The Sunnyslope (Phoenix, AZ) varsity basketball team will play a home playoff game against Boulder Creek (Anthem, AZ) on Friday, February 28, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Open State Championship tournament.

Sunnyslope vs Boulder Creek Game Info:

What: Arizona High School Basketball
Who: Sunnyslope (AZ) vs Boulder Creek (AZ)
When: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 AIA Boys Basketball State Championships (Arizona) – Open State Championship
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Sunnyslope vs Boulder Creek

The 2024-2025 varsity basketball season is heating up as two powerhouse teams, Boulder Creek and Sunnyslope, prepare for their upcoming playoff matchup. With impressive season records and strong individual performances, this game promises to be an exciting clash of skill, strategy, and determination.

Boulder Creek’s Strong Season

Boulder Creek enters the playoff game with an impressive 22-5 overall record, boasting an 81.5% win percentage and an undefeated region record of 7-1. Known for their potent offensive play, Boulder Creek averages 66.7 points per game, with Andrew Bhesania leading the charge, averaging 17.3 points per game. The team excels in rebounds, averaging 27.6 per game, with Bhesania contributing 12.0, alongside Jeehzus Pagan’s 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Their balance between offense and defense has been key to their success.

Sunnyslope’s Competitive Edge

On the other hand, Sunnyslope, with a 19-8 overall record, has had a strong season, especially in region play, where they’ve gone 7-1. While their points per game (63.5) is slightly lower than Boulder Creek’s, they have shown resilience and versatility on both ends of the court. The team is led by Darius Wabbington, who averages 14.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Delton Prescott contributes 5.4 assists per game, and Rider Portela adds 2.0 steals. Sunnyslope’s ability to generate turnovers and create scoring opportunities has allowed them to keep pace with top-tier teams.

Head-to-Head Performance

The teams met earlier in the season on December 3, 2024, when Sunnyslope came out on top with a 59-54 victory. Despite Boulder Creek leading in the first three quarters, Sunnyslope surged ahead in the final period to secure the win. The close nature of the game indicates how evenly matched these two teams are, making their upcoming playoff clash all the more intriguing.

Statistical Breakdown

When comparing team stats, Boulder Creek holds a slight edge in scoring with an average of 66.7 points per game compared to Sunnyslope’s 63.5. However, Sunnyslope has the advantage in rebounds (28.4 per game compared to Boulder Creek’s 27.6) and steals (6.5 per game to Boulder Creek’s 4.9). Both teams are strong defensively, with similar block numbers (Boulder Creek 3.4, Sunnyslope 3.4).

Key Players to Watch

• Boulder Creek: Andrew Bhesania (17.3 PPG, 12.0 RPG) is a key player to watch, as he not only leads in scoring but also contributes significantly in rebounding. Jeehzus Pagan’s 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game highlight his playmaking and defensive skills.

• Sunnyslope: Darius Wabbington (14.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG) is the driving force for Sunnyslope, and his ability to rebound and score will be crucial in this matchup. Delton Prescott’s 5.4 assists per game also makes him a pivotal playmaker.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced a number of tough opponents this season. When comparing records against common opponents, Sunnyslope holds a 7-1 advantage, while Boulder Creek sits at 4-2. However, Boulder Creek did manage to defeat Brophy College Prep and Apollo, both of which Sunnyslope also defeated, showcasing that they are not without significant accomplishments.

Playoff Outlook

As the teams prepare for their playoff matchup on February 28, 2025, Boulder Creek and Sunnyslope are poised to put on a thrilling performance. With both teams excelling in different areas—Boulder Creek’s offensive firepower and Sunnyslope’s defensive grit—this game could be anyone’s for the taking. The previous encounter may provide insights into the strategies both teams will employ, and Boulder Creek will be looking for revenge after their narrow defeat earlier in the season.

Regardless of the outcome, both teams have shown resilience, skill, and determination throughout the season, making them a formidable force in Arizona high school basketball. Fans can expect an intense and competitive game when Boulder Creek faces Sunnyslope in this crucial playoff showdown.