The Hamilton (Chandler, AZ) varsity basketball team will play a neutral playoff game against Liberty (Peoria, AZ) on Friday, February 28, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A tournament.

Hamilton vs Liberty Game Info:

What: Arizona High School Basketball
Who: Hamilton (AZ) vs Liberty (AZ)
When: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Conference 6A
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Hamilton vs Liberty

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season heats up, one of the most anticipated games will be the neutral-site playoff clash between Liberty High School (Peoria, AZ) and Hamilton High School (Chandler, AZ) on February 28, 2025. Both teams have had impressive campaigns, with Liberty entering the game with a 17-10 record, while Hamilton sits at 14-10. The matchup promises to showcase some of the best talent in the state as both teams battle it out for playoff supremacy.

Team Overview: Liberty and Hamilton’s Season So Far

Liberty has demonstrated solid overall performance, particularly in home games, where they boast a 10-3 record. Their season has seen a mix of strong wins and competitive losses, finishing with a respectable .630 win percentage and a .500 regional record. Liberty’s offense has been potent, averaging 68.5 points per game, with Stephan Miller leading the charge, averaging 18 points per game.

On the other hand, Hamilton has had a slightly more tumultuous season, with a .583 overall win percentage and a .375 regional win percentage. The team has performed better in non-league matchups, recording a 9-1 mark, but struggled with consistency in their regional games. They average 53.9 points per game, with no clear standout player in terms of scoring, but they rely on a more balanced team approach.

Head-to-Head: Liberty Prevails in First Encounter

The first meeting between these two teams occurred on December 3, 2024, at Liberty, where the hosts emerged victorious with a 73-60 win. Hamilton kept it close through three quarters, but Liberty pulled away in the final period, outscoring Hamilton 19-13 to secure the 13-point victory. Liberty’s offensive efficiency, particularly in the second half, was key to their win, as they capitalized on Hamilton’s scoring drought in the third quarter.

Key Players to Watch

Liberty:

• Stephan Miller (#12) – Leading the team with 18.0 points per game, Miller is the offensive engine for Liberty. His scoring ability will be crucial if Liberty is to advance in the playoffs.
• Jacob Hunter (#24) – Averaging 5.7 rebounds per game, Hunter’s presence on the boards will be vital in limiting Hamilton’s second-chance opportunities.
• TJ Harris (#14) – Harris not only contributes offensively but is also the team leader in assists (3.6 per game) and steals (1.8 per game), bringing both playmaking and defensive energy.

Hamilton:
While Hamilton does not have a clear-cut star player like Miller, their collective efforts will need to shine. Players to watch include their rebounders and defensive stalwarts, as they’ll need to disrupt Liberty’s rhythm and create scoring opportunities on the fast break.

Scoring and Team Stats Comparison

Liberty’s offense is its biggest strength, averaging a robust 68.4 points per game. They are an efficient team, particularly in the first and second quarters, where they average 18.3 and 20.5 points, respectively. In contrast, Hamilton has struggled to maintain offensive consistency, especially in the third quarter, where they average only 8.8 points. However, Hamilton has shown resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they often outscore opponents (19.6 points per game).

Both teams have strong rebounding abilities, with Liberty averaging 30.8 boards per game. Hamilton’s rebounding numbers, however, are not readily available, but their ability to crash the glass will be crucial to staying competitive against a team that is dominant on the boards.

Common Opponents

When looking at their performance against common opponents, Liberty holds a slight edge, with a 4-3 record compared to Hamilton’s 3-1. Notable wins for Liberty include a 67-58 victory over Mountain View and a 78-73 win against Desert Vista. Hamilton, however, also has its fair share of notable victories, including a 70-65 win over Desert Vista. These matchups suggest that both teams are capable of competing against top-tier competition, which should make for an exciting playoff game.

Record Breakdown and Playoff Implications

Liberty’s ability to perform well at home (10-3) and in neutral-site games (2-1) gives them an edge going into the playoff matchup. Hamilton has been more inconsistent on the road, with a 5-6 away record. The game’s neutral setting should level the playing field, but Liberty’s overall experience and success in key matchups position them as the favorite.

For Liberty, maintaining their offensive firepower and controlling the tempo will be essential to secure a win. Meanwhile, Hamilton will need to find ways to spark their offense, especially in the first three quarters, and capitalize on Liberty’s potential lapses.

Conclusion

The upcoming playoff game between Liberty and Hamilton is shaping up to be a highly competitive matchup. Liberty’s high-powered offense and strong home-court advantage will pose significant challenges for Hamilton. However, Hamilton’s grit and ability to fight through adversity, especially in close games, make them a dangerous opponent. As the teams gear up for this crucial game, basketball fans in Arizona will be treated to an exciting display of talent and intensity.