Desert Mountain's start to the 2018-2019 season wasn't a successful one in terms of wins and losses. But a 1-4 record at the Miner Webster Jamboree didn't discourage coach Alicia Sanchez and she was right to feel that way. 

Desert Mountain hasn't lost since and capped the first half of its season with a 50-48 victory over St. Paul (Calif.) to win the Kirk Pointer Bracket of the 22nd Nike Tournament of Champiions at the Powerhouse Hoops Facility. It was the second time Desert Mountain defeated St. Paul, edging the Swordsmen, 40-38, in a preliminary game on Wednesday.

Desert Mountain's winning streak is up to 12 with Saturday's triumph and the Wolves are 13-4 overall. They sport an umblemished 8-0 mark in power-ranking games, which also has them No. 1 in the 5A power rankings.

Sanchez knew the rigorous set of games Desert Mountain faced at the Jamboree that included Gilbert (5A), Valley Vista (6A), Mountain Pointe (6A) and Pueblo (4A) would be a challenge. All of those teams are in the top-10 of their respective conference power rankings.

"We wanted some tough teams to open the year and see where we were at," Sanchez said. "That tournament helped us figure out our roles. Who the scorers are going to be, who our best defenders are. We found our identity."

In Saturday's title game, the scorers were true to form. Junior Sophie Gerber capped a terrific game with big points late. Gerber finished with a team-high 20 points. Nine of those came in the fourth quarter -- all in the final two minutes. A three, transition layup, driving layup and two free throws by Gerber were enough to hold off St. Paul.

Tournament most valuable player and the team's top scorer thus far - senior Kelsea Hurley - checked in with 14 points. Twelve of those were in the first half helping the Wolves claim a 29-24 lead at intermission. Earlier in the tournament Hurley registered her 1,000th career point. Point guard Jaedyn O'Reilly chipped in with nine points.

St. Paul, which trailed nearly the entire game but never relented when down eight of nine points at times, got a game-high 21 points from guard Sunshine Huerta. Huerta sank three threes in the final perio to keep the pressure on. Ludovica Albanelli was right behind Huerta with a 19 points.

HOW THE 22 ARIZONA SCHOOLS COMPETING FARED IN THE FOUR-DAY TOURNAMENT

Desert Mountain 4-0; Pinnacle 3-1, Highland 3-1, Gilbert 3-1, Chaparral 3-1, Valley Vista 2-2, Sabino 2-2, Chandler 2-2, Queen Creek 2-2, Millennium 1-3, Seton Catholic 1-3, Perry 1-3, Hamilton 1-3, Mesquite 1-3, Williams Field 1-3, Westview 1-3, Basha 1-3, Boulder Creek 1-3, Casteel 1-3, Red Mountain 1-3, Desert Ridge 1-3, Campo Verde 0-4. COMBINED RECORD: 36-52