By Weston DeWitt

When spectators packed into Greenway’s gym Thursday night, no one expected a nerve-racking game between Moon Valley and Greenway.

But, surprisingly, the Greenway Demons pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating the high powered Moon Valley Rockets 52-49.

Moon Valley (21-4 overall, 9-1 region) had been undefeated in 4A region play and was ranked No. 2 in the power rankings coming into Thursday night.

But it was Greenway that maintained solid possession of the basketball right from the opening tip-off, neutralizing Moon Valley’s fast-paced offensive game.

With the student section out in full force, the Demons fed off the energy.

“It really helps when the student section is always helping us out,” Greenway senior guard Shane Sooknanan said. “It is so cool to have that kind of environment around you, and it really boosts our confidence. Honestly, my ears often started ringing.”

Added Greenway guard Scott Shaver, “This was definitely a great way to go out. I could not have imagined a better game. Moon Valley had a great season, but we handed them their first loss in sectionals so it feels really good.”

Shaver finished the night with 10 crucial points.

Only 16 teams will play in the 4A state tournament. Greenway, ranked No. 18 Thursday, will have to wait until the bracket show to see if its victory over Moon Valley will allow it to continue to play.

The Demons (14-9, 6-4) shot 45 percent from the field as a team and 33 percent from three-point land. Leading the way with 14 points was sophomore guard Ivan Palomar. Senior forward Jared Vigil followed up with 11 points of his own.

The biggest lead of the night was 12 points, which belonged to Greenway. Other than that, the contest was a nail-biter down to the final seconds.

The Demons, who started playing full court, man-to-man defense in the first quarter, held the Rockets to their second lowest scoring game of the season.

Moon Valley scored just 13 points in the first quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field in that quarter.

“Honestly, we came into this game less focused than we had for most of the season,” said Moon Valley guard Cam’ron Davis. “That really showed in the first quarter. We kind of got loose in the second quarter, but Greenway played a great game tonight.”

Davis, who has been at the point all season for the Rockets, had 11 points and three steals in the fourth quarter, when he attempted to get his team back in the game.

But the Rockets only made six of their 12 free throws in the fourth quarter. 

“Our team has had great this season,” Sooknanan said. “Every team has their ups and downs, but you can only make the best of it.”

As for Moon Valley, it still wants to make a deep run once the tournament starts but also come out with with more energy.

“We just have to get ready for the playoffs now, so it’s a new season for us basically,” Davis said. “Going into the playoffs, the biggest thing we have to do is get tougher on the boards and just come out with more focus.”

DeWitt is a sports journalism student at Arizona State.