State Tournament Previews and Predictions: Division-I and Division-II State Championship
This is the moment that we have all been waiting for. It’s leap day and, more importantly, Championship Monday in the state of Arizona. The Division-II and Division-I title games are taking place at Gila River Arena in Glendale at…
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Continue ReadingThis is the moment that we have all been waiting for. It’s leap day and, more importantly, Championship Monday in the state of Arizona. The Division-II and Division-I title games are taking place at Gila River Arena in Glendale at 6pm and 8pm, respectively. Here is a preview of tonight’s action.
Division-II Championship: Shadow Mountain vs Agua Fria
While this isn’t the ‘top’ game of the night in terms of division, you can put money on it that this will be the most exciting game in terms of style of play as both the Matadors and Owls can put points on the board.
Shadow Mountain has long been considered the best team in Arizona regardless of division. The senior laden team has many tools and plays as hard as anyone. Led by Michael Bibby and JJ Rhymes, the Matadors exemplify toughness. They combine athleticism, shooting, length, and an ability to crash the glass from multiple positions which has helped them stay undefeated in the state of Arizona. They ran through the second round and quarterfinals before pulling out a close game with Paradise Valley in the semis.
Agua Fria has had somewhat of a dream season as well. They are looking for their 25th straight and 30th overall win tonight. The guard play for the Owls has been spectacular all year long and, recently, their interior presence has made a huge difference. They opened up the playoffs with an eight point win over Seton Catholic before winning two 2-point games in the quarters and semis over Catalina Foothills and Sunrise Mountain, respectively, due to the heroics of 6’6” senior Darnell Cowart.
While the Owls don’t have the athleticism of the Matadors they are one of the few teams that match their toughness. They will need to be discipline and deliberate with their offense and tough on the defensive glass to give themselves a chance. Shadow Mountain will look to push pace and create havoc in the backcourt to create turnovers for easy baskets. Agua Fria has shown great poise all year and without doubt will make this an interest matchup but this is the Matadors year. Expect a close victory for the Bibby clan.
Division-I Championship: Mesa vs Sunnyslope
Mesa showed earlier on this year that they are a team that can compete with anyone in the state due to their defensive focus and patient and efficient offensive style. Even with the loss of one of their senior leaders Darius Goudeau, the Jackrabbits have proven to be successful with a true team first environment. Mesa opened the playoffs up with a dominant victory over Desert Ridge before taking on a more athletic St. Mary’s squad who they were able to close out in the final quarter. In the semis they took on a talented Basha squad, again, who they put away in the fourth quarter after spreading the floor and letting their guards make plays.
Sunnyslope has been one of the most winningest teams all season long in any division. They opened up the playoffs with a convincing win over Chandler before taking down the returning state champions (Corona del Sol) for the first time in four seasons. In a close semifinal game, the Vikings found themselves controlling the entire night against a fighting Gilbert group.
This title game will certainly be a competitive one. Both the Jackrabbits and the Vikings pride themselves on their defensive abilities. While Sunnyslope has the advantage on the inside with 6’5” sophomore Chris Orozco, Mesa dons playmakers on the perimeter in—brothers—Drew and Mark Hatch. In the end, Mesa’s experience and toughness will carry them to a low scoring victory.