Matthew Matthies is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com

Scottsdale Christian boys basketball team knocked off Phoenix Country Day Friday night in a gritty back and forth battle.

Despite giving up eight threes in the first half, the Eagles led 36-22 at halftime. SCA gave up 10 points in the third quarter. The Falcons had three consecutive steals which led to their electric 6-0 run, putting the momentum back in Scottsdale Christian’s corner.

Senior guard Garrison Sherman thrived against the Eagles. He had 39 points―23 of which came in the second half. Senior Braden Wales contributed 19 points. Both seniors combined for 58 of the Falcons 72 total points.

“Everyone wants to see each other succeed,” said John Anderson, SCA’s head coach. “It’s really fun to coach a group of guys who will run through a wall for you.”

Sherman's leadership has greatly impacted the Falcons squad.

 “Garrison is one of the hardest working players on the team,” Anderson said. “He immediately builds trust with all of his teammates.”

“We’re brothers. We are best friends. We all hang out together and we have a really great bond,” Sherman said.

Friday night had a celebratory feel as the Falcons starters consisted of five seniors. SCA’s student section held up fat heads of each of the six upperclassmen, Sherman, Wales, Josiah Hearn, Naaman Ortega, Matthew Buresh, and Jack Montgomery. Falcon’s fans created a fun and energetic environment throughout the night. The cheers made the contest more than just a regular season game.

“I was excited to see the fans here,” said Sherman. “If it's our last home game, I have to make it special.”

“I’ve played on varsity all four years and this team is like my brotherhood, '' Wales said. “That’s my family out there.  It’s just really fun to go out and compete with them.”

Scottsdale Christian will take their two-game winning streak going into the playoffs. The Falcons have an opportunity to become back-to-back champions this year, which would make it nine state 2A Metro Championships for the SCA program.

The Falcons will start their postseason run on February 18. SCA’s 15-2 record puts them in the number one spot heading into the playoffs.

“It’s defense. It’s making free throws and layups at the end,” Anderson said. “That’s what’s gonna take us deep in the end.”