Thatcher pulled away late to defeat Pima 72-58 in the championship game of the 63rd Annual EAC Boys Holiday Tournament, closing out the week with a statement win.
Pima came out sharp and set the early tone, taking a 21-16 lead after the first quarter. Thatcher answered before the break to take a 33-27 halftime advantage, and the two teams stayed within striking distance through three quarters with Thatcher holding a 50-44 lead.
The difference came in the fourth quarter, where Thatcher’s depth and rebounding took over. The Eagles outscored Pima down the stretch to turn a competitive game into a 14-point final.
Pima was led by Keegan Corona with 20 points, including 12 from the free throw line. Tanner Smith added 13 points, while Charlie Richardson finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.
Thatcher was paced by Isaac Palmer, who recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds and was named Tournament MVP. Freshman Jayleon Way provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, while Chad Johnson and Bronson Stringfellow chipped in 10 points apiece. The two teams will meet again January 14 in Pima.
In the girls championship game, Snowflake showed its championship pedigree, defeating Ft. Thomas 56-32 to claim the title at the 39th Annual EAC Girls Holiday Tournament.
Snowflake, the defending 3A State Champions and defending holiday tournament champions, took control early with a 19-8 first-quarter lead and extended it to 31-13 by halftime. The Lobos led 56-23 after three quarters before closing out the win.
Ft. Thomas, last year’s 1A State Runner-Up, was led by Kynnedee Bryce, who finished with eight points and eight rebounds while going 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Corey Cody added seven points and six rebounds.
Snowflake was paced by Ryah Denhalter with 17 points and five rebounds, while Bryn Kupfer added 15 points and six rebounds. Denhalter was named Tournament MVP.
