Chap, Basic meet for volleyball title

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 | 9:24 a.m.

Chaparral's boys volleyball team has lost just twice all season. Tonight, the Cowboys will have a chance to avenge both defeats and capture a state championship all at the same time.

Chaparral rallied for a thrilling 9-15, 15-11, 15-12, 9-15, 15-13 victory over Centennial Tuesday night, setting up a rematch with Basic in the 2002 NIAA/ U.S. Bank 4A State Championship.

The Cowboys (22-2) and Wolves (24-0) will play at 7 p.m. at Chaparral High School.

Trailing 13-11 in the deciding game, Chaparral -- the defending state champion -- scored the final four points to overcome the Bulldogs (18-3). The Cowboys got 61 assists from Chris Golightly, 33 kills from David Garrard, 22 kills from Russ Ellsworth and 12 kills, nine blocks and six digs from Greg Rhodes.

Centennial's Daniel Wright had 55 assists and Casey Evans added 28 kills.

Basic advanced with a 15-6, 15-9, 15-12 win over Palo Verde (15-7) behind 55 assists from Chris Stolworthy, 16 kills and six digs from Shaun Muaina and 11 kills from Derek Jappe.

The Panthers finished the 18-hole course with a five-golfer total of 181, followed by Galena (385), Bishop Gorman (393), Bonanza (394) and Coronado (397).

Coronado's Matt Edwards leads all individuals after shooting a four-under 68. Durango's Mitch Carlson and Galena's Bryson Young are tied for second at 71.