Game Day Previews and Predictions: February 12
There’s a lot of action taking place on Friday. Here is a look at some semifinal games in each of the divisions. Sunrise Mountain vs #4 Apollo (D2 Section 2 Semifinal) After defeating Centennial on Wednesday Sunrise Mountain will take…
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Continue ReadingThere’s a lot of action taking place on Friday. Here is a look at some semifinal games in each of the divisions.
Sunrise Mountain vs #4 Apollo (D2 Section 2 Semifinal)
After defeating Centennial on Wednesday Sunrise Mountain will take on Apollo. While Elijah Thomas is a matchup nightmare due to his size, length, and athleticism the Mustangs have no answer for the Hawks’ backcourt trio. Expect a victory from Apollo.
Ironwood vs #9 Flagstaff (D2 Section 2 Semifinal)
Ironwood pulled out a surprising one point victory over Greenway on Wednessday. Head Coach Jordan Augustine has the Eagles improving every day, even at this point in the season. However they will run into a 6’6” 6’7” 6’9” Flagstaff frontline that will dominate the paint and, ultimately, the game.
Copper Canyon vs #3 Agua Fria (D2 Section 5 Semifinal)
The Aztecs handled Sierra Canyon on Wednesday behind the backcourt of senior guard Terry Gates and junior guard Treyvon McCray. They take on an Owls team that has won 19 straight (including a 14 point victory over them three weeks ago). Expect the size, discipline, and versatility of Agua Fria to lead them to victory.
Seton Catholic Prep vs #2 Gilbert Christian (D2 Section 6 Semifinal)
In a shocking turn over events the Sentinels steam rolled over McClintock on Wednesday with a 69-56 victory. They step back on the court against Gilbert Christian, a team they played close just a couple of weeks ago. Expect the Knights to focus more on getting the ball inside and pounding the glass to lead them to another victory.
Queen Creek vs Higley (D2 Section 6 Semifinal)
Queen Creek has been one of the surprised teams this season. Losing their best shooter to injury, they’ve just scrapped and clawed and—last night—it helped them defeat Marcos de Niza. They will enter a match with a Bryan Battle led Higley squad. The Knights haven’t had the strongest finish but after a postseason refocus, expect them to come out victorious.
Fairfax at #6 Cesar Chavez (D2 Section 7 Semifinal)
Each and every year fans look forward to this game. This season, we have it twice thanks to a 47-42 win over Carl Hayden by Fairfax. Regardless of record this is always a competitive game. Two weeks ago the Champions pulled off with a 92-75 victory. While it is not expected to be that wide of a margin, look for Chavez to earn another W.
#5 Winslow vs Window Rock (D3 Section 1 Semifinal)
A rematch from January 29th, a game in which the Bulldogs ousted the Fighting Scouts 74-58. Expect a closer but similar game as the higher seeded Winslow will come out on top.
Moon Valley vs Mingus Union (D3 Section 4 Semifinal)
The Rockets overcame the Colts 74-70 on Wednesday. While Mingus Union is the higher seed, Moon Valley is certainly the more physically talented team. Expect the Rockets to upset the Marauders as they continue to roll in the postseason.
Bradshaw Mountain vs North Canyon (D3 Section 4 Semifinal)
After a victory over Washington on Wednesday Bradshaw Mountain takes on a Rattler team that beat them by 20 in their last matchup. Expect North Canyon to play with a ton of confidence and (as always) freedom, leading them to victory.
#5 Pima vs Pusch Ridge (D4 Section 2 Semifinal)
After dominating Tanque Verde, Pima enters tonight’s contest with a lot of momentum. They take on a Pusch Ridge team that handed them one of their three losses this season but expect the Roughriders to overcome this time.
Horizon Honors vs #1 Phoenix Country Day (D4 Section 6 Semifinal)
On January 15th Phoenix Country Day defeated Horizon Honors 70-54. While the Eagles’ Connor Frith poses a good matchup for Andrew Ekmark, Horizon simply doesn’t have the size to matchup with PCD. Expect a Country Day victory.
St. Augustine vs #3 The Gregory School (D5 Section 2 Semifinal)
St. Augustine was able to handle San Miguel on Wednesday and, now, step onto the court with The Gregory School. The Wolves gave the Hawks all they could handle in early January in a 59-54 loss.. Expect St. Augustine to come away with the upset. This is Friday’s Game of the Night.