The Cesar Chavez Champions waltzed into their matchup on Thursday with 13 straight wins but they left with 14. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Tolleson 57-54. Given Cesar Chavez's advantage in MaxPreps' Arizona basketball rankings (they are ranked 24th, while Tolleson is ranked 130th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Cesar Chavez got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Lex Clontz out in front who scored 17 points along with three steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Royal Haley, who scored 13 points along with seven rebounds and five assists.
Tolleson's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Rico Blassingame, who scored 21 points along with five rebounds and three steals. Judah Lancaster was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on ten points and 23 rebounds.
Cesar Chavez pushed their record up to 17-2 with that victory, which was their sixth straight on the road. As for Tolleson, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 10-10.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Cesar Chavez will face off against West Point at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Tolleson, they will head out on the road to square off against Shadow Ridge at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
