Mountain View Downs Mesa Behind 4th Quarter Surge

Last night I was at the regular season finale between the Toros of Mountain View High and the Jackrabbits of Mesa High. It was a highly competitive contest between these two bitter rivals, with three scorers breaking 20 points. Mountain View got a huge win to propel them into the playoffs on a good note, and Mesa will more than likely be playing in the 6A tournament.

FIRST HALF

Photo By Jonathan Olden

The game started off with a couple of buckets from Bryson Gundry (SR) and Jackson Wooley (SR). These two would be the main enforcers all night for the Toros and they set the tone early in the game. Gundry also had a block on the other end, going up and denying 6 '5 Kyi Kyi Miles (FR). Gundry also had a couple of assists in the quarter as he was doing it all on the court for the Toros in the first. He led the Toros with 6 points, Miles led the Jackrabbits with 8 in the first quarter. The score after 1 was 10-11 Mountain View. The second quarter started with Bradley Dyer (SR) with a physical drive down the lane and finishing over a Jackrabbit defender. Mountain View got triples from Gundry, Wooley, and Tingly in the quarter. However, the Jackrabbits would put up 21 points in the quarter behind sophomores Joshua Stewart and Daijon Grayson. Grayson was an excellent facilitator in the quarter and was creating plays for his teammates all night. Jarren Galarza (SR) drilled a three right as time expired in the half, giving the Jackrabbits a 31-28 lead at the break.

SECOND HALF

In the third quarter, it was the Kyi Kyi Miles show. The freshman phenom had 6 points in the quarter but also contributed on the glass, assisting his teammates, and blocking shots. The story of the third was mostly the defense as both teams scored under 15 in the frame. The highlight of the night was definitely the fourth quarter, which Mesa entered with a 4 point lead. The senior experience of Gundry and Wooley truly showed in the quarter as they dominated the Jackrabbits defenders, getting tough buckets and drilling wide open threes. Mountain View took the lead on a Bryson Gundry bucket that he also drew a foul on. The noise in the arena was deafening and you could barely hear yourself think when the Jackrabbits were on offense as the Toro faithful were making it extremely difficult for Mesa on the offensive end. Gundry would end up having 8 in the quarter and 20 total, while Wooley had 12 in the quarter and 23 total. The Toros went on to win the game 70-64, and secured themselves a 6A playoff spot.

POSTGAME

After the game I interviewed Gundry and Wooley. I asked them how they felt after knocking off their archrivals Mesa and denying them a spot in the open division. Wooley started first by saying “It’s always fun playing Mesa, I mean the rivalry is so big, this is a big one I’m so happy right now I don’t even know what to say”. The emotion on Wooley’s face was clear as he had an ear to ear smile while soaking in the atmosphere after the game. Gundry followed that up with “It’s a rivalry, so we’re obviously glad to knock them out.” The key for the Toros was their togetherness, and these two seniors showed the emotion and dedication they play with in the interview.

Photo By Jonathan Olden

IMPACT

This win closes the season for the Toro’s, who ended up going 11-7 on the year. This win would split the season series between these two powerhouses in the East Valley, providing two packed houses and thrilling games. This win all but secured the Toros would not have to play in a “play-in” game, almost guaranteeing them a spot in the playoffs. On the other hand, Mesa fell to 12-6 on the year. The Jackrabbits were sitting on the outside of the open bracket, needing a win to potentially get an open berth, however, the Toros spoiled their season as they will now play in the 6A bracket. All around both teams were excellent and played their hearts out, showing how much this rivalry means to the community.