By Don Ketchum

Scottsdale Chaparral boys basketball coach Aaron Windler calls the Desert Valley Region “the toughest (Class 5A) region in the state.’’

If Tuesday night’s (Jan. 11) region opener is any indication, Windler’s words will ring true as the teams go at it.

His Firebirds withstood several rallying attempts by visiting Phoenix Horizon, but managed to hold on for a 72-68 victory.

Chaparral, the top team on the power-points list entering the game, raised its record to 13-4. Horizon, the No. 2 team in power points, slipped to 10-6.

Chaparral hit 14 of 18 free throws in the fourth quarter, got one three-pointer from Justin Cole and another from Zeke Chapman.

Chapman’s shot broke a 60-60 tie with about four minutes left in the game, and Chaparral led the rest of the way. Horizon led 52-50 entering the fourth.

“We didn’t play that well, but when we needed to make the plays, we made the plays,’’ Windler said.

Horizon star guard Collin Woods warmed up to score 17 of his 25 points in the second half, including 11 in the fourth quarter. He hit three three-pointers in the period.

Chapman, who was a bit under the weather, according to Windler, did a decent job defensively on Woods most of the night.

“We know those guys (Horizon) are never going to quit,’’ WIndler said. “His (coach Paul Long) guys are always going to play hard.

“When you have a kid like Collin Woods, you are not out of a game.’’

Windler said his team’s defensive goal “was not necessarily to keep Collin away from the ball, but to get the other guys from getting involved much.’’

Jordan Dunatov scored 18 for Horizon. Luke Roh led Chaparral with 21 points, Alex Pyper had 17 and Chapman 15. Joe Boyd, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, also did a solid job on defense and on the boards.

“We have had good balance the last few games,’’ Windler said. “If you have 3-4-5 guys in double figures, you’re going to have a chance to win.’’

That is what a team needs in a tough region like the Desert Valley.