the second quarter. Flagstaff and Winslow both tallied 11 points apiece. The Lady Eagled took a 21-20 advantage into the dressing room for halftime.

Flagstaff outscored Winslow, 13-9, in the third quarter. The Lady Eagles took a 34-29 lead at the end of the third stanza. Winslow outpointed Flagstaff, 16-15, during the final eight minutes of play.

"Flagstaff led for majority of the game, but not by very much," Jordan said. "Our girls matched Flagstaff's intensity. We just couldn't get over the hump. Our girls put in a good effort."

Kylie Begay pumped in 14 points and Kelli Mitchell added 13 point to lead Winslow.

Emma Doskiez and Sheridan Edgewater both tallied 16 points for Flagstaff.

Jordan said the Lady Bulldogs will take a couple days off before hitting the hardwood for practice after Thanksgiving holiday, in preparation for 3A defending State Champion Page Lady Sand Devils. Winslow hosts Page next Tuesday, November 27 in a 6 p.m. game in Winslow.