Ryan Meza is a Master's student at the Cronkite School at ASU assigned to cover Perry High School

GILBERT - Similar to the Bee Gees’  '70s hit disco song, Perry is “stayin’ alive” as it defeated Basha on Wednesday night to advance to the 6A basketball semifinals.

The Dan Serrano Gymnasium was buzzing for the third meeting between these two premier region teams. Perry came out victorious in its last two meetings with Basha and tallied another win after the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

The Pumas' defensive intensity dictated the game early as they hit Basha with a full-court press right out of the gate, which gave them control of the game and flustered the Bears.

“We wanted to try to get some quick [points] early,” Perry coach Sam Duane said. “We wanted to press early to try to get the tempo up.”

Perry wanted to get going early because they knew part of Basha’s game plan was to run a spread offense and hold the ball. The Bears quite literally held the ball.

In the second quarter, Perry led 20-11 with 5:30 remaining in the half. Basha sophomore guard Izaih Johnson stood near half court with the ball tucked under his arm, watching the seconds on the clock decrease.

The Perry crowd booed Basha as Johnson stood there for about three minutes, waiting for coach Mike Grothaus to call a play.

“We are up nine and I got two guys in foul trouble,” Duane said. “So, if he wants to hold it and let our guys buy some time in foul trouble, we’re all good with that…he’s losing.”

Grothaus eventually called a play which resulted in a missed shot and Perry gathered the rebound. Basha scored two points in the second quarter.

However, when Perry gained possession it would take full advantage, especially junior guard Cody Williams and senior center Dylan Anderson who combined for 31 points.

“We knew they were going to spread it,” Williams said. “So, we had to apply pressure and then when we get the ball, we got to really capitalize on it.”

Williams took control of the game on the offensive end as he led all scorers with 17 points on the night.

 

“Cody was outstanding tonight,” Duane said. “He’s a big-time player and he plays big in big-time games.”

Williams was given so many open looks due to Anderson creating different opportunities with an abundance of touches inside the paint. The seven-foot center was a threat around the perimeter as well as he spaced out the floor and connected on three three-point buckets. Anderson finished with 14 points.

 

There is nothing that the Pumas love more than the 2021 basketball Gatorade player of the year having an all-around game, especially Williams.

“It’s lovely,” Williams said. “It’s just a game changer, it helps bring our team together and it helps us be very efficient.”

Perry looks to brings its same intensity and efficiency on Friday as the Pumas visit No. 2 Brophy for an opportunity to punch their ticket to the 6A state championship.

“We are going to enjoy [this] for a few more minutes and then tomorrow we are going to hit it hard,” Williams said towards their preparation.

Brophy and Perry are premier region rivals as Brophy has dominated the Pumas twice this season. According to Duane, the Broncos were the more mature team in their second meeting early in February, adding that his team did not have any composure and maturity. Who will be the more mature team on Friday? Will the third time be the charm for the Pumas?