Jeff Edgington

For West Valley Preps

With a week until Christmas it sure seemed like defending 5A state champion Phoenix Sunnyslope wasn't in much of a giving mood.

The Vikings defense allowed just 10 first half points — and essentially reiterated who the conference goes through with a tenacious defense, pulling away 54-30.

A scary moment occured with just more than four minutes remaining in the ball game as Sunnyslope senior Andrew Greb drove to the hoop and upon making the layup was fouled hard.

Greb appeared to have landed awkwardly on the baseline. The game was delayed approximately a half hour and as a precaution he was carted off on a stretcher.

He could move his extremities but had a cut to his forehead and some bleeding from his ears. Editor's Note: We will monitor his condition and have more updates as it progresses.

The game resumed with a quieter Skyhawk Gymnasium but it was essentially just a clock run-off. In the first defeat for Coach Jed Dunn's Skyhawks the somber mood was shifted to the incident.

"Bryce is the nicest kid I've coached. It's just an unfortunate basketball play," stated a quiet Dunn.

Sunnyslope Coach Ray Portela was pleased with his teams intensity at the start as they've emphasized defense as of late.

Deer Valley surprised Sunnyslope (10-2) with a 55-52 win in the finals of the Vikings' Hoopsgiving tournament. Since then, the Sunnyslope has run roughshod over Arizona competition, only losing to top Utah school Lone Peak in the Hoophall West event.

"They had this one marked since they got us at our place. We told the kids we had to defend better specially on Bryce. Jed has a great group of kids," Portela said.

Deer Valley (11-1) failed to muster any sort of offensive continuity in the dismal shooting first half.

"We had it down to 12-8 after one but kinda couldn't generate much in that second quarter. Nothing was falling for us. We couldn't get Bryce going inside. A frustrating night for sure. Not to take anything away from Coach Portela by any means," added Dunn.

Dunn also added on a positive note the next one is more important. That "next one" is Tuesday night against DVUSD and Desert West Region rival Barry Goldwater in a region battle.

Sunnyslope and Deer Valley were ranked No. 2 and No. 1 in the AIA initial rankings for 5A. The teams have split their first two meetings.

If they are to face off again, that gift could be opened in February with a lot more at stake.

Deer Valley's Johny Diaz (#4) grabs a rebound against Sunnyslope on Dec. 18 at Deer Valley in Glendale. [Jacob Stanek/West Valley Preps][/caption]