Arizona High School Basketball Tournament Unites Communities Across the State

The Arizona High School Basketball Tournament, taking place in the bustling Valley this weekend, continues to serve as a significant event that unites communities from various corners of Arizona. Inside the iconic Coliseum at the Fairgrounds, fervent crowds gather, bringing forth an atmosphere filled with passion and enthusiasm during the games.

In the girls bracket, Page High School emerges as the top seed for the 3A State Championship. In a riveting semi-final clash on Friday, the Sand Devils faced off against the spirited #13 Chinle High School, attracting a large and vocal audience in Phoenix. Despite the teams hailing from northern Arizona, their loyal supporters made the journey to showcase unwavering backing for their girls on the court.

Carllene Curley, whose husband serves as an assistant coach at Chinle High School, travelled five hours with her daughter to stand in solidarity with the team. She expressed immense pride in the players and the strong sense of community camaraderie palpable in the stands.

Meanwhile, Page High School supporters turned up in full force, embodying a sense of unity and school spirit. Rodney Slim, a proud parent whose daughter graduated from Page High last year, described the tournament as the ‘Super Bowl‘ for him, emphasizing the significance of the event bringing together natives from diverse tribal backgrounds.

Following a triumphant second-half performance, the Sand Devils secured victory over Chinle High School, propelling them into the finals against Show Low. Head Coach Celeste Claw commended the team’s preparedness and highlighted the tournament’s special significance in celebrating ‘res-ball’ and the unity of the 3A north community.

The journey to the championship showcases the unwavering commitment and support that these teams receive from their respective communities, underscoring the profound impact of high school sports in fostering camaraderie and school pride.