Boys basketball loses to Fountain Hills 37-35

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Maricopa boys basketball lost a close game to Fountain Hills Tuesday 37-35. Turnovers and missed free throws contributed to the Rams (4-5, 3-2) demise.

The team was 0-7 from the free throw line until Justin Zabawa made all four of his free throws in the fourth quarter.

“In a low scoring game, every possession counts,” Coach Andy Branchik said.

During the final period, the Rams cut a five-point deficit to one, 36-35, on a Tay Orr field goal with just 21 seconds left. The Fountain Hills Falcons added a free throw before the Rams took possession with 11 seconds left.

After a Maricopa time out, Justin Zabawa was unable to get a clear shot. He passed the ball to Cullen Teiler whose three-point shot missed left. The Falcons grabbed the rebound and held on until the time clock ran out.

Branchik said the Falcons executed their offense well and was proud of his team’s defense.

“I told them to keep their heads up, because they held a good team under 40 points,” Branchik said.

Branchik said he will continue to work with the team on cutting turnovers and ways to keep the offense from becoming stagnant.

Maricopa’s next game is Friday at Safford.

Photos by Jim Vigileos