Valley Vista didn’t win a state title but sure celebrated like it.

Defeating its West Valley rival, Millennium, is reason enough to party.

From the visitor stands, a strong contingent of Valley Vista supporters also reveled in the 43-42 victory. The atmosphere surrounding this annual girls basketball clash between opponents that mutually respect each other continues to grow.

The stands were packed again.

West Valley bragging rights and late season momentum is what both programs fight for now annually. Valley Vista will head into its final regular season 6A Conference game riding a 12 game win streak.

For Millennium, it will attempt to regroup as it prepares to defend its 5A crown.

Both squads are currently ranked No. 1 in their respective conferences. Thursday’s contest will be the only time that Millennium and Valley Vista will see each other this season.

What the game might ultimately determine is which program is the overall No. 1 team in the state. Millennium appeared to be that team after the first half, but it was a different story in the second half.

The momentum seemed to shift in Valley Vista’s favor when Millennium (20-4) held the ball during a long possession, which ended with a missed shot. Millennium’s missed free throws and Valley Vista’s second chance points down the stretch also helped determine the outcome.

Marisa Davis led 21-3 Valley Vista with 16 points, and Millennium’s Trayanna Crisp tallied 17. Millennium’s leading scorer, Alexandra Zelaya, was held to eight points, 10 points below her per game average.