Mustangs Mount Historic Comeback for first ever State Championship Title

Mustangs Mount Historic Comeback for first ever State Championship Title
Recap Box Score
March 16, 2026
KEY STATS:
• San Joaquin outscored MiraCosta 46-28 in the second half.
• The Mustangs shot 42.4% from the field and 78.9% from the free-throw line.
• San Joaquin recorded 20 assists on 28 made field goals, demonstrating strong ball movement.
• The Mustangs grabbed 37 rebounds, including 14 by La Ne' Dunn.
 
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Aaliyah Youngblood
Youngblood led the Mustangs with 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the field, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. She also dished out a team-high 6 assists and earned MVP honors for the State Championship for her outstanding performance.
 
The San Joaquin Delta Mustangs made history on March 15, 2026, securing their first-ever State Championship title with a thrilling 76-71 victory over MiraCosta. The Mustangs overcame a significant early deficit, showcasing remarkable resilience and offensive firepower in their comeback bid. MiraCosta surged ahead in the first quarter, outscoring San Joaquin 29-11, and maintained a 43-30 lead at halftime. However, the Mustangs steadily chipped away, winning the second, third, and fourth quarters to clinch the championship.
 
San Joaquin's second-half surge was fueled by exceptional performances from several key players. Aaliyah Youngblood, who earned MVP honors for the State Championship, led the team with 20 points on 7-of-20 shooting, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, while also dishing out 6 assists. Fajr Cuthbertson was incredibly efficient, contributing 19 points on an outstanding 7-of-8 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Marcelina Chaparro provided a crucial spark off the bench with 13 points, nailing 3 of her 4 three-point attempts, and La Ne' Dunn dominated the boards with 14 rebounds.
 
The Mustangs' collective effort in overcoming the 13-point halftime deficit underscored their championship mentality. They outscored MiraCosta 19-14 in the second quarter, 22-15 in the third, and 24-13 in the decisive fourth quarter to complete the comeback. This historic victory marks a monumental achievement for the San Joaquin Delta Women's Basketball program, culminating in their first State Championship.