When Poston Butte travels to Scottsdale Wednesday night to take on Saguaro, a battle between 4A first-place heavyweights will provide a potential playoff preview in what is shaping up to be a loaded bracket. 

Saguaro has won three straight games under first-year head coach Lucas Ramirez. The Sabercats have impressed on both ends of the floor, averaging 56 points per game while allowing 55. Their 6-1 start is the program’s best since the 2016 season, and has turned heads outside the program, and within. 

“We’ve had a great start, I’ve loved our effort and our energy,” Ramirez said. “That’s what I’ve been preaching to the guys, we’ve got a talented group and if we bring it every night we’re going to be in a position to win the game.”

The Saguaro defense will have its hands full Wednesday night, dealing with a potent Poston Butte offense. The Broncos feature a balanced attack, with five players averaging double figures. Their 67 PPG is one of the highest in the state across all divisions. 

“If we bring energy and heart and passion on the defensive end, we’ll be alright,” senior guard Donovan Thomason said. “They haven’t played a team like us yet.” 

Thomason, along with fellow senior guard Caleb Simpson, has taken on a leadership role for the senior-heavy squad. The duo described its mindset this season, reflecting on the team’s fast start and ultimate potential. 

“We’ve been playing every team the same way, like they have an 0-0 record,” Simpson said. “It’s hard not to notice an empty gym this season, but you gotta bring your own energy. If you don’t, you won’t win many games. It’s important to find that energy.”

Poston Butte (6-2) will be playing the back end of a back-to-back Wednesday at Saguaro, following a Tuesday night one-point loss to Casa Grande. Even in the loss, their 69 points is on par with their impressive season average.

“They definitely can score the basketball, no denying that,” he said. “I think if we do our job, follow our defensive game plan and bring tremendous effort, we’ll be competitive and hopefully put ourselves in position to win. Playing quality opponents like [Poston Butte] is good for our team. It allows us to build our resume and prepares us for the postseason. There’s a lot of talented teams in 4A." 

With the Broncos’ extensive arsenal of offensive weapons, Saguaro will need to spread the floor and have good communication on defense. Simpson, Thomason and senior forward Kamden Sekaquaptewa will look to make life difficult for Poston Butte’s talented shooters. Junior Jesse Gray and senior Travalle Beckwith have enjoyed banner years on the offensive end for them. 

“Our defensive energy in all of our wins has been really good,” Sekaqueptewa said. “I think that’s surprised a lot of teams. Hopefully we bring that tomorrow.” 

Despite the daunting task at hand, there is no shortage of confidence in the Sabercats' locker room. 

“We’re going to play Sagauaro basketball. If we do that, I’m very confident in our team,” Thomason said, before Simpson added one final vote of confidence: “They haven’t seen us play defense.”