On Wednesday, just two lower-seeded teams came out on top during the first round of Arizona’s second-annual Open State Playoffs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Desert Vista upset Boulder Creek
The Desert Vista Thunder (19-8) entered playoff basketball as the No. 25 seed, facing No. 8 seeded Boulder Creek (17-10).
Playoff game 1 is about to start! Jags vs. Desert Vista. Go Jags! @DVUSD @DrFinchDVUSD @DvusdA pic.twitter.com/wOhNrumAT7
— Boulder Creek High (@BCHS_DVUSD) February 15, 2024
The Thunder defeated the Jaguars in a close 68-67 battle on the road.
2024 AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship bracket released
Boulder Creek entered the Open State playoffs bracket as one of the hottest teams in the state and posed a real threat to other elite teams.
However, junior Andrew Bhesania and the team could not do enough to come away with a win here.
Desert Vista will next travel to face the Brophy College Prep Broncos (15-10) on Friday, Feb. 16 @ 7 p.m. MST. The Broncos are coming off a double-digit victory against Prescott and have been a scary team regardless of who they face.
Brophy guard Nick Sanford, who made five 3s and had 20 points, breaks down Open win over Prescott , overcoming Uriah Tenette's 33 points pic.twitter.com/HnY7PQqZHY
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) February 15, 2024
Cesar Chavez falls short
The No. 12 seed Cesar Chavez Champions (24-3) were upset by the No. 21 seed Canyon View Jaguars (23-4) during round one as well.
In a back-and-forth overtime battle, the Jaguars came out on top 87-81.
@McnealDenali 35pts 5reb 5ast 3stl night in @CanyonViewBB 87-81 W vs Cesar Chavez in Round 1 of the Open. pic.twitter.com/BWfD05d2CP
— Demo McNeal AzVenom (@DemoMcNeal) February 15, 2024
Cesar Chavez played incredible basketball all regular season but could not get it done down the stretch on Wednesday.
Canyon View will now advance to the second round and face the No. 5 seed Desert Mountain Wolves. The Wolves have been one of the most dominating teams in the state this season and will be an uphill battle for the Jaguars on Friday.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
