Photo by Tamie Meck Eagles point guard Josiah Spano scores against Hayden last Friday at the 2A District 5 tournament in Paonia. Paonia was in the game until the final period, when Hayden applied full-court pressure in the final minutes of the game.After dominating the court over rival Hotchkiss to win the first-round district playoff game, Paonia continued to play strong at last weekend's district games against Hayden and West Grand. But after losing close games to No. 1-seed Hayden and No. 3 West Grand, Paonia finished fourth.

Hayden 60, Paonia 47

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Eagles take flight at state

The Paonia Eagles claimed their second consecutive 2A state wrestling title Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The Eagles sent 13 wrestlers to state and placed 11. Head coach Andy Pipher (front row, second from right) was named the state and Class 2A Coach of the Year. See complete coverage of Paonia, Cedaredge, Delta and Hotchkiss on pages B5-8.

Photo by Tamie Meck Annavah Kropp heads for a lay up in Paonia’s district tournament win over Rangely. The Lady Eagles and the Paonia boys’ teams will travel to Durango for this week’s regional round of the 2013 state playoffs.Sometimes, having a bye week heading into playoffs can go against a team.

Paonia, the team that went undefeated to claim the Western Slope League title and enter last weekend's district tournament seeded first, couldn't seem to shake off the rust after earning a bye in first-round district competition.

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Photo by Tamie Meck Paonia post Lane Clawson (25) blocks Bulldog Mason Oxford in Paonia’s 67-66 conference win over Hotchkiss. The two teams met again last night, Feb. 26, to determine which team advanced to the District 5 tournament in Paonia.The long-standing rivalry between Hotchkiss and Paonia has been at a fevered pitch the last two weeks. On Feb. 19, the two teams faced off on the basketball court for the third time this season, and for the first time, Paonia claimed the win, defeating Hotchkiss, 67-66.

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