Pima, Safford, Fort Thomas Title Teams Recognized

A panoramic view of Veteran's Memorial.

PHOENIX — Every year during the championship basketball games, the AIA recognizes championship teasm from 25 and 50 years ago.

In Prescott Valley on February 19th the 1997 Fort Thomas Apaches were recognized for their state championship. The ’97 team finished 24-1 under Wil Hinton that season. The Apaches beat Scottsdale Christian in the 1A title game 79-68. It was the 4th consecutive title for Fort Thomas. From 1994 to 1997 the Apaches lost only 6 games.

The 1997 1A State Champion Fort Thomas Apaches

On Saturday at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum both Pima and Safford’s 1972 Championship teams were on hand.

The Safford Bulldogs ran the table in 1972 finishing with a perfect 24-0 record. They beat Santa Rita 73-49 in the 4A Title game to put a stamp on their dominate season. During their championship run, Safford became the first 4A Conference team to finish a season undefeated. The 1972 team also holds the distinction of winning the first AIA boys basketball championship in the 107-year history of Safford High School.  

The 1972 4A State Champion Safford Bulldogs

The 1972 Pima Roughrider squad was part of a record that still stands to this day. The ‘Riders won 75 games in a row over two and a half seasons, including their perfect 26-0 record enroute to the 1A state title with a 64-60 overtime with over McNary in the championship game.

Pima was coached by Stan Smith who has his name attached to two very impressive records himself. He only coached the ‘Riders for 6 seasons but won 6 state championships and was the coach who first won 5 consecutive state championships. In his 6-year career, Smith compiled an impressive 137-12 record. That is a 92% winning percentage, the best in 1A history.

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