Best Of Tucson®

Best Prep Sports Rivalry

Ironwood Ridge vs. Salpointe in Boys Basketball

A nation of warriors and fanatics, marching forward in perfect unity, all thinking the same thoughts and shouting the same slogans. Twice a year, these two teams meet up, and it's always explosive. It's private-school Salpointe Catholic, the former undisputed local hoops powerhouse (back when Brian Peabody was the coach), against public-school Ironwood Ridge, the new king of the hoops hill (now that Peabody is coaching the Nighthawks). The student sections are unbelievable; they start off at ear-splitting intensity and build as the game goes on. If you don't know the chants, you will before the night is over.