In a game filled with a roller coaster of emotions, No. 9 Ironwood Ridge upset No. 1 Cienega 47-43 in overtime Wednesday night to advance to the semifinal round of the Division II girl's basketball playoffs. At 30-1, it was the first setback for the Bobcats under first-year coach Matt Ruiz but it was also the biggest career win for Nighthawk coach Nikki Simpson.
Underestimated and overlooked, No. 12 Maricopa overcame two huge deficits to defeat No. 5 Tucson High 52-50 in the second round of the girl's Division II state playoffs Friday night.
Tucson Pueblo took a 15-1 lead over Tucson Sahuaro Thursday night in the first round of the boy's Division II state playoffs and never really looked back despite a late push by the Cougars.
No. 9 Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge defeated No. 24 Yuma Gila Ridge 64-45 Wednesday night in the first round of the Division II state playoffs, sending the Nighthawks to the second round for the first time since 2011. Coincidentally, that year was also the last time the Gila Ridge Hawks qualified for the playoffs.
Separated by over 1,000 students and three miles, Cienega and Empire battled each other to the final moments of a classic battle between an established "big school" and a school creating an identity. Cienega ultimately prevailed 66-63 but Empire also had a victory of sorts - respect.
Derik Hall is known for his quickness on the football field and he displayed a bit of what caused NAU to offer him a scholarship in the final moments against Cienega. Hall poked the ball away as Cienega was about to make their final move with about five seconds remaining. He raced down the court and scored on a lay up with 2.8 seconds left and was fouled.