Phoenix, January 26, 2026
In a thrilling high school basketball matchup, the Prescott Lady Badgers showcased their resilience by defeating the Sunnyslope Lady Vikings with a final score of 56-51. This victory marked the Badgers’ 20th win of the season, underlining their competitive spirit. Key players Bella Abt and Lilly James drove the team to success, with crucial fourth-quarter performances. The game took place in Phoenix, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of Arizona prep sports. Their achievement not only reflects the team’s skill but also fosters community pride surrounding high school athletics.
Phoenix, AZ
Lady Badgers Capture 20th Win in Phoenix Thriller
The Prescott Lady Badgers showcased remarkable resilience on the road, securing their 20th victory of the season against the Sunnyslope Lady Vikings in a compelling high school basketball matchup held in Phoenix. This hard-fought contest underscored the competitive spirit and disciplined effort that define Arizona’s prep sports landscape.
The game was a testament to the character built through rigorous athletic competition, where teamwork and perseverance can overcome significant challenges. High school sports in Phoenix, AZ, foster not only athletic talent but also vital life skills, contributing to the strong community identity that rallies around these young athletes.
Battle in Phoenix: Lady Badgers’ Resilient Triumph
The Prescott Lady Badgers traveled to Phoenix on Saturday, January 24, 2026, to face the Sunnyslope Lady Vikings in a contest that saw Prescott emerge with a 56-51 victory. This win pushed the Lady Badgers’ impressive season record to 20-3 overall. The game unfolded as a true challenge, with Prescott needing to mount a comeback on the road against a formidable opponent. The Lady Vikings, a local Phoenix team, demonstrated their own competitive drive throughout the game.
Fourth Quarter Comeback: James and Abt Lead the Charge
The Lady Badgers found themselves trailing 41-35 after three quarters, setting the stage for a dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround. Junior guard Lilly James was pivotal in this comeback, sinking four three-pointers in the game, with three of those crucial shots coming in the final eight minutes of play. Her clutch performance provided a significant boost to Prescott’s offensive efforts. Complementing James’ perimeter scoring was Bella Abt, who contributed 6 points in the fourth quarter, reinforcing her impact in critical moments. The team’s collective discipline was also evident at the free-throw line, where Prescott converted 5 of 6 attempts in the fourth quarter and finished with an accuracy of 75% for the entire game, making 12 of 16 free throws.
Sunnyslope’s Valiant Effort and Maggie Luba’s Impact
The Sunnyslope Lady Vikings displayed a strong performance, particularly in the earlier stages of the game. Maggie Luba, a sophomore, led the Lady Vikings in scoring with 19 points. Her early dominance was a key factor for Sunnyslope. However, the Lady Badgers’ defensive adjustments limited Luba to just two points in the final quarter. This loss marked the second consecutive defeat for Sunnyslope, bringing their season record to 11-9. The Lady Vikings compete in the 6A Central Region (State-level), highlighting the high level of competition they regularly face in Phoenix AZ high school basketball.
A Season of Milestones: Prescott’s Dominance and Individual Achievements
The Lady Badgers’ 20th win against Sunnyslope signifies a season of consistent high-level performance. They are currently ranked #2 in Division 4A (State-level). This marks the first time in recent memory that the Lady Badgers have achieved 20 or more wins in back-to-back seasons, following a 22-8 record last season. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication instilled by their coaching staff and embraced by every player. Individually, Bella Abt, a 5’9″ power forward in the 2026 class, has reached significant career milestones this season, surpassing both 1000 career points and 1000 career rebounds. This achievement solidifies her status as a career double-double player in Prescott Lady Badger history (State-level). Other notable contributors in the victory against Sunnyslope included Addie Prisciandaro with 8 points, and both Jones and Murdock with 6 points each, demonstrating the team’s depth.
The Spirit of Arizona Prep Basketball
This contest also carried an element of a local rivalry, serving as a form of payback for the Lady Badgers, who had previously suffered a 52-28 defeat to Sunnyslope in December 2024. Such competitive narratives fuel fan engagement and reinforce community pride in Arizona prep sports. The commitment shown by these athletes, from the structured plays on the court to the disciplined practice routines, builds character and offers valuable leadership opportunities. Local support and fan turnout at games like this not only boost team morale but also strengthen the community’s connection to its high school athletic programs. These events offer market-driven opportunities for local businesses to sponsor teams and foster a sense of shared identity and success within Phoenix and across Arizona.
The Lady Badgers’ road victory against Sunnyslope is a shining example of the dedication and competitive spirit present in Arizona high school basketball. It highlights the importance of teamwork, individual excellence, and the relentless pursuit of goals. We encourage all Phoenix basketball enthusiasts to continue supporting their local high school teams. Your presence at games and engagement with athletic programs are crucial for nurturing the next generation of leaders and athletes. Follow HEREPhoenix.com for more updates, in-depth features, and schedules for all your favorite Arizona prep sports teams.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winning Team | Prescott Lady Badgers |
| Losing Team | Sunnyslope Lady Vikings |
| Final Score | 56-51 |
| Game Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Date of Game | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| Prescott’s Record (Post-Game) | 20-3 overall |
| Sunnyslope’s Record (Post-Game) | 11-9 overall |
| Prescott Division Ranking | #2 in Division 4A (State-level) |
| Sunnyslope Region | 6A Central Region (State-level) |
| Prescott Leading Scorer | Bella Abt (19 points) |
| Sunnyslope Leading Scorer | Maggie Luba (19 points) |
| Key Comeback Player | Lilly James (14 points, including 3 crucial fourth-quarter three-pointers) |
| Bella Abt Milestones | Surpassed 1000 career points and 1000 career rebounds (State-level) |