#10 Sunnyslope tames #7 Campo Verde in Open

February 10, 2023 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Sunnyslope's Jai Bearden is set to lower the boom for two in the Vikings 64-43 Open Division win Friday night over Campo Verde. (Azpreps365 photo)

#10 Sunnyslope displayed the postseason prowess the program is known for on Friday night. 

The Vikings were on the road facing #7 Campo Verde in the second round of the inaugural Open Division tournament. They led nearly the entire first half, albeit not decisively. However, their 32-25 halftime advantage grew to an overwhelming 50-32 after three quarters. And that they say, was that.

Sunnyslope (23-5) used double-figure scoring from four of its five starters and strong defense throughout in defeating Campo Verde, 64-43. The Vikings move on to the tournament quarterfinals where they play host to 4A St. Mary's on Feb. 18. St. Mary's advanced with an 87-77 road win over 4A ALA-Gilbert North.

Six-foot-6 inch junior forward Jai Bearden, a transfer from Raymond Kellis, netted a game-high 19 points. Freshmen John Mattingly and Rider Portela (son of coach Ray Portela) and junior Beau Hartman were next with 13, 12 and 11 points, respectively. Sunnyslope, the 6A Desert Valley Region champion, has taken no prisoners thus far. The Vikings have 20-point-plus victory margins in both games (63-38 vs. Prescott in the first round).

Rider Portela's best quarter was the first - he scored eight of 12 points and connected on two threes. Hartman took scoring honors in the second period with eight of his 11 points, including two threes. Mattingly posted seven of his 13 points in the third period. Bearden's fourth quarter was his most prolific - eight of his 19 points.

Campo Verde (24-4) was led by senior Justin Garcia and junior Cohen Ferguson with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Campo's leading scorer, senior Isaiah Kai, endured a tough night. The senior guard who averages almost 19 points a game, battled foul trouble. He was limited to six points.