2025 MLK Basketball Classic Story
A double overtime win by the Rincon / University girls’ team highlighted a full day of basketball at McKale Center on the University of Arizona campus during the 21st annual MLK Basketball Classic on Monday, January 20, 2025. Sophomore Leila O’Dowd scored 33 points to lead the Rangers to a 54 to 48 win over the Buena Colts.
In other girls’ action, senior Megan Callahan netted 20 points to lead the St Augustine Wolves to a 42 to 36 win over the Desert Christian Eagles. Callahan surpassed 1000 points in her career during the game at the MLK Classic.
America Cazares poured in 33 points in the Pueblo Warriors 68 to 66 victory over the Catalina Foothill Falcons.
In the final girls’ game of the Basketball MLK Classic, Isabella Webb scored 16 points including three 3-pointers to pace the Mica Mountain Thunderbolts over the Sahuaro Cougars 53 to 44.
In boys’ action forward Sebastian Lopez scored 24 points to lead the Bisbee Pumas to a 53 to 37 win over the Santa Rita Eagles.
Preston Dees scored 19 points and Corbyn Downs added 15 as the Coolidge Bears defeated The Gregory School Hawks 53 to 45.
Caden Watkins tallied 24 points and Brendan Gargus added 19 to lead the Sabino Sabercats to a 66 to 62 win over the Palo Verde Titans.
In the final game of the night, Patrick Flores scored 19 points for Tucson High School to lead the Badgers to a 51 to 44 win over the Salpointe Catholic Lancers.
The MLK Basketball Classic began with an exhibition game of 5th grade and under girls’ teams resulting in a 6 to 6 tie between the Whitmore Wildcats and the Roskruge Pumas.
The MLK Basketball Classic celebrates cultural awareness, good sportsmanship, and citizenship through competitive basketball, honoring students, and showcasing student performances by pep bands, dance, and cheer teams while commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thanks to those who supported and/or volunteered to make the 2025 MLK Basketball Classic a huge success.
TUSD Governing Board:
Natalie Luna Rose – President
Jennifer Eckstrom – Clerk
Val Romero
Dr. Ravi Shah
Sadie Shaw
TUSD Superintendent:
Dr. Gabriel Trujillo
Assistant Superintendents:
Shawna Rodriguez
Richard Sanchez
Holly Leman Hammel
Mark Alvarez
Brian Lambert
Flori Huitt
Frank J Armenta
Officials:
9:00 AM Monique Dudley,
Cleo Robinson, Michael Steward
10:30 AM Greg Cesarek,
Chrstopher Wilken, Patrick O’Neill
12:00 Noon Kenneth White,
Mario Portillo, ReCharde Johnson
1:30 PM Guillermo Flores,
Jacob Greenberg, Chaz Mack
3:00 PM Alice Dotson,
Tyrone Cephers, Le’Sean Marks
4:30 PM, Guy Giordano
Carlos Jimenez, Andrew Ross
6:00 PM Joe Morris Jr.,
William Colegrove, Joseph Miller
7:30 PM Mark Ijames,
Tommy Schultz, AJ McBrayer
Liaisons to the Officials:
Ed Meyer, J. Berry Roberts
Commissioner of Officials:
Dave Whatton
Liaisons to the Teams:
Brian Wilson, Raymond Smith
Trainer:
Mike Boese
Table Crew Chief:
Dale López
Timers:
William Ackerley
Carlos Delgado
Dale López
JJ López
Shot Clock:
Anthony Delgado
JJ López
Jim Markert
Scoreboard Operators:
JJ López
Joe Porter
Kris Ritzmann
Announcers:
Brian Alday
Mike Boese
Eddie Contreras
Sean Haynes
Dale López
Jason Miller
Official Scorers:
Danielle Clyden
Tom Danehy
Dale López
Rosina Ritzmann
J. Berry Roberts
THANKS to the 2025 MLK Classic Printed Program Sponsors:
Coaches for Charity Bowlathon
Sonoran House
Ackerley Advertising
Pima County Sports Hall of Fame
Tidy Up Yard Cleaning Service
The Roskruge Cougar Classic
Coaches for Charity Kickoff Classic
Jump In Tucson! Radio Show
All Sports Tucson
The Sands Club
Javelina Restaurant
Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park
iHeart Radio
Thanks to companies that donated food:
Arizona Sands Club
Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park
Sue Darling and Mama Carey’s Catering
R & R Family Kitchen
Stardance Event Center
Sonoran House