The 2024 Open State Championship delivered a statement performance from the Basha Bears, who controlled all four quarters in a dominant 34–7 victory over the Chandler Wolves. Behind a suffocating defense, explosive offensive plays, and standout performances from their MVPs, Basha claimed the state title with authority.
First Quarter: Bears Strike First
Both teams opened slowly, exchanging back to back three and outs as each defense set the tone early. Basha managed to spark their offense with a series of short completions to Jaden Baldwin advancing deep into Chandler territory.
From the 25-yard line, quarterback Jake Rodgers broke free on a 30-yard keeper, slicing through the Wolves’ defense for the game’s first touchdown. With just two minutes left in the quarter, Basha took a 7–0 lead.
Chandler attempted to answer with a quick 7-yard pass to Skyler Ormita and a short run, but their drive collapsed at midfield. On a quarterback sneak attempt, Basha’s Caleb Jordan & Mason Lewis punched the ball loose, forcing a fumble and regaining possession. Chandler responded with a sack by Craig Noble, closing the first quarter with Basha in control.
Second Quarter: Basha Extends Their Lead
Basha opened the second quarter facing a 4th down, but the Bears kept the drive alive with a clutch 10-yard completion to Jaden Baldwin. Very Soon after, Mason Lewis punched it in for the touchdown, extending the lead to 14–0 with 10 minutes remaining.
Chandler continued to struggle protecting the ball, turning it over again before forcing a quick three and out defensively. But the momentum didn’t hold long, Basha forced another fumble, this time by Mason Lewis, setting up a scoring opportunity.
A 21-yard reception moved the Bears inside the 10, but Chandler’s defense held firm, forcing a field goal that made it 17–0.
With one minute left in the half, Chandler showed signs of life. A 14-yard run by Chase Ochoa, pushed the Wolves past midfield, followed by an 11-yard completion to Davian Laudermilk. However, Basha’s defense continued its first half dominance, Southern Utah commit Kaden Williams hauled in an endzone interception with 30 seconds left, keeping the Bears ahead 17–0 at halftime.
Third Quarter: Wolves Finally Break Through
Chandler received the second half kickoff but was immediately forced into another three and out. Basha’s offense responded quickly, connecting on a 15-yard pass to Christian Diaz and a massive 57-yard completion to Iowa State commit Kash Brock to set up 1st and goal from the 2.
Chandler’s defense stepped up with a huge sack by Cau’re Smith, forcing Basha to settle for another field goal, extending the lead to 20–0.
Chandler’s offense finally found rhythm on the next possession. A series of completions, including 19 yards to Skyler Ormita, 11 yards to Jai Jones, and 14 yards to Maxwell Sprott brought the Wolves to the 11-yard line. Quarterback Will Mencl finished the drive himself, scoring Chandler’s first points of the night to make it 20–7 with three minutes left in the third.
Basha, unfazed, answered with a 21-yard pass to Jaden Baldwin and a 41-yard strike to Kash Brock to end the quarter deep in Chandler territory.
Fourth Quarter: Bears Close the Door
Basha opened the final quarter with another powerful touchdown run by Mason Lewis, extending the lead to 27–7.
Chandler’s next possession unraveled immediately, Basha’s Caleb Jordan blew through the line for a 6-yard sack. Moments later, Chandler’s attempt to hit Skyler Ormita ended in a hard collision that left him being helped off the field.
Forced into a desperate fourth down attempt, Chandler was sacked again, this time by Dante Bruley, giving Basha the ball at the 10-yard line.
On the next play, the Bears delivered the dagger, QB Jake Rodgers found Christian Diaz for a touchdown, stretching the lead to 34–7.
From there, Basha controlled the clock, grinding out multiple runs before a missed field goal attempt kept the score unchanged. Chandler’s final drive showed fight, highlighted by a 23-yard run from Chase Ochoa, but time ran out as they were stopped at the 1-yard line with no timeouts remaining.
As the clock hit zero, Basha storms the field, the bears earned their second Open Division Title by defeating Chandler 34-7.
“With the win, Basha cements itself as the premier program in Arizona high school football, closing out the season with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.”
Championship Honors:
Offensive MVP — QB #18 Jake Rodgers (Basha)
Commanded the offense from start to finish, including a game changing 30-yard rushing touchdown and multiple explosive plays through the air.
Defensive MVP — ATH #0 Mason Lewis (Basha)
A force on both sides of the ball scoring twice, forcing turnovers, and delivering physicality that Chandler struggled to handle all night.
Overall MVP — Mason Lewis
A complete performance in the biggest game of the year. Lewis’ ability to impact both offense and defense made him the clear standout of the championship matchup.
