The Camp Verde (AZ) varsity basketball team will play a home playoff game against Desert Christian (Tucson, AZ) on Tuesday, February 18, at 7 p.m.
Camp Verde vs Desert Christian Game Info:
What: Arizona High School Basketball
Who: Camp Verde (AZ) vs Desert Christian (AZ)
When: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Camp Verde High School
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Camp Verde vs Desert Christian
As the Arizona high school basketball season unfolds, the matchup between Desert Christian and Camp Verde stands out for its intensity and impressive statistics. Both teams are contenders in their respective divisions, and their performances this season reflect the competitive nature of Arizona high school basketball.
Desert Christian’s Dominance
Desert Christian has been a powerhouse in Arizona’s Division 2 basketball scene. With a remarkable overall record of 27-3, they have proven themselves both at home and on the road. Their league performance is also stellar, holding a 7-1 region record. The Desert Christian Eagles are known for their explosive offensive play, averaging 60.9 points per game, which ranks them as one of the top-scoring teams in the state.
Their offense is driven by standout player Tyson Dobbins, who leads the team with an average of 28.1 points per game. Dobbins is also a force on the boards, pulling down 7.6 rebounds per game. Alongside him, Fernando Ayala and Samuel Alday contribute significantly in assists and blocks, adding to the team’s overall defensive prowess.
Camp Verde’s Resilient Performance
While not as dominant as Desert Christian, Camp Verde has had a strong showing with a solid 18-11 record overall. Their region performance (6-2) and their ability to perform both at home and away make them a formidable opponent. Averaging 58.9 points per game, Camp Verde’s offense has been efficient, especially in the second half, where they put up an average of 37.5 points across the final two quarters.
The Camp Verde Cowboys’ leader, Jordan McMahon-Fullmer, averages 21.7 points per game and contributes an impressive 9.8 rebounds per game, demonstrating his all-around skill set. Additionally, Gage Russell has been a key player for Camp Verde, providing valuable assists and overall leadership.
Team Comparison: Desert Christian vs. Camp Verde
When comparing team stats, Desert Christian holds an edge in most categories. Their offense (60.9 PPG) outpaces Camp Verde’s (58.9 PPG), and they also excel in rebounds, averaging 37.5 per game compared to Camp Verde’s 32.7. Desert Christian’s defensive stats, including 15 steals and 4.3 blocks per game, further solidify their position as one of the top teams in the state.
However, Camp Verde has shown resilience in key areas, especially in the second half of games, where they outscore opponents in the third and fourth quarters. Their ability to make adjustments and push hard in the final minutes will be something Desert Christian will need to watch closely.
Key Player Matchups
The individual battle between Desert Christian’s Tyson Dobbins and Camp Verde’s Jordan McMahon-Fullmer will likely be one of the most exciting storylines. Dobbins’ scoring ability and all-around play make him a constant threat, while McMahon-Fullmer’s scoring and rebounding abilities have been crucial to Camp Verde’s success. Both players have proven they can dominate games and will be key to their team’s chances.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced off against Madison Highland Prep this season. Desert Christian emerged victorious with a 70-61 win on February 14, while Camp Verde secured a similarly strong 88-79 victory on January 31. These common opponents show that both teams are capable of competing at a high level, and the head-to-head matchup between them will be crucial in determining the strength of each team as they progress through the season.
Conclusion
As Desert Christian and Camp Verde continue to battle for supremacy in Arizona basketball, the rest of the season promises to be filled with exciting matchups and high-level play. With Desert Christian’s dominant offense and defense and Camp Verde’s resilience and ability to execute in clutch moments, this rivalry is one to watch. As both teams aim for playoff success, their paths may very well cross again in a dramatic postseason showdown.
