The top-seeded Del Norte Knights captured the program’s first-ever boys basketball state championship, beating Artesia 52-41 in the 4A title game at the Pit in Albuquerque on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
“It’s just a relief, and there’s been so much buildup trying to get to this point,” said Del Norte head coach Jeron McIntosh. “Year after year, we’ve gotten close, and (this year), the kids could feel it, too. They could tell it was our year from the beginning.”
Sophomore guard Shane Douma-Sanchez scored a game-high 23 points to go with four assists to top Del Norte (12-1). “This is a dream come true for me,” Douma-Sanchez said. “I’ve been here since I was little, and I’ve been in the locker room doing everything. To finally win one with my dad here, and my friends, it feels awesome.”
Read Del Norte, Cleveland win elusive first state titles in the Albuquerque Journal.
Buy DNHS 2021 State Championship Gear (Store closes May 17, 2921)
Watch “Cleveland Storm and Del Norte Knights win first state titles” on KRQE
(Del Norte coverage starts at 1:23 mark)