Chinle's defense stymied Show Low, while senior Jason John stepped up to provide the offensive punch in the second quarter as the Wildcats eliminated Show Low Cougars, 67-42, in the second round of the boy's 3A State Tournament before a large crowd in Ganado High School's Hornet Pavilion at Burnside Junction, Arizona on Saturday night.

Show Low could muster 11 points, while Chinle's hot shooting Wildcats poured in an impressive 31 points during the second quarter.

John canned 13 points of his 16 points, including three treys during Chinle's offensive rally in the second period.

Chinle's win over Show Low was the Wildcats' second victory over the Cougars this year. Chinle defeatred Show Low, 58-44, on December 4 in Show Low.

Veteran Chinle head coach Raul Mendoza was he was proud of the Wildcats' defense and offensive performane by John in the second period.

"A great defensive effort in the second quarter and offensively, Jason John gave us a big lift," Mendoza said.

A basket by Brian Reed and Aahron Villalba added a three-pointer gave Show Low a 5-2 lead early in the first quarter. Chinle scored six unanswered points for an 8-5 lead with 1:18 remaining in the second stanza. Colton McGinnis' buzzer beater bucket lifted Show Low to a 9-8 lead when the first period expired.

With 4:13 remaining in the second quarter, Chinle's Begay connected on a pair of free throws, giving the Wildcats a 19-17 advantage.

Chinle held Show Low scoreless, while the Wildcats rallied for 12 unanswered points for a 31-17 lead with 1:58 remaining in the second quarter.

Brian Reed's three-pointer broke Show Low's scoreless streak with 1:30 left. During the final minute of the second period, Chinle's John knocked down a pair of baskets from the perimeter, Cael Denetdeel tallied a bucket and Begay's buzzer beater layup gave the Wildcats a 39-20 halftime lead.

Show Low's Villalba knocked down the initial four points to begin the third quarter, as Chinle held a 39-24 lead. Chinle went on an amazing run during the third quarter. The Wildcats scored 21 unanswered points during the rally. A basket by McGinnis with five seconds remaining in the third quarter ended Show Low's scoring drought. Chinle led Show Low, 60-28, when the third quarter expired.

The tempo of the game slowed down in the fourth period. Show Low tallied 14 points and Chinle hit for seven points during the final stanza.

Mendoza said the entire team contributed to the Wildcats' second round State Tournament victory.

"In the third quarter, Curtis Begay took over," Mendoza said. "Bryant Yeahquo came off the bench, gave some help when Angelo Lewis got into foul trouble."

Curtis Begay tallied 18 points, followed by Jason John with 16 points and Bryant Yeahquo added 13 points to pace Chinle.

Show Low ended its season 18-12.

Eight teams remain in the State Tournament field. Boy's teams see action this Tuesday at Findlay Toyoto Center in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

No. 4 Winslow, 23-4, meets Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, 24-4, at 1 p.m. No. 3 Paradise Honors, 22-5, takes on No. 11 Northwest Christian, 20-9, at 2:45 p.m.

No. 2 Valley Christian, 24-5, faces No. 7 Wickenburg, 21-3, at 4:15 p.m. The final game of the Elite 8 has No. 1 Chinle, 27-4, and No. 8 Tucson Sabino, 24-3, at 6 p.m.

The four Elite 8 survivors meet in the State Tournament Final Four at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona this Friday. The State Championship is scheduled for this Saturday.