Campo Verde boys basketball managed to distance itself from the rest of the 5A San Tan Region on Monday night. At least for a couple of days.

The Coyotes won every quarter against visiting Casteel. Their 22-11 advantage after the first period paved the way to a 68-44 triumph.

Campo Verde's margin atop the region is slim. At 4-1 in region the Coyotes lead Higley, Casteel and Casa Grande, who are 3-2 halfway through region competition.

The victory was a true team effort. Three players scored for Campo Verde scored in double figures - starters Isaiah Kai (game-high 17 points) and Justin Garcia (16) and reserve Camden Gundlach (10). The other starters teamed up for 20 points -- Ty McDowell  with eight points and Garret Ahern and Cohen Ferguson six points apiece.

Campo's first-quarter dominace revolved around Kai (10 points, including two treys) and two, three-point baskets from Garcia. Garcia connected on four threes for the bulk of his scoring.

Casteel scored the first basket of the second quarter to trim the deficit under 10 (22-13), but that's the best the Colts could do the rest of the way. Campo Verde went on to take a 34-18 lead at halftime. Scoring leaders for Casteel were junior forward Aiden Schmidt (10 points) and JJ Newcombe (9).

The teams return to action with more region play on Wednesday. Casteel hosts Casa Grande, having beaten the Cougars 64-58 earlier this month. Campo Verde visits Mountain Pointe seeking to avenge its only region loss via a buzzer-beater last week to the Pride.