By Don Ketchum

The gymnasium at Laveen Betty H. Fairfax High was a home away from home for the boys basketball team from Laveen Cesar Chavez on Thursday (Jan. 5).

The Champions, who reside about three miles away on Baseline Road, overcame a slow start and left Phoenix St. Mary’s in the dust for an 82-52 victory in the second round of the Phoenix Union High School District Holiday Classic.

“Some short road trip, huh?’’ said Cesar Chavez coach Gary Lee.

Lee’s team advances to Friday’s (Jan. 6) 8 p.m. semifinal against either Avondale Westview or Tucson Salpointe Catholic, who played later Thursday. Betty H. Fairfax also played later Thursday, against Tucson Flowing Wells, and was in line to meet Phoenix North on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Lee was asked about a possible Cesar Chavez-Betty H. Fairfax title game on Saturday.

He smiled and said, “We’re not supposed to say that.’’

Even if the two don’t meet on Saturday, Lee said they will face off in the new arena at Grand Canyon University on Jan. 16 as part of events honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King.

St. Mary’s (5-7) had lost to Cesar Chavez 95-54 on Nov. 29, but came out ready to challenge the Champions, taking an 11-4 lead about halfway through the first quarter.

“St. Mary’s came out prepared because they had played us before and they had good intensity,’’ Lee said. “It took awhile for our shots to start falling.’’

From that point on, it turned into a long 3 ½ quarters for St. Mary’s, in its first season under new coach David “Kip’’ Barnes.

Sophomore post player Pablo Rivas led the way with 21 points for Cesar Chavez, which had 11 players in the scoring column. Derrick Bowers led St. Mary’s with 14 points.

The 6-foot-5 Rivas is developing into a major force.

“He has a passion for the game, he controls the glass, he runs and finishes (on the fast break) well. He is turning into a consistent player,’’ Lee said.

Cesar Chavez will need more of the same from Rivas and his teammates to defeat Betty H. Fairfax, whenever they play them, and in the Division I state tournament.