By Andrew Luberda
Copper Basin News
Both of Ray High School’s basketball teams will compete in their respective Sectional Tournament with a chance to earn an automatic bid into the State Tournament. The first-round sectional games begin Feb. 11-12.
The girls’ basketball team is seeded fourth in their sectional and will battle top-seeded Joseph City on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Miami (AZ) High School. The ‘Cats lost to the Wildcats in the last game of the year last Friday night, 59 – 42. A first-round victory would assure the Bearcats a spot in the Sectional Championship on Friday night. They would play the winner of the other sectional game between St. John’s and Ft. Thomas. The girls’ team is currently 23rd according to the most recent AIA rankings. They may need to win at least one game in the sectional tournament to secure a state tournament bid. The top 24 teams make the state tournament.
The boys’ basketball team is seeded third in their sectional and will play 2nd-seeded Mogollon on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Miami (AZ) High School. The ‘Cats lost to Mogollon on January 17, 86 – 78. A first-round victory would secure a spot in the Sectional Championship on Feb. 15 versus the winner of the St. John’s vs. Ft. Thomas game. The boys’ team, currently 33rd in the most recent AIA rankings, more than likely needs to win the Sectional Championship to reach the state tournament. The top 24 teams make the state tournament.
Scores from last night’s Lady Bearcats game was unavailable at press time, but should be posted at www.facebook.com/copperarea.