Chaparral boys let lead slip away late, find way to win at home

Like an NFL playoff game, the referees let the players play Friday night at Chaparral High School.

The Chaparral boys’ basketball team led by as many as 15 in its game against Sierra Vista, but the physical game allowed the Mountain Lions to claw their way back and take a one-point lead with two minutes to play. The Cowboys tightened up and made the shots they had to in the final minutes to take down Sierra Vista 70-67 at home.

The Cowboys went 6-for-9 from the free-throw line in the final minutes of the game to pull out the win.

The free-throw opportunities did not come often for Chaparral Friday night. The team attempted just one free throw in the first three quarters as the officials let the Mountain Lions be very physical with the Cowboys in the paint.

“Sometimes you just have to play through that,” Chaparral coach Steven Bentz said. “It’s part of the game, referees. Sometimes they don’t go your way.”

Bentz was clearly frustrated by the officiating and the Chaparral bench was issued a warning from the officials inbetween the third and fourth quarters.

“It was a little frustrating,” Bentz said. “But we don’t worry about the refs. We just keep playing through it.”

Chaparral (16-6) was outscored by the Mountain Lions 22-15 in the final quarter. But thanks to free throws from seniors John Brooks and Samuel Porras and junior Jonathan Tendale in final minute-and-a-half, the Cowboys found a way to win.

“They went on a run for a stretch there but I’m just happy my guys answered,” Bentz said. “They went down late and still fought and still played and won the last couple minutes.”

After falling behind 65-64, the Cowboys responded by taking back a lead with 1:36 to play and made the stops they had to on defense to seal the game.

Tendale had 23 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to lead Chaparral. Porras added 20 points, and Brooks scored 12.

Junior Maka Ellis led Sierra Vista (10-12) with 29 points.

Bentz was pleased with the mental toughness his team showed.

“This is a game that we scheduled because they’re a great team,” Bentz said. “And if we want to get ready for the playoffs we’re going to face some adversity, some tough times. And I’m just proud of our guys.”

This is the third consecutive season the teams have faced each other and the first win for Chaparral.

“This is what we’re going to see in the playoffs,” Bentz said. “We have to keep getting better and be ready for the playoffs and teams like this.”

Contact reporter Bill Slane at bslane@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4559. Follow @bill_slane on Twitter.