Mesa High's Kota Benson played three-ball for three quarters. Benson settled for two-pointers and free throws in the fourth quarter to complete a big offensive output leading the 6th-seeded Jackrabbits to a 59-43 victory over #11 seed Valley Vista on Thursday night in the second round of the 6A state tournament at Jackrabbit Gym.

Benson, a senior guard, totaled a game-high 28 points. He sank six treys (two in each of the first, second and third quarters). He capped the evening making 6 of 6 free throws in the final 53 seconds helping cement the outcome. Mesa advances to the quarterfinals on Wednesday (Feb. 22). The Jackrabbits hit the road and to the Northwest Valley and will face #3 Boulder Creek. Boulder Creek earned its quarterfinal berth defeating #14 Carl Hayden, 69-60.

Mesa controlled the game -- save a brief interval late in the third period to early in the fourth. Its largest lead until the final minute was 30-17 at the 6:21 mark of the third quarter. Valley Vista rallied and made it interesting to begin the fourth quarter. The Monsoon's senior guard Aaden Isai scored eight of his team-high 14 points in the third period helping slice Mesa's lead to 39-33 to begin the final quarter.

Valley Vista kept its rally going the first two minutes of the final period, cutting the deficit to 40-37. Mesa felt the pressure and responded with a 10-2 run. Mesa junior forward Anthony Seumanu (11 points for the game) scored six of the 10 points. Valley Vista's comeback bid was halted and Mesa protected and expanded a 52-43 lead making 7 of 8 free throws in the final minute.