Paradise Honors celebrated aplenty Monday except when the game immediately ended.

In a battle between region unbeatens, the Panthers unexpectedly run-ruled top-ranked Greenway, 13-3, in five innings. But after the final run crossed the plate, the Panthers paused.

When it finally hit them that the game was over, however, the partying recommenced. The talented young Panthers—six of the team’s nine sophomores started—are still learning about the spoils of victory.

Another reward, the 4A Skyline Region title, awaits Paradise Honors (16-7, 9-0) if it defeats Greenway (15-7-1, 8-1) on Wednesday.

“I thought next year might be our year, but this year could be it,” Paradise Honors coach Cristy Waring said. “It’s really a nice surprise.”

What was also a surprise was the blowout between programs that have contended for the region crown the last couple of years.

But Greenway’s defense stumbled, and the Panthers took full advantage, building a 6-0 lead after just three innings. It was a different story for Paradise Honors.

Sophomore left fielder Vanessa Colby extinguished potential rallies with two inning ending plays, a sliding catch and initiating a double play. Also, first baseman Meghan Stroh backhanded a sharp grounder by Greenway’s starting pitcher/leadoff hitter Madison Bailey for a third inning putout.

As for the Panthers’ bats, they won’t over power opponents. They just pester teams until they submit.

Seven of the Panthers’ batters each reached base twice, including the only senior in the starting lineup, Gabrielle Marquez. In the circle, junior Olivia Jimenez Facio scattered five hits.

In the fifth, when the Panthers scored five of their seven runs with two outs, sophomore Ashlyn Elliott cleared the bases with a double.

That ultimately allowed Stroh to call it a night after her hit brought Elliott home.

“I had no idea the game was over,” Stroh said. “I realized it was after I hit second and looked at the dugout and everybody is just running out on the field. I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh. It’s a walk-off.’”

To defeat a team that was ranked No. 1 in the 4A power rankings in such a fashion was a big statement this late in the regular season.

Fourth-ranked Paradise Honors also beat No. 2 Coconino this season, prompting a Paradise Honors player to ask after the game why her team wasn’t ranked No. 1.

Stay tuned.

That may be the next for an up and coming power in Arizona.