Pima, Safford, Thatcher, and Morenci advance in EAC-held Tourney

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: A first round bye enabled Pima head coach Cliff Thompson and players to become spectators for the day. The Roughriders face Safford at 7:30 p.m. for a semifinal on Thursday, Dec. 28.

By Raymundo Frasquillo

Raymundo Frasquillo Photo/Gila Herald: Noah Chavez elevates for a shot attempt against Valley Union junior Dylan Mitchell (5). The Morenci junior contributed a team and game-high 15 points while Mitchell had three. Morenci faces Thatcher in the second round at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 28.

THATCHER – Two consolation and two semifinal games make up the second round of the boys 60th Eastern Arizona Holiday Tourney on Thursday, Dec. 28.

Saint David (4-10 overall) meets Fort Thomas (9-5) for an exhibition (not counting for advancement) in Game 10 at 10 a.m. and Saint David (4-10) faces Valley Union (5-6) in Game 12 at 1 p.m.

Semifinalists are Thatcher (3-2) versus Morenci (13-1) in Game 14 at 4:30 p.m. and Safford (9-2) vs. Pima (7-2) in Game 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening round results a day earlier had Thatcher defeating Saint David 68-35, Safford defeating Fort Thomas 64-33, and Morenci defeating Valley Union 69-26. Pima drew a bye.

Final round pairings on Friday, Dec. 29 decide seventh place at 10 a.m.,third place at 1 p.m., fifth place at 4:30 p.m., and champion at 8 p.m.