The Apache Junction Prospectors (2-20) and the Dysart Demons (16-6) matched up on Jan. 26.

The Demons were looking to snatch a higher seed for playoff time, while the Prospectors were looking to end the season strong. Many fans of both teams showed up to support their players.

The first quarter started out rough for Apache Junction because of turnovers. Dysart also had the size advantage, which did not help the Prospectors when rebounding the ball. This mix of factors helped the Demons jump to an 18-4 lead after the first quarter.

A ghost technical foul was called on Prospectors’ Mason Roets, and multiple blocks were called fouls according to referees. This seemingly only electrified the crowd. The second quarter came to a close with a 37-12 lead for the Demons.

Both teams exited the locker room with great energy. The Demons started off hot as they continuously made light work of the Prospectors defense. However, Apache Junction’s players put up their best offensive quarter of the game so far as well, notching 21 points in the quarter. The game headed into the final quarter with a 58-22 Demons lead.

Ian Greenlee of the Prospectors really started to heat up, as he was seemingly unable to miss from three. With the points coming at a maximum, the Prospectors fans were making the atmosphere electric, perhaps the best the team has seen all year. Sophomore Jayden Andrade was able to close out the game with his first points of the year, a layup that sent the crowd and his teammates into pandemonium. The Demons won the game 65-38.

Editor’s note: Isaac Robertson is a high school intern who currently covers sports writing for Apache Junction Unified School District. He plans to attend ASU with a major in sports journalism.