By ROGER UNDERWOOD
YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC

It's not like this team hadn't already earned a place of honor in Prosser's rich sports history.

To lose a state title game, which the Mustang girls did last year, one must first reach a state title game. And that in itself is an accomplishment of note.

But of course the truly special places in a community's collective memory -- in the hearts and minds of longtime residents who recall glory days of earlier generations -- are and always will be reserved for champions.

And now the 2011 Prosser girls reached that exalted status.

"Wow," said Tamara Jones, the senior, who this week became the Class 2A state tournament's career scoring leader. "This is, like, way better than last year. For sure."

It was also evident that the Mustangs were way better than Burlington-Edison, as evidenced by the 50-33 score.

The game seemed as much coronation as competition for a Prosser team that was deeply disappointed by last year's title-game defeat, and seemed committed throughout the season to avenging it regardless of opponent.

And while Burlington-Edison played hard, and at times well, the Tigers bore a strong collective resemblance to last year's Prosser squad that fell 57-46 to defending champion River Ridge -- a little out of sync and a little out of touch. They seemed to know what was needed, but weren't quite sure how to do it or when.

"Our defense was outstanding," an elated coach Mark Little said after the midcourt trophy presentation. "It's always been a priority for us, something we take a lot of pride in it.

"Brooke Adams, for example, guarded a girl last night who'd had a big game before, and against us she scored zero points. None. I'm not sure how many their little No. 11 (Molly Breckenridge) scored tonight, but I bet she didn't make many threes."

For the record, Breckenridge took one and made none en route to four points.

Also for the record, tourney MVP Jones also scored four points -- or half Adams' total. To her considerable credit, however, Jones did make a handful of slick passes that led to baskets for her teammates.

"I just decided tonight," she said, "that passing would be my contribution."

All of which was fine with Little, who coached the Kelly Blair-led 1989 state champions and seemed anything but nervous before or during the game.

"The thing is," he said, "we figured beforehand that we had done everything possible to prepare for this game. There was nothing more to do or concern ourselves with than just play, and let whatever was going to happen just happen."

And now the 2011 Mustang girls just happen to be exactly where they belong -- among the very best of Prosser's best-ever teams.