Because rankings continue to be calculated during sectionals, the extra set of games can give a team a needed boost or they can be costly. Tucson Sunnyside (17-2) came into the sectionals ranked third in the state and tops in their section. In essence, the Blue Devils had nothing to gain but a lot to lose.

Even if Sunnyside won their section it is doubtful they would have moved up in power rankings since they were already third in the state. But a loss?

Nogales (16-3) defeated Sunnyside (49-47) in the first round of the Division II/Section II playoffs Wednesday night. At No. 11 prior to the victory, it is conceivable the Apaches have moved themselves into the top eight. But Nogales still has one more game.

Vail Cienega defeated Tucson Sahuaro 51-38 in the other half of the sectional, setting up a championship game between Nogales and Cienega (16-3) Saturday night. Sahuaro's loss may also prove costly since they were in the top eight prior to the sectionals.

The top eight teams will earn a first-round bye in the state playoffs.

But there is no better way to earn a section championship than actually playing the games. Championships must be earned even if the stakes are high.

Tucson Cholla defeated Canyon del Oro 58-44 in the other Southern Arizona section from Division II. The Dorados led early and were up 21-20 with 5:33 left in the second quarter but Cholla went on a 13-4 run to go up 33-25 at the half.

Canyon del Oro (9-9) would eventually cut the lead down to 53-42 with 3:18 left in the game but several missed opportunities allowed Cholla (18-0) to pull back out for the comfortable win.

Ranked 36th, it was the final game of the season for the Dorados. Cholla will face Tucson High (12-6) in the Section-VI championship to be played Saturday night.

Tucson defeated Tucson Catalina Foothills 60-50 in a game that proved to be a complete reversal to what happened when the two teams played each other exactly two weeks ago.

In that game, the Falcons (14-5) won 59-55 thanks to a 19-9 outburst in the third quarter. This time around, Tucson held a 14-3 advantage in the third quarter to help send them to the sectional final.

"That is the best defense I have seen my guys play," said Tucson High coach Daron Cross. "We came out in the third with increased intensity. We used our length and did it with defense."

The zone defense proved difficult for Catalina Foothills to solve and missing on a few open jumpers didn't help matters but that started to change.

Down 48-30 with 5:55 left in the game, the Falcons began to close the gap thanks to four 3-pointers from Michael Pecora including three in a row to pull to within 58-50 but there was only 37.9 seconds left on the clock. Time was not on their side.

Trevelle Hill hit a couple of free throws in the final moments for the 60-50 margin and he finished with a game-high 25 points. Pecora led Foothills with 18.

In Division III, No. 2 Tucson Palo Verde held off No. 3 Bisbee 59-51 and No. 1 Thatcher defeated No. 4 Safford 53-40. Palo Verde and Thatcher will play each other on Saturday night in Benson.

No. 2 Tanque Verde ended No. 3 Pusch Ridge's season with an 80-50 victory in the D-III sectional held in Coolidge. Tanque Verde will play No. 1 San Tan Valley Combs for the championship on Saturday.

In Division IV action from Willcox, No. 3 Pima defeated No. 2 Tucson Desert Christian 68-54 and No. 1 Elfrida Valley Union continues to roll with a 76-55 win over No. 4 St. David.

No. 2 Sells Baboquivari defeated No. 3 Gilbert Classical 71-34 in the Division IV sectional played in Casa Grande and No. 1 Tucson Gregory School defeated No. 4 San Manuel 53-33.

There was one Division III girls sectional played Wednesday night and No. 2 Safford defeated No. 3 Palo Verde 57-48 and No. 4 Thatcher upset No. 1 Morenci 44-43.

The winner of each sectional tournament will earn an automatic berth to the state playoffs.