Willow Canyon's Backcourt Combines for 56 in Statement Win vs Centennial.

(left) Jaydon Hayes (middle) Maurice Carter II (right) Garrison Bambolo

A big time 5A matchup with two top five 5A teams looking to prove they are the real deal.

Willow is led by two stud sophomores guards Jaydon Hayes and Maurice Carter II, these two make up one of the top backcourts in Arizona and are looking to compete for a 5A title and even a open run. Centennial a dark horse heading in to the year that has stared off hot and has racked up some solid wins lead by a core 4 group of seniors Johnny Rios, Romell Shields, Aidan Delafield and Sekou Sackor.

This game was full of runs with momentum switching back and forth through. Both teams came out and competed hard and put their heart and talent on display. This is a region Matchup and they will see each other again on January 28th at Centennial High School.

1st Quarter - Centennials hot start

To Begin the first the Coyotes came out full of energy. They were hot and it seemed like they could not miss. They would start the game on a 12-5 run stunning the Wildcats. Johnny Rios would assist or score on those first 12 points for Centennial. Centennials core 4 of seniors would score all 21 of their first quarter points. Willows Maurice Carter II had himself a nice 1st quarter by putting up 9 of Willows 11 points. The rest of the squad struggled to hit shots Especially Jaydon Hayes but that would not last long.

Willow - 11 Centennial - 21

2nd Quarter - Jaydon Hayes 15pt explosion

To start the second Willows run would start led by Jaydon Hayes. He would come in to this quarter super aggressive and use his strength and speed to get to the bucket at will. He would prove that he was a problem that Centennial did not have an answer for and eventually score 15 of Willows 18 points in the quarter. Centennial would cool off in this quarter after their blazing hot start and struggle to get quality shots and when they did they did not fall. The Coyotes would only hit one field goal this entire quarter and score the rest from free throws.

Willow - 31 Centennial - 30

3rd Quarter - Willow extends the lead

To begin the 3rd the teams begin to trade buckets and could not separate from each other. Maurice Carter II would then come alive again and hit two big threes to give Willow some cushion. Centennials Struggles would continue from the floor only hitting 4 shots to Willows 8. Willows tough Seniors Daniel Garza and Austin Cooper would really start to make an impact whether it was assist or rebounds or just playing good defense. Willows deeper rotation stated to give them an edge as fresh legs got to come in and work hard.

Willow - 51 Centennial - 43

4th Quarter - Willow blows it open

Willow would come out strong and quickly build the lead to 20 and start to run four corners forcing Centennial to play up and start fouling. Centennials Romell shields would start to hit tough shots and try to get his squad back in the game but it was to late. Willow would hit free throws and continue to build the lead. Willows Garrison Bambolo would then have a nasty two hand dunk on the baseline and would put the nail in the coffin. Willows Jaydon Hayes would close it out with technical free throws and finish with a dominant performance alongside Maurice Carter II. Willow Proved they are a top team in 5A and a top team in the whole state of Arizona.

Final

Willow - 78 Centennial - 55

Game Stats

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assist	Steals	Blocks	Team
Jaydon Hayes	31	7	3	1		Willow Canyon
Maurice Carter II	25	7	2	1		Willow Canyon
Garrison Bambolo	7	4	1			Willow Canyon
Romell Shields	15			2		Centennial
Johnny Rios	10	3	7	3		Centennial
Sekou Sackor	9	2	1	1	3	Centennial