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RIO RANCHO — They are too short and too slow to compete with Cibola.

They are too green to stay on the floor with seasoned Gallup.

The Rio Rancho Rams don't belong among the elite teams in District 1-5A girls basketball. Or in the state.

Rams guard Megan Muñiz doesn't expect her team's 46-35 win over Cibola on Thursday to sway any doubters. Sure, the victory clinched the district title with three games remaining, but that doesn't mean Rio Rancho is a contender. Right?

"They still won't think so," Muñiz said. "They'll make some excuse. I hope they keep thinking that way."

That's going to be hard to do if the Rams continue to play as they have in recent weeks.

Rio Rancho (18-5 overall, 6-0 in district) has won 10 straight, the last four by an average of 15 points per game. It's more impressive when you consider the Rams methodical offense is more efficient than prolific. Shootouts aren't their thing.

The Rams are hardly the most physically imposing bunch.

Coach Bob McIntyre's roster isn't thick with salty, savvy veterans. Only two starters — Muñiz and Ashley Rhoades — returned from last season when the Rams lost in the opening round of the state tournament.

But what the Rams do have is chemistry. It goes beyond simply knowing where each other is on the court. Or knowing defensive rotations.

"We've got no selfishness," said McIntyre, who was all smiles Thursday. "They all want to see each other succeed. They rely on each other. . . . It's a matter of trust."

Against floundering Cibola (17-6, 2-4) several players had their moments.

Tracy Fosterling scored all seven of her points in the first quarter. She finished with six rebounds, plucking many away from taller Cougars.

Rhoades, the team's best pure athlete, notched 10 of her 14 points in the second half.

Several Rams harassed the Cougars into multiple turnovers. Most seemed to come in the second half when Cibola struggled with Rio Rancho's full-court press.

Every player has not only found a way to contribute, but they seem happy with it, even the smallest of roles. McIntyre says that's a rare trait in contemporary athletics.

This Rams team dynamic does, however, have an obvious leader: Muñiz. Besides leading them in scoring — she had 19 on Thursday — the junior seems to have influenced Rio Rancho's playing style. Like the soft-spoken Muñiz, the Rams often let plays unfold instead of forcing action. They also employ a cool demeanor, similar to that of Muñiz, who might be the most completely skilled guard in the state.

"They've been like that all season long," McIntyre said. "They didn't panic when we started 0-2."

It's not all the pull of Muñiz. Four Rams won state championships this year in other sports — Rhoades in volleyball; and Fosterling and twins Amanda Solwick and Courtney Solwick in soccer. McIntyre said those achievements have inflated his team's confidence.

"They expect to win," McIntyre said.

Added Fosterling: "It's fun to show people we can do it."