It seems like a foregone conclusion that Phoenix Pinnacle will get to the 6A boys basketball final again.

But it’s going to have to face somebody hungry and eager to upset the Nico Mannion-led Pioneers.

Why not Chandler Hamilton?

The Huskies are making a late run with their suffocating 3-2 match-up zone, which helped them close out another tough Premier Region opponent at home on Tuesday night.

Senior guard Tyler Curvey’s steal with eight seconds left helped Hamilton hold off arch-rival Chandler, 47-46.

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Hamilton is making a strong case that it will be a contender to make a run to 6A final
Richard Obert, azcentral sports

“We’re learning kind of under fire, growing up a little bit,” coach Doug Harris said. “We’re learning how to close out games. That’s a credit to our defense. They’re keeping us in game. We’re not scoring a lot of points.”

Hamilton (13-6) has won four games by seven points or fewer, including a double-overtime 56-49 win over Tolleson.

Last week, the Huskies made a statement that they won’t go down easily with a 44-39 win at Phoenix Brophy Prep.

On Tuesday, they got three 3-pointers from junior guard Jamar Brown, whose 3 with 1:50 left gave Hamilton a 46-40 lead.

“They were playing me up really tight, so I had to make a play for myself,” Brown said. “I dribbled around to make a play for myself and make plays for my teammates.”

Chandler (15-6) is much like Hamilton, relying on tough defense to stay in games.

Senior guard Isaiah Somers took a charge with 39 seconds left and Chandler down by two. But the Wolves weren’t able to convert, missing a 3, and Mal but Chandler missed a 3  and Malik Whitaker made 1 of 2 free throws with 19 seconds left to give Hamilton a 47-44 lead.

Carson Kelly, who had 14 points, including a clutch three to make it a two-point game with 50 seconds left, missed a 3 and Vean Simon followed it in as time ran out to make it a one-point game at the end.

“We’ve had our ups and downs but we’re going on a run right now,” Brown said. “We’re doing pretty good. But we can improved.”

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