The Benjamin Franklin varsity basketball team (Queen Creek, AZ) will host a home playoff game against Palo Verde (Tucson, AZ) on Friday, February 28, at 9:00 AM.
This matchup is part of the 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A tournament.
Benjamin Franklin vs Palo Verde Game Info:
What: Arizona High School Basketball
Who: Benjamin Franklin (AZ) vs Palo Verde (AZ)
When: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Conference 3A
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Benjamin Franklin vs Palo Verde
As the high school basketball season heats up, Palo Verde and Benjamin Franklin have emerged as two of Arizona’s most impressive teams. Both teams have posted strong records, and their performances throughout the season show the potential for more success as they head into playoffs. Here’s a breakdown of their rankings, records, and individual performances as they gear up for crucial matchups.
Overall Record Comparison
Palo Verde has a solid 23-5 overall record for the 2024-2025 season, with an 8-1 record in their region. Their overall performance reflects a dominant presence in both home and away games, posting impressive records of 10-1 and 9-2, respectively. On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin has outpaced them slightly with a 26-4 record, boasting an even better region record of 10-2. They have demonstrated versatility with strong home (10-2) and away (8-1) performances, as well as solid showings in neutral-site games (8-1). Both teams are formidable opponents, with Palo Verde leading slightly in their win percentage (.821) compared to Benjamin Franklin’s .867.
Scoring Averages and Team Strengths
Palo Verde’s offensive efficiency is highlighted by their scoring consistency across quarters. Averaging 68.5 points per game, they come out strong with 11 points in the first quarter, building momentum through the second quarter (19 points), and maintaining their pace in the third and fourth quarters (18.3 and 17.7 points, respectively). Benjamin Franklin, while not as high-scoring, still produces solid numbers with a total of 59.9 points per game. Their most significant production comes from the first quarter (15.3 points), but they tend to slow down in later stages, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they score only 10 points on average.
In terms of team stats, Palo Verde excels in several key categories: they lead in points per game (68.4), rebounds per game (31.7), and assists per game (20.7). Benjamin Franklin is a close competitor in rebounds, averaging 33.4, but their assists (11.9) and steals (12.0) show a more balanced but less explosive team style.
Team Leaders: Key Players Making a Difference
Both teams are led by exceptional athletes who make a huge impact on the court. For Palo Verde, Daniel Ortiz is a standout, averaging 18.7 points per game, and contributing significantly on the defensive end with 3 steals per game. Adrian Powers is another key player, leading the team in rebounds (8.5) and adding a defensive presence with 1.3 blocks per game. Kameron Pippen supports the offense with 7.4 assists per game, providing much-needed playmaking.
Benjamin Franklin counters with Landon Christensen, who leads the team in points (12.7) and rebounds (5.4), showing his dual threat as a scorer and rebounder. Bennett Christensen adds playmaking to the team’s strength, with 2.9 assists per game. Talan Speir plays a critical defensive role with 2.2 steals per game and 0.5 blocks per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have had success against common opponents this season, with Palo Verde finishing with a 6-1 record against these teams and Benjamin Franklin slightly ahead at 8-1. When facing teams like Bourgade Catholic, ALA-Ironwood, and Safford, both teams have demonstrated their ability to take control of the game, securing crucial victories. For instance, both teams secured wins over Bourgade Catholic, with Palo Verde dominating with a 79-54 win in December, and Benjamin Franklin following suit with a 71-46 win. Similarly, both teams have been impressive in their matchups against ALA-Ironwood, showing resilience in tight games.
Head-to-Head and Playoff Prospects
While neither team has faced each other head-to-head yet this season, their overall records and common opponent performances suggest that any future matchup would be fiercely competitive. With both teams showing high levels of skill and consistency, the playoffs will be a true test of their strengths.
Palo Verde holds a slight advantage in overall wins (23-5), but Benjamin Franklin’s 26-4 record, combined with their strong performance in neutral and playoff games, makes them a force to be reckoned with. The upcoming matchups will certainly highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each squad, with both teams hoping to make a deep playoff run and ultimately bring home the championship.
Conclusion
As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, Palo Verde and Benjamin Franklin are two teams to watch closely. With strong leadership, excellent team dynamics, and impressive individual performances, these teams will likely remain at the forefront of Arizona high school basketball. Whether Palo Verde’s consistency or Benjamin Franklin’s overall versatility prevails, fans can expect thrilling games and intense competition down the stretch. Both teams have proven that they are more than ready to challenge for the top spot.
