Defense wins championships.

Or so the saying goes.

Buena Vista exemplified that saying on Friday in their regular-season finale at home against Iraan and were honored as co-champions of Class 1A Region II District 10. The Lady Longhorns held the Bravettes to four points in the first quarter and 11 points the rest of the contest in their 34-15 victory.

“The defense was a lot better today. Our offense, we struggled a little we’re putting the ball in the basket. But we were able to combat that with a more intense defensive game Buena Vista head coach Jose Martinez said. “That’s because of their hard work and hustle, just the willing to sacrifice and trust that their teammates are going to do their job.”

Buena Vista offense improved as the game went on after an unusually slow start from the Longhorns.

Martinez’s squad scored four points in the first quarter, followed by nine, 10, and 11-point quarters to conclude the game.

Mariana Sanchez, the Longhorns leading scorer a majority of the season, helped kickstart her team’s offense with a five-point second quarter on her way to tallying a game-high 12 points. Sanchez matched her second quarter point total in the final eight minutes of play.

Her effort was recognized by her head coach following Friday’s win.

“Mariana stepped up and she really caused some big momentum swings for us in that fourth quarter when we were able to separate,” Martinez said.

Kylie Dominguez added nine points for the Longhorns.

Abigail Smith netted a team-high four points for Iraan.

The victory for Buena Vista earned them a bye in the bi-district round of the Class 1A playoffs. The Longhorns finished the regular season with a 12-3 record.

Iraan will play Balmorhea at Fort Stockton High School in the bi-district round of the playoffs on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m.