This matchup between Corona and Dobson (7-2) attracted college coaches and scouts from all over. With elite players all over the floor, it was expected to be a good one.
The game opened fast-paced and high speed. Corona Del Sol (7-1) came out in a man-to-man defense and were switching on all screens to keep the shooters covered. Because of Dobson’s lack of size, everybody on Corona could matchup with all of Dobson’s players size wise.
Both teams matched each other early, going back forth, as Corona's 6-foot-2 junior guard Casey Benson of Corona and Dobson's 6-foot-5 senior guard Jaron Hopkins (Univ. of Colorado signee) came out lighting it up. Benson scored a quick six points out of the gate, as Hopkins scored seven in what seemed like no time at all. However, just as he seemed to be taking over, Hopkins picked up his second personal foul and had to leave near the end of the quarter. By the time he subbed out, he had already done his damage - giving Dobson a five-point lead early.
Benson finished the opening quarter with 11-points - keeping Corona in the game. 6-foot-3 senior guard Braden Tennyson also contributed 8 points in the first quarter on two threes.
The start of the second period had Corona coming out with the energy. Led by 6-foot-4 sophomore Cassius Peat’s big second quarter, the Aztecs started to gain control.
Midway through the second quarter, Dobson found themselves down 13 points. Hopkins did his best to keep them in it, scoring 5 in the quarter, but Corona had control of the game.
The score at half was 41-30 in favor of Corona. The Aztecs were led by Casey Benson’s team-high 13 points, Tennyson’s 10 and Peat’s 8 at half. Jaron Hopkins had 12 points by the half, as well as three fouls, and 6-foot-2 junior guard Kairee Williams contributed 7 for Dobson. The three point field goals were in favor of Corona 4-3.
The second half would come down to whether or not Dobson could stop Corona’s offense. The start of the second half was reminiscent of the first, as both teams went back and forth - trading buckets and stops. This worked in favor of Corona, as they kept their lead comfortably where it was.
Tragedy struck the Mustangs at the 5 and a half minute mark of the third quarter, as Jaron Hopkins picked up his fourth personal foul. He would sub out and not return until the fourth quarter. Corona took advantage and extended their lead to 14-points. This comfortable lead was the product of Casey Benson, who had 7 points in the quarter. However, a late run, led by 6-foot-6 junior Ryan Richardson and 6-foot-4 junior guard Kodi Justice (Arizona State commit) cut the lead in half - making it 58-51 after three quarters.
With momentum on Dobson’s side, and Jaron Hopkins coming back in the game to start the final quarter, Dobson was poised to make a comeback. This all changed when just one minute into the fourth quarter, an errant foul by Hopkins gave him five for the game, and meant an early exit for the team’s leading scorer. Ryan Richardson subbed in for Hopkins.
Dobson was able to fight and claw, keeping the game within reach, however the outside shooting of Braden Tennyson, Adam Gleave, and Bryan Siefker, complimented by the penetrating and finishing ability of Casey Benson, proved to be too much for Dobson. Despite a monster fourth quarter by 6-foot-9 senior post Brian Nichols of Dobson, who finished with 8 points and 4 rebounds off the bench, Corona finished the game strong led by Casey Benson’s 8 fourth quarter points.
The final score ended up being 72-64. Casey Benson finished with a game-high 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field. Adam Gleave contributed 12 and Braden Tennyson gave Corona 10 in the win.
For Dobson, a disappointing night for Jaron Hopkins had him finishing with a mere 12 points. Ryan Richardson contributed 12 points of his own with three 3 pointers.
Corona Del Sol finished with 7 three-pointers on the night to Dobson’s six. This game was owned by Casey Benson. The left-handed point guard for Corona controlled the game and picked his moments. Overall, a great team effort by the Aztecs gave them the win.
