Players off the bench played a key role for Mesquite in its latest matchup that kept the Wildcats' winning ways in order.

Kahlia Gonzales and Lyssea Mescal only tallied nine points between them, but those were huge for Mesquite in a 46-39 non-region, overtime triumph over #11 Shadow Mountain on Wednesday evening at Mesquite High.

Gonzales connected on the go-ahead basket in overtime and added a free throw late in the extra period helping keep Mesquite in front for the entire four-minute, extra session. She also tallied on a driving layup in a see-saw final period.

Mescal didn't attempt a field goal in the game, but sank 4 of 4 free throws - two in the third period and two in the final minute of overtime to close out Shadow Mountain. 

Mesquite improved to 11-5 overall and 8-1 in power-ranking games. The win extended its current winning streak to six. Mesquite is just getting started in 4A Desert Sky Region play and own a 1-0 record. Shadow Mountain slipped to 10-9 overall and 8-4 in power-ranking contests. The Matadors lead the 4A Skyline Region with a 4-0 mark.

Although held scoreless in the fourth quarter and overtime, Navae Guidry piled up 19 points to pace Mesquite. The freshman made 7 of 14 shots from the field. Guidry was the only Wildcat to score in double figures. Shadow Mountain was paced by its lone double-digit scorer - Kishyah Anderson with 19 points. 

Mesquite returns to region play on Friday hosting American Leadership Academy Queen Creek. Shadow Mountain's next game is a region home game against Tempe High.

Shadow Mountain's Syrene Sanders (3) attempts a 3-point shot in first half vs. Mesquite., (Azpreps365 photo)