Led by 18 points and 7 assists from freshman Peyton Lubash, along with double-digit games from sophomore Kristo Jackson (14), senior Logan Johnstad (12), and junior Zaire Richardson (11), the San Tan Charter boys basketball team defeated La Cueva High School (New Mexico) 72-54 in its Border League debut Friday night. The Roadrunners advance in the bracket to play Canyon High School (California) Saturday morning at 10:15 AM at the Las Vegas Basketball Center.

Off to a slow start early, the Roadrunners faced a 12-9 deficit before the defensive pressure ramped up for a team that showed its versatility and athleticism on both ends of the floor. A layup by Johnstad cut the deficit to one, igniting a 23-2 run in which the Roadrunners forced eight turnovers, turning a three point deficit into an 18 point lead. Lubash displayed his offensive prowess, finishing layups in transition and knocking down multiple threes to finish the half with 16 points and 4 assists. Freshman Jase Benjamin also added eight points and five rebounds in the first half as the Roadrunners took a 39-24 lead into halftime.

San Tan continued to ramp up the defensive pressure in the second half, forcing 13 more turnovers and scoring 16 points in transition as their speed and athleticism was on full display. San Tan ended the game forcing 27 total turnovers and outscoring La Cueva 30-8 on points off turnovers.

The second half was led by Richardson and Jackson, who each added 10 points in the second half as the Roadrunners extended their lead as high as 25 points late in the half. Ultimately nine players scored for San Tan, who also added 16 assists on 28 made field goals for the game, ending in a 72-54 victory.

San Tan advances in the bracket to face the Canyon High School Comanches, who defeated Bella Vista College Prep Select 64-42 to advance to tomorrow's game at 10:15 AM at the Las Vegas Basketball Center. All games are being streamed on BallerTV, or follow us on Instagram @stcs_hoops for alternate streaming options.