It was an unfortunate end for the Camp Verde boys basketball team’s season as 22nd-seeded Gilbert Classical Academy defeated the 11th-seeded Cowboys 76-72 on Feb. 13.
“There are so many emotions when your season ends like this but you have to look at what all they accomplished,” Camp Verde coach Dan Wall said. “I told the kids that they had an incredible year and these nights happen. Unfortunately for us, it happened in an elimination game.”
Gilbert Classical advanced to face top-seeded Scottsdale Christian Academy and lost 77-50 on Friday, Feb. 15.
With the loss, Camp Verde ends its season at 26-4, its highest win total dating back to the 2004-2005 regular season.
Gilbert Classical’s Jake Klinger led all scorers with 37 points including five converted 3-point attempts out of 11.
Spartans freshman Justice Turley scored 14 points and converted four of eight 3-point attempts.
“Gilbert Classical consistently took tough shots all night and played us very hard tonight,” Wall said.
It was a hard fought match for four quarters as Gilbert Classical led 15-14 after the first quarter.
The Cowboys tied Gilbert Classical at 32 before halftime after Abelardo Gonzalez converted a tough layup in traffic.
Jason Collier scored on back-to-back possessions to open the third quarter, giving Camp Verde a 36-32 lead.
Gonzalez would convert an and-one on the next possession and extend the Cowboys’ lead to 39-32.
Gilbert Classical would respond with a 10-1 run to take a 42-40 lead over Camp Verde.
Both teams traded baskets to end the third with the Cowboys leading 52-51 heading into the fourth.
Gilbert Classical regained the lead in the fourth and held a 67-59 advantage with under four minutes remaining.
Camp Verde cut the Spartans’ lead to 68-63 before Gilbert Classical fouled Collier on a 3-pointer.
While Collier converted all three attempts, the Spartans responded with a three to hold a 71-66 advantage.
Gilbert Classical fouled Collier on the ensuing possession with Collier making two out of three attempts.
The Cowboys cut Gilbert Classical’s lead to 71-68 but were unable to make one last push and fell 76-72.
While the Cowboys’ season may be over, Wall said he liked Camp Verde’s effort on Wednesday night.
“A lot of time was spent improving since the end of last season and it showed on the court,” Wall said. “They continued to grow throughout the season and I am very proud of their efforts.”
Camp Verde packed the gym as both teams dealt with a raucous environment.
“It was a fun atmosphere, the crowd was super into the game and it energized us,” Wall said. “We were very appreciative for the fans that came out tonight.”
Collier led the Cowboys with 33 points and converted eight out of 10 free-throw attempts.
“Collier made some tough shots in the fourth quarter to bring us back,” Wall said. “He made some big plays including those free throws in the fourth quarter from his 3-point attempts.”
Gonzalez registered 23 points, six rebounds and five steals and also served as Jake Klinger’s primary defender.
“Abe had a great game, his assignment was Gilbert Classical’s best scorer and he did amazing in both halves,” Wall said. “Abe was great on offense as well in regards to running the offense and attacking the basket.”
Coke Bast scored eight points and grabbed six offensive rebounds for the Cowboys.
“Coke rebounded well for us while Nick Stone and Dayton Smith came off the bench and gave us productive minutes,” Wall said.
For Wall, the Round Valley tournament is the memory he will cherish the most from this year’s Cowboys.
“We rented a house out there and it was a great time with the kids as we were all together,” Wall said. “It was a little different from the hotel feel so we had an opportunity to eat and spend extra time together.”
“I think it was a fun bonding experience for all the kids and allowed us to come together,” Wall said.
Wall said he believes this season’s Cowboys squad was a family both on and off the court.
“This is one of the closer teams we have had in my tenure here,” Wall said. “The players always picked each other up and cared deeply for each other.”
