Pueblo Falls to Notre Dame Prep in Open Division, Shifts Focus to 5A Tourney

Cazares 20 Points Away from State Scoring Record

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Pueblo's senior wing player America Cazares was on pace for a 60-point game and to eclipse the state's career scoring record, but No. 25 Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep pulled off a stunning 75-45 upset against No. 8 Pueblo in the Open Division opening round. Pueblo now shifts its focus to the 5A state playoffs next week, where Cazares will have at least one more opportunity to break the record of 2,913 points.

Why it matters

Pueblo's loss to Notre Dame Prep ends their hopes of advancing in the prestigious Open Division playoffs, but the Warriors remain one of the top teams in 5A and will be a contender for the state title. Cazares' pursuit of the state scoring record has drawn significant attention, and her ability to break the record in the 5A tournament will be a major storyline.

The details

Cazares scored 15 of her 28 points in the first quarter, putting her on pace for 60, but Notre Dame Prep pulled away in the second half behind 30 points from guard Lily McCracken and strong offensive rebounding. Pueblo coach Izzy Galindo acknowledged his team's height disadvantage against the taller Notre Dame Prep squad, but said his "scrappy" and shorter players will have to rely on their dribbling and shooting to compete.

  • Pueblo senior wing player America Cazares was on pace to score 60 points after the first quarter.
  • Pueblo (23-5) now shifts its focus to the 5A state playoffs that start next season.

The players

America Cazares

A senior wing player for Pueblo who is 20 points shy of the state's career scoring record of 2,913 points.

Lily McCracken

A guard for Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep who scored 30 points in the upset win over Pueblo.

Izzy Galindo

The 14-year head coach of the Pueblo Warriors.

Brooklyn Espinoza

A junior for Pueblo who has surpassed 1,000 career rebounds.

Elena Snook

A 6-foot-4 center for Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep who helped the team dominate the offensive boards.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we just need to play more as a team and move the ball around. I feel like we need to communicate more on defense and play together more.”

— America Cazares, Pueblo Senior Wing Player (allsportstucson.com)

“One of the messages I talked about back there (near the locker room) right now was you guys (his players) working on your own. America is the one who stays after practice every day — works on her dribbling, works on playing through contact, works on her shooting …”

— Izzy Galindo, Pueblo Head Coach (allsportstucson.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.