Jennifer Jimenez

For West Valley Preps

Hosting a play-in game was a big deal for the Shadow Ridge boys basketball program, after last year’s team finished the season 3-22.

No. 21 seeded Chaparral made the trek from Scottsdale to the far West Valley to take on No. 12 seeded Shadow Ridge in the 5A conference play-in tournament.

The visiting Firebirds led for most of the game. The Stallions battled back, but it was a race against time as they fell 47-41, ending their season with an 18-8 record.

“This is a group that played hard all year. We had 26 games and they played hard every, single game. I am very proud of them for that and all they accomplished,” Shadow Ridge coach Robert Bohon said. “This year we finished 18-8 and I am very happy with that.”

The first quarter was low scoring on both sides, with Chaparral leading Shadow Ridge 10-7.

Jordan Josephs of Chaparral scored on the first play of the second quarter on a pump-fake to beat his defender, then an easy lay-up. Shadow Ridge junior Carter Hall drew a foul on the other end, but the ball wouldn’t drop. He was sent to the line and made one of two, but still trailed 14-11.

Hall hit another shot on the other end and the Stallions trailed by just one, but Chaparral freshman Andrew Madden responded with a three and the Stallions were up by 7. They traded two more baskets and at the end of the half, the game was 21-18 in favor of Chaparral (14-13).

Sophomore Xavier Dusell was on the end of a big block for Chaparral and was fouled on the play. The Firebirds continued to make baskets and were up by seven with less than 3 minutes left in the third quarter.

Junior Alex Bryan dominated for the visitors with 17 points overall, more than half his team’s total at the end of three, as their lead grew 31-26.

Shadow Ridge raised its game up in the fourth quarter, playing more fast-paced in order to make up the deficit. They stepped up their defense and were creating opportunities for themselves

“We are pretty much a slow down type team, but picked it up to get some things done,” said Bohon.

In the fourth, senior Hunter Tillett earned a steal and gave his team some momentum. On the very next play, Chaparral turned over a loose-ball and Shadow Ridge took advantage, trailing 33-29. JaQuan Moore hit a big three with just over four minutes left in the game and the Stallions trailed by just one, but in the next two minutes Shadow Ridge was stuck on 32, while Chaparral continued to put away baskets.

Top scorers in the game for Shadow Ridge included Moore with 8 points and Ryan Oglesby with 7. Bryan more than doubled the total of any other player with 23 points and Dussell added 9 points.

Tillett was visibly upset following the loss, as this was his final basketball game of his senior season, but he said he went into this game knowing he would work hard and play as a team.

“I think we did good and we have accomplished a lot since last year,” he said.

Bohol agreed, saying the team usually shoots a little better than it did tonight and said they missed some lay-ups and free throws which were uncharacteristic, But he said the Stallions still had a great season.

Just getting the chance to host a big-time game in your own gym was quite an accomplishment for this year’s team. Coach Bohon said if you would have told him a year ago they would have finished second in their region and have a chance to host a home game, he would have never believed it.

“It’s a pretty good accomplishment for us and a great experience as a team,” he said. “We have 6 or 7 guys returning next year and will have a good core group to work with.”

Senior guard Elijah Webb sets up the offensive play for Shadow Ridge in the first half against Chaparral Friday. [Jennifer Jimenez/For West Valley Preps][/caption]