Blue Ridge boys earn victory over Chandler Valley Christian in 3A semifinals

Despite No. 4 Chandler Valley Christian’s best efforts, No. 1 Lakeside Blue Ridge was able to maintain a modest lead right through the closing minutes Friday night, holding on for a 59-55 win in the 3A boys state semifinal game. 

Blue Ridge will face Winslow at 6:30 p.m. Monday for the Arizona 3A state title.

Grinding it out was the theme of the game. 

Both offenses had some trouble getting warmed up in the opening minutes of play as they both combined for just 22 points in the first quarter. 

More:Winslow boys basketball wins over Chinle to return to 3A state final

Blue Ridge who maintained the upper hand as they began the second half with a 7-2 run, but Valley Christian wouldn’t go away, using small runs of their own to keep the game close.

After the game, Blue Ridge coach Darryl Suber said his team faced one of their toughest challenges on Friday night. 

“They’re really good,” said Suber. “There’s not any bad teams that are still playing. Nobody is going away, everybody is battle tested at this particular point in the season. So, we knew it was going to be tough. Their size was going to be something for us to overcome. We just continued to be aggressive.”

Suber added that not only his is team fighting for a state title on Monday, but they’re fighting for respect. 

“I’m happy we’re playing Winslow,” added Suber. “I’m a firm believer that northern basketball doesn’t get quite enough respect from the general gist. Last year we were a final eight team, we finished up number two in the state rankings, lost in the quarterfinals and we couldn’t get a preseason top 10 sniff. So, I’m happy we get a chance to come out here and do it.” 

Standout performer

Blue Ridge’s Darrien Burnette led all scorers in the game with 22 points. The junior was 8-for-20 from the field and scored 15 of his points in the second half. 

More standouts 

Blue Ridge senior Mason Berges chipped in with 15 points, five of those coming from the free throw line. 

Senior Evan Olsen led all Valley Christian scorers with 14 points in the losing effort. He was a perfect 7-for-7 from the field. 

Star watch

The junior duo of Corey Endfield and Burnette played all 32 minutes for Blue Ridge on Friday night. Endfield tallied seven points in the game, while nine of Burnette’s 22 points came from beyond the three-point arc. 

Quote of the game 

“He’s our guy. If he’s not the state player of the year in 3A then I don’t know who is. He works his butt off on both ends. He’s one of the best guys that I’ve ever coached, he’s such a good teammate for his fellow players. He’s talented, he takes advantage of situations, he plays aggressively, he plays selflessly. He’s a special dude and he really plays hard for his teammates.” - coach Darryl Suber on Burges, whose final game in a Blue Ridge uniform will be in the 3A state title game. 

Stat of the game 

The largest lead of the game came with 5:04 left in the 3rd quarter when Blue Ridge had an eight point advantage. 

Up next

Blue Ridge will play No. 2 Winslow on Monday at 5 p.m. at Gila River Arena in Glendale for the 3A state title.