Basketball Game Preview: Palo Verde Panthers vs. Canyon Springs Pioneers

Palo Verde and Canyon Springs are an even 4-4 against one another since February of 2015, but not for long. The Palo Verde Panthers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Canyon Springs Pioneers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Canyon Springs is facing Palo Verde at the wrong time: Palo Verde suffered their first home loss of the season on Tuesday and they're likely out for redemption. They were beaten by the Rams 88-54.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Canyon Springs). They breezed by Pinecrest Academy Cadence to the tune of 84-56 on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Pioneers have posted since February 13, 2024.

Palo Verde better keep an eye on Gregory Paige. He was instrumental in Canyon Springs' win, going 11 for 18 on his way to 22 points. Paige continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last four games he's played. Kory McRoy Jr was another key player, going 5 of 9 en route to 13 points.

Canyon Springs was working as a unit and finished the game with 15 assists. That's the most assists they've posted since back in February of 2024.

Canyon Springs' win bumped their record up to 8-10. As for Palo Verde, their defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 7-5.

Palo Verde came up short against Canyon Springs in their previous meeting back in February of 2024, falling 63-52. Thankfully for Palo Verde, Armondo Lewis Jr (who went 10 for 18 on his way to 27 points in addition to six boards and four steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.