Playoff hopes were strengthened for one and dented for another Thursday night after Perry pulled away late to knock off Skyline, 65-53, in a 5A East Valley Region boys basketball game at Skyline High.

Pioneers earn key Class 5A Division II boys basketball victory on the road, 72-62, over Chaparral.

Senior from Barry Goldwater High is a powerful scorer and rebounder.

Knights overcome rare double-digit deficit in first half to defeat Valley Lutheran in basketball 69-55.

Mesa High is not taking the 5A Fiesta Region by storm in boys basketball if final scores are the indicator. The wins, however, continue to pile up for the Jackrabbits. With almost a wire-to-wire performance on Friday night, Mesa used a torrid start at both ends of the floor to post a 79-72 victory over visiting Brophy Prep.

Big fourth quarter gives Cougars a 63-54 road win over Liberty.

Boys basketball team will play North Pointe Prep on Friday (Jan. 28) at 1:20 p.m.

Agua Fria goes on 16-4 run over the final five minutes to earn a 61-53 Class 4A Division I non-region triumph.

Six weeks ago Mesa Mountain View put the clamps on Corona del Sol on the Aztecs home floor with a 49-40 win the night of the 5A state championship football games. On Tuesday night Corona returned the favor. With guard Calaen Robinson playing his best all-around game of the season and the Aztecs defense clogging the middle after the first 12 minutes or so, Corona seized control and beat the Toros, 50-43, in a 5A Central Region game at Toro Gym.

There are quite a few outstanding young players who are developing. Look forward to seeing more.

Pioneers use long-range shooting and strong defense to turn back Desert Mountain 59-49 on Tuesday night.

The one area of Mesa Mountain View and its boys basketball game Monday night that was consistent was not one a coach wants.