Basha Bears Gritty Victory Over ALA-Queen Creek Patriots
In a thrilling postseason showdown on Saturday, the Basha Bears edged past the ALA-Queen Creek Patriots with a hard-fought 40-35 victory. The win marked Basha's eighth consecutive triumph and solidified their position as one of the top teams in Arizona high school football this season.
The Bears showcased their winning formula once again, leaning on star performances from key players. Senior standout Noah Roberts led the charge, rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown while adding 31 receiving yards and another score. Complementing Roberts' efforts was Joshua Gaines, who provided crucial offensive firepower with two touchdowns of his own.
Basha's dominance on the ground proved to be a difference-maker, as they racked up 202 rushing yards compared to ALA-Queen Creek's modest 73. The Bears' ground game consistently wore down the Patriots' defense, opening up opportunities to control the clock and capitalize in critical moments.
The Bears' defensive unit was equally impressive, delivering a relentless performance that kept the Patriots' high-powered offense under pressure. The defensive line was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 4.5 sacks on the day. Darian "Bleu" Dantzler was a standout, racking up 2.5 sacks and making his presence felt in the trenches. Eli Cramer-Cronin contributed significantly as well, recording 1.5 sacks and a team-high 10 tackles, showcasing his versatility and tenacity.
Despite the loss, ALA-Queen Creek put up a valiant fight, highlighted by an extraordinary performance from quarterback Britt Dewitt. The junior gunslinger threw for a staggering 377 yards and five touchdowns, completing 79.5% of his passes. Receiver Kingston McCabe was equally electric, hauling in 164 receiving yards as the Patriots refused to go quietly.
With the win, Basha improved to 11-1 on the season and showed why they could be the favorites to win the open division. Their ability to light up the scoreboard has been a hallmark of their success, as they've averaged an impressive 41.8 points per game during this streak.
ALA-Queen Creek, meanwhile, concludes their season with a strong 10-2 record, though their four-game winning streak came to an end in the loss.
Looking ahead, the Bears will face a formidable challenge in Liberty next Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Liberty has been an offensive juggernaut, scoring 31 points or more in each of their last 11 games. The stage is set for a clash of titans as Basha looks to keep their postseason run alive.
For now, the Bears can celebrate their latest victory—a testament to their resilience, talent, and championship aspirations.