Defending boys basketball state champion Perry Pumas (22-6) will face the Basha Bears (22-6) on Wednesday, Feb. 28 @ 8 p.m. MST in the Open State Semifinals
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Each of the two teams has put together three straight playoff victories by double-digit points to get to this point.
Evenly matched
These teams have been almost identical this season in every category.
Both are entering Wednesday’s matchup with a 22-6 record and on a six-game win streak. In addition, the two teams faced off twice in the regular season and split 1-1.
Through their 28 games played this season, the Bears are averaging 69.4 points per game while allowing 50.6 points per game. Similarly, the Pumas are averaging 69.2 points per game and are allowing 52 points per game.
The programs have been shockingly alike, making this semifinal matchup as anticipated as ever.
Open State Semifinals Showdown
The reigning champion Pumas have not been nearly as dominant as last season but should never be counted out as long as they have five-star forward Koa Peat.
On the other hand, Basha has continued to prove itself as one of the state’s most dangerous teams and has been waiting for this point all season long.
These two teams will now face off in the second-annual Open State Semifinals with only one being able to come out and advance to the state championship game.
The winner will play the winner of Millennium and Notre Dame Prep, which will occur in the same building right before this one.
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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_
