Mariah Graves is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Rancho Solano Prep for AZPreps365.com

Rancho Solano exploded for 28 fourth-quarter points to turn a close game into a 55-36 victory over Sequoia Charter on Friday night.

The defending state champions (15-2) are on a six-game win streak and still sit on top of the 2A Valley region with two games remaining on their schedule.

After trailing 12-6 at the end of the first quarter, the Stallions (7-10) put the clamps on the Mustangs to take a 16-15 halftime lead. However, Rancho Solano's offense picked up in the third quarter, enabling the Mustangs to take a 27-23 lead into the final period.

Rancho Solano sophomore Royce Ramos used his many open shots behind the 3-point line and confidence to finish as the top scorer of the night with 18 points.  However, Ramos thought the Mustangs were undisciplined both on the offensive and defensive end and weren't working together as a unit. 

“That’s just not who we are as a team,” Ramos said. “We really just needed to come together and rally together.” 

According to Ramos, ball movement is the most important thing when trying to run an offense. 

“Ball movement is what got us into the offensive rhythm that brought us up. To widen the gap, to close out the game,” he said. 

Rancho Solano senior Evan Punches said the team performed a little slow the first half but they were able to push through and finish strong. 

To improve for the next game Punches said, “We’re going to continue to move the ball and our energy comes from defense. Getting defensive stops translates to good offense for us.” 

Mustangs coach Aaron Trigg said mentally the team wasn’t in a very good place to start the game. 

“We weren’t disciplined enough and we weren’t locked in enough," Trigg said. "Fortunately, we were able to respond well and compete better in the second half."

He also said that it was a learning experience for the team. 

“You can't take any plays off, quarters off, otherwise anybody at this time of the year can beat you,” Trigg said. “I was proud we bounced back and played better in the second half.” 

Considering playoffs are near, Trigg says to keep the team’s momentum going they have to stay focused every day. 

“It’s much as a mental challenge as a physical one where every day you have to show up, be locked in and ready,” Trigg said. “Every possession is important to go out and win.”  

Trigg said, “If we can do that, then we are going to continue to be good. If not, anybody has a chance to knock us off if we are not focused every step of the way.” 

With the Mustangs final two games of the regular season coming up, Trigg is focusing most on execution. 

“We have to be able to execute our offense and defense better. And we need to get some more shots up,” Trigg said. “We are a little too streaky shooting the ball right now. If we can fix those two things, then I think we will be in a good place.” 

Rancho Solano (15-2) hosts Cicero Prep Academy (9-5) at 7 p.m. Monday. 

Sequoia (7-10) hosts Sequoia Pathway Academy (1-9) at 5:30 p.m. Monday.