Palo Verde, which opened its doors in 1962, achieved its first boys basketball state championship in school history with its 52-41 victory in the 3A title game Thursday night over Coolidge at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Phoenix.
Rashad Ortiz, who led the Titans with 19 points, was chosen the MVP of the 3A state tournament. He also made the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer last week in the semifinal win over Chandler Seton Catholic.
The Titans reached the 3A championship game last year but lost to Pusch Ridge and the 4A championship in 2000 but were defeated by eastside rival Sahuaro.
Since Anthony Smith was hired in 2021-22, he has coached Palo Verde to a state championship, a state runner-up finish and a 96-40 record,
“We have a saying, ‘Expect to win,’ and we expected to win this game,” Smith told the NFHS Network after the win over Coolidge.
Kristian White had 14 points and two steals and Kameron Pippen eight points, five rebounds and eight assists for Palo Verde against Coolide.
Palo Verde finished 23-6 overall. The Titans won eight of their last nine games.
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