The 17th-ranked Ray boys’ basketball team improved its chances of securing a state playoff berth following three-straight victories last week against Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, San Manuel and Hayden.
In last Friday’s regular-season home finale, the Bearcats defeated Hayden 43 – 32, sending off seniors Jonah Cude, Kenneth Palmer and Noah Warren victorious in their final home appearance.
The Cats had lost two-in-a-row before winning three straight and can improve their playoff hopes even more with a win on Jan. 31 at Superior, which is also on the cusp of earning a playoff berth.
The state tournament, which begins Feb. 17 in Prescott Valley, will include 10 automatic berths and six at-large berths to form the 16-team field. The Cats can assure themselves being one of the 10 automatic entries by reaching the 1A East Region Tournament finals. The six at-large qualifiers will be based on ranking.
Upcoming schedule: Jan. 31 at Superior, Feb. 2 at Duncan and Feb. 3 at NFL Yet Academy. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m.