McClintock takes down Saguaro in opening round action of the McClintock Holiday Shootout

December 26, 2023 by Ben Stapley, AZPreps365


Double 0: McClintock guard Kyler Frye defends Saguaro’s O’Shea Bonner Monday evening in McClintock’s Holiday Shootout Tournament. Photo by Ben Stapley.

McClintock can win basketball games with an assortment of weapons, most of which were on display Monday night. 

The Chargers had an impressive showing in round one of their McClintock Holiday Shootout Tournament, taking down Saguaro, 61-39 in an inter-conference matchup at McClintock’s Doc Zinke gymnasium. 

Taimari Jones led all scorers with 18 points, 14 of which came in the second half, as the 6-6 senior dominated the interior over the final 16 minutes. 

“I knew we really needed to play a physical game because Saguaro is physical and they’re a little bigget than us,” Jones said afterward. 
 

“We had it going from the perimeter early on, our guards were shooting well, so I think bringing it inside and going up strong in the second half was what he had to do, and I think it threw (Saguaro) off.”

Sophomore guards Kyler Frye (16 points) and Josh McManaway (14 points) were equally efficient for McClintock, combining for six three point field goals and 30 points. 

McManaway came out scorching hot in the first quarter, with 11 points that helped give the Chargers a 21-11 lead and establish control of the game. 

“Kyler and Josh have shown they can see the floor, pass the ball and shoot the rock,” Jones said of Frye and McManaway. 

McClintock (9-3) maintained a 10 point lead at halftime (29-19) before Jones took over in the second half. 
 

A rebound and easy put back was followed with a slam dunk by Jones on the first two possessions, giving the Chargers a 33-19 lead. 

McClintock, which competes in 5A, eventually extended its lead to 20 points by the fourth quarter. The highlight of the game came early in the fourth when Frye set up Jones for a beautiful alley-oop layup. 

Saguaro (4-6), which competes in 4A, was led by sophomore Justice Hinds 13 points. Freshman Mikey Shepston added seven points for the Sabercats, all of which came in the third quarter to help keep the game within reach.