In Friday’s 4A Championship showdown, the Ironwood Eagles boys’ basketball team convincingly defeated the Casteel Colts 55-32.
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The Eagles (27-3) have strolled their way through teams this season.
After entering the Open State Playoffs as the No. 10 seed, they were eliminated by St. Mary’s in Round Two. However, the team did not let this stop them from making a conference run.
🏆The Ironwood Eagles are your 5A boys basketball state champions!@IronwoodSports 55@Colt_Basketball 31#TheJourneyEndsHere
— AZPreps365 (@AZPreps365) March 2, 2024
Leading by five entering the half, Ironwood went on a dominant second-half run. The team outscored Casteel 29-11 during the final 16 minutes of play.
This was not a first as the Eagles have played elite defense all season long, allowing under 50 points per game. Ironwood now secures its second championship in the last five seasons.
Senior guard Noah Gifft led the team with 27 points. Head coach Jordan Augustine gets another championship win under his belt.
🚨Play for the name on the front🚨
Congratulations to Noah Gifft on breaking the 5A Single Season record for 3 pointers made last night in our win over Cactus Shadows.
Just a kid from Ironwood. Grit, hard work, toughness. #IronSharpensIron #BeBetterBeDifferent pic.twitter.com/XjxTNkF4L3
— IronwoodBB (@ihseagleshoops) February 24, 2024
Casteel unable to get it done
The Colts’ boys basketball team was not able to bring home a title in its first-ever championship appearance.
They previously entered the Open State bracket as the No. 19 seed and were knocked out by Tucson in Round One.
Deer Valley named 4A State Champion following overtime thriller
While this is a crushing loss for Casteel, it should still be considered a successful season for the team and one that they can build on.
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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_
