Chandler defeats streaky Mtn. View

January 3, 2023 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Chandler's Ezias Steffen (11) attempts to score between the defense ofMountain View's Brigg Wolfe (24) and Jackson Bowers in the Wolves victory on Tuesday night. (Azpreps365 photo)

Host Chandler High managed to maintain a mostly, double-digit lead over Mesa Mountain View Tuesday night for more than three quarters. The lead ebbed toward the finish, but the Wolves hung on for a 53-49 triumph. The game was the first for both schools after playing in invitationals the final week or so of December. 

Chandler (9-9 overall, 4-6 in power-ranking games) was led offensively by a trio of juniors - Ezias Steffen, Braylen Singleton and Kaden Garber. Steffen netted 15 points, Singleton 12 and Garber 11. Mountain View, which began the season with six consecutive wins and has also endured a losing streak of six, was led by senior forward Peyton Rule with 18 points. Sixteen of Rule's points were scored in the second half.

Chandler led 41-28 lead after three quarters - losing none of its 26-13 advantage at halftime. The Wolves posted an 8-0 run to begin the third quarter increasing its lead to 34-13. Mountain View (8-9, 7-3 prg) rallied enough to leave a glimmer of hope as it sliced the deficit back to the halftime level (41-28).

With with five minutes left to play the Toros deficit remained 13 points (45-32). Mountain View starters Rule, Jay Tingey and Brigg Wolfe plus reserve Mikey Sumko combined offensively nearly equally in fourth quarter to put a scare in Chandler. Mountain View rallied within three points three times in the final 90 seconds (48-45, 50-47 and 52-49). 

Chandler made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 56 seconds - three by reserve Chris Washkevich and two by Garber to ward off Mountain View.

Mountain View played in back-to-back tournaments the final two weeks of December and now can look forward to a week off from games. The Toros next game is Jan. 10 - an East Valley Region road game at Skyline. Chandler plays again Thursday hosting Corona del Sol in a non-region game.