News Summary

The Arizona Open Division boys state basketball tournament showcases thrilling moments, close calls, and standout performances. Higher-seeded teams dominate round two, while heartwarming stories of strength emerge, highlighting the resilience of players and coaches. The playoffs continue to excite fans with upcoming matchups, showcasing the passion and spirit of high school basketball in Arizona.

Excitement and Resilience Shine in Arizona High School Boys Basketball Playoffs

Arizona is buzzing with excitement as the Open Division boys state basketball tournament unfolds! While the tournament started off with no major upsets in the first two rounds, some thrilling moments have kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Fans have witnessed a blend of impressive wins and notable performances, showcasing the high-energy spirit of high school basketball.

Close Calls and Thrilling Victories

As the games kicked off, a couple of close calls could be seen as *upsets*. No. 22 Chandler Hamilton narrowly knocked off No. 11 Surprise Willow Canyon with an enthusiastic score of 86-75. Chandler Hamilton, no stranger to tough competition, faced a grueling 6A schedule, which included two head-to-head battles against No. 1 Gilbert Perry. In contrast, Willow Canyon had a relatively easier road coming out of the 5A division.

Another matchup to watch was the battle between No. 20 Glendale Deer Valley and No. 13 Tucson Sahuaro. This clash was a rematch of last year’s 4A final, which Deer Valley snagged. In a thrilling showdown, Deer Valley emerged victorious once again with a score of 69-55, adding momentum to their playoff run.

Higher Seeds Show Dominance in Round Two

Round two brought more excitement, revealing a trend: the higher-seeded teams flexed their muscles and mostly won by considerable margins. Standout performances included No. 1 Perry cruising past No. 17 Phoenix Brophy Prep with an impressive score of 83-54. Additionally, No. 8 Glendale Ironwood edged out No. 9 Gilbert Highland in a solid game ending at 72-61.

Chandler Basha showcased their resilience despite facing adversity; they narrowly defeated Deer Valley 61-59, with their starting point guard, Mason Magee, sidelined due to injury. As of now, Magee’s status for the upcoming quarterfinal against No. 5 Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor remains uncertain.

Heartwarming Stories of Strength

In an inspiring turn of events, Goodyear Millennium, under the guidance of coach Ty Amundsen, displayed an incredible spirit. Amundsen had to watch from the stands after suffering a heart attack; however, he reported feeling fine and will likely coach the next game against Notre Dame. The team had a strong season last year and is eager to make their mark again.

Resilience doesn’t just come from the courts. Phoenix Central’s player, Dominic Rojas, showcased extraordinary strength as he played through the pain of losing his grandfather just before a game. With the support of teammates like John and Grant Mattingly, Rojas nearly led his team to an upset against Sandra Day O’Connor, whose 73-67 victory saw Central’s 14-game winning streak come to an end.

Record Breakers and New Champions

Meanwhile, Prescott’s senior guard Uriah Tenette lit up the scoreboard with a jaw-dropping 48 points in a tightly contested overtime loss to Brophy Prep, 70-68. Tenette’s amazing performance cements his place among the top 10 all-time scorers in Arizona basketball history, as he gears up for a strong run in the 4A tournament.

Buckeye Verrado marked a significant moment, winning their first playoff game led by former Millennium players Brayden Barrett and Tristen Rhodes, both scoring 18 points. Under first-year coach Andra Rogers, this victory has energized the team as they aim for further success.

What to Look Forward To

If you’re excited about the upcoming matchups, you’re not alone! The anticipation is high as Prescott, seeded No. 2, faces off against No. 15 Gilbert Mesquite in the quest for the 4A title. Meanwhile, Tucson Sahuaro stands proud as the No. 1 seed in the same tournament, setting the stage for potential rematches.

In a different bracket, the 1A and 2A divisions recently kicked off, with top seeds securing wins, and the Unified State Basketball Championships celebrating inclusivity in sports, highlighting the power of teamwork among all students.

As the Arizona high school basketball playoffs continue, the excitement will keep climbing! Fans are ready to rally behind their teams, eager to witness who will rise to glory in this unforgettable tournament.

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