Southwestern Heights Lady Mustangs Win 3A State Championship

The Southwestern Heights Lady Mustangs defeated Wichita Collegiate 65-59 Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena to win the class 3A state championship. The Lady Mustangs trailed by double digits at one point in the first half but rallied back to take a 33-32 halftime lead. Heights then trailed by five in the fourth quarter but rallied back to retake the lead. The Lady Mustangs were led by senior Vivian Olvera who scored 28 points in the win. Olvera was 15-18 from the free throw line. Britny Butler, Deni Jacobs, and Kathy Eakes each added nine points apiece. Heights trailed 57-53 with just 2:28 left to play when Heidi Brown hit a three pointer. After a stop defensively Olvera then drew a foul and went to the line and hit both free throws to give the Lady Mustangs the lead for good. After a quick celebration and the shaking of hands after the game the Lady Mustangs players all helped hold up Cory Sigala’s jersey. Sigala left the team on Thursday as her father Roberto passed away. The team also draped Cory’s jersey over the state championship trophy while holding it up. Lady Mustangs Head Coach Barry Mellen addressed the large Heights following in the hallway after the game and told them they are the best fans in the state and that they couldn’t have done it without them. Heights has now won three state championships in girls basketball. This is their first in 17 years, as they last had won it in 1992 when they went 26-0 under current head coach Barry Mellen. Heights athletic director Mark Webb was the head coach when the Lady Mustangs won the state title back in 1980. The Lady Mustangs finish their dream season with a 25-1 record. Heights will lose seniors Vivian Olvera, and Holly Brown, but will return the rest of this year’s team next season.