By Jon Johnson
THATCHER – The Thatcher Eagles soared to the championship of the 62nd annual Eastern Arizona College (EAC) Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament, defeating rival Pima Roughriders 72-58 in a hard-fought finale that showcased defensive adjustments and clutch scoring.
Tournament MVP Isaac Palmer led the Eagles with a game-high 20 points, earning the honor for his consistent performance throughout the event. He was supported by freshman JayLeon Way’s 15 points, Chad Johnson’s 10, and nine points each from Bronson Stringfellow and Wade Hull. Braden Bryce added 6, while Jay Carter and Kase Palmer contributed 2 and 1 points, respectively.
For the Roughriders, Keegan Corona topped the scoring with 20 points, including a crucial six free throws in the final quarter to keep Pima in contention. Tanner Smith chipped in 13 points, Charlie Richardson had 12, Joel Mattice 6, Stratton McRae 4, and Isaac Thompson 3.
The game began with Pima striking first, jumping out to a strong 21-point first quarter while holding Thatcher to 16 points, taking a 21-16 lead into the second quarter.
However, the Eagles’ defense clamped down in the second quarter, limiting the Roughriders to just two field goals and a meager 6 points total. Thatcher’s offense, meanwhile, poured in 17 points to flip the script, heading into halftime with a 33-28 advantage.
The third quarter saw the teams battle evenly, each scoring 17 points as Pima clawed back but couldn’t regain the lead, entering the fourth down 50-45.
Thatcher pulled away decisively in the final period, outscoring Pima 22-13 to seal the victory. The Roughriders managed only three field goals in the quarter, struggling offensively as the Eagles’ pressure intensified.
Thatcher (4-1 region, 10-1 overall) will next host the Amphitheater Panthers on Jan. 5, 2026, starting at 7 p.m.
Pima (2-0 conference, 14-2 overall) will next host the Round Valley Elks on Jan. 6, 2026, starting at 7 p.m.
