State Tournament Biggest Overachievers
Now that we have reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament for each division, let’s take the time out to look at which teams overachieved thus far in post season play. There have definitely been some upsets and this group…
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Continue ReadingNow that we have reached the quarterfinals of the state tournament for each division, let’s take the time out to look at which teams overachieved thus far in post season play. There have definitely been some upsets and this group of teams ended a few top teams’ seasons early.
-Baboquivari (D5)-
Seed: #16
Tournament Wins: vs. #17 Arizona College Prep (62-52), vs. #1 Pinon (62-53)
Up Next: #9 NFL Yet
Notes: The Warriors have had a great post season run thus far. Though they struggled during the regular season they headed into their section tournament winning four of their last five games. They fell by 3 to a tough Santa Cruz Valley group but regathered themselves heading into the state tournament. They opened up with a 10 point victory over Arizona College Prep (a team that had beat them handily earlier in the year) and then surprised everyone by defeating #1 seeded Pinon by nine. They now head into a game against one of the most athletic teams they’ve played this season, NFL Yet.
-Nogales (D2)-
Seed: #22
Tournament Wins: @ #12 Tucson (69-67), @ #5 Gilbert Christian (60-57)
Up Next: #4 Paradise Valley
Notes: The Apaches may have had the biggest upset of the season with their latest win over Gilbert Christian. In a match most thought was a surefire loss they outcompeted the Knights (who stand 6’7″, 6’7″, 6’9″ inside) with no one over 6’5″ on their bench. This was preceded by a win over a tough Tucson team who had recently won their section title. Nogales now takes on a discipline Paradise Valley team in a game that you can’t count the Apaches out.
-Pinnacle (D1)-
Seed: #22
Tournament Wins: @ #11 Desert Mountain (69-58), @ #51 Perry (57-51)
Up Next: #3 Basha
Notes: The Pioneers have taken their bumps all year. While they have two college bound seniors inside they are very young and inexperienced everywhere else and they felt the bruises of it throughout the season. However, they have gained a ton of experience through the process and have comet together at the perfect time. They were able to overcome a Desert Mountain team that previously beat them by 3 and a Perry squad that scored 21 more than Pinnacle in December. Now they face a Basha group who has similar talent (though different styles) inside and are bigger and more athletic on the perimeter. No matter how they finish, they have definitely shown growth and room for optimism in the near future.
-Sunrise Mountain (D2)-
Seed: #19
Tournament Wins: @ #14 Cienega (70-57), @ #3 Apollo (48-47)
Up Next: #6 Sunnyside
Notes: The Mustangs finished their regular season just 15-10 before heading into postseason play. However, towards the last month of the season they had been playing great basketball, winning their last five games. They pulled off a win over Centennial to open up section play before falling in a close matchup against Apollo by 6. Heading into the state tournament their confidence was high, winning six of their last seven and hanging close with one of the division’s top five teams. The had a huge upset over Cienega who has long been considered one of the top southern Arizona teams before revenging their two losses against Apollo in the second round. Now they take on a Sunnyside team who they matchup well with size why.
-Superior Jr./Sr. (D5)-
Seed: #18
Tournament Wins: @ #15 Arizona Charter (39-37), @ #2 The Gregory School (61-60)
Up Next: #7 Red Mesa
Notes: Superior’s overachieving streak started a little before the state playoffs, a week before to be exact as they upset #1 ranked San Carlos in their sectional tournament. They opened up the first round with a stifling defensive performance, holding Arizona Charter to just 37 points before overcoming The Gregory School by one point in overtime. They will look to continue their streak of upsets taking on a 7th seeded Red Mesa group Thursday.