State Tournament Previews and Predictions: Division-II Opening Round
The Division-II State Playoffs are here and the pairings are out. Here is a look at opening round action which will take place Thursday, February 18. Rincon at La Joya – Both Rincon and La Joya have had solid seasons…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Division-II State Playoffs are here and the pairings are out. Here is a look at opening round action which will take place Thursday, February 18.
Rincon at La Joya – Both Rincon and La Joya have had solid seasons this year and posted some victories over some tough opponents. La Joya, however, has no answer for 6’11” Brendan Rumel. Expect the Rangers to upset the higher seeded Lobos.
Shadow Ridge at Flagstaff – While Shadow Ridge has some good guard play they have no answer for the Eagles. Expect Flagstaff’s size and skill on the interior to overwhelm the Stallions. Their ability to protect the paint will also prove to be a huge factor.
Nogales at Tucson – The Badgers scored a HUGE victory in the sectional title game, defeating a Catalina Foothills team that destroyed them just a week prior. They head into Thursday’s game with confidence. However, Nogales is confident as well, falling to Tucson by 1 point on the road in their first matchup. Expect Tucson to compete hard and finish with a win, however, as they are as improved as any southern Arizona team over the past month.
McClintock at Arcadia – This is the second matchup between the Chargers and the Titans. In round one, Arcadia took the game 73-47. Their ability to spread you out defensively and attack the glass from the perimeter is uncanny. While McClintock has the offensive guard play, it will be tough for them to efficiently defend the Titans for 32 minutes. Edge: Arcadia. This is Division-II’s Co-Game of the Night.
Sunrise Mountain at Cienega – Cienega has long been considered one of the top teams in southern Arizona. Sunrise Mountain has also come together, winning six of their last seven. Where they’ve struggled, however, is when teams have had multiple guys with quickness, athleticism, and length to throw at their star Elijah Thomas which the Bobcats have in Isaiah Murphy and Jordan Green. Expect Cienega to come out on top.
Seton Catholic Prep at Higley – This is sure to be a good matchup as the Knights host the Sentinels for the second time this season. In their first matchup Higley held on by three points. They must hope to contain Jake Rueter’s ability to get in the key and find teammates in transition. Expect Seton’s ability to shoot the ball to really affect the Knights (it has been their downfall in the past) and lead the Sentinels into the next round. This is Division-II’s Co-Game of the Night.
Queen Creek at Catalina Foothills – Queen Creek has had quite the season, overcoming an injury to their best player to finished right outside of the top ten in their division. However, they take on a talented and motivated Catalina Foothills team that was upset in their section title game. Though the Bulldogs will fight hard, expect a victory from the Falcons.
Marcos de Niza at Salpointe Catholic – Salpointe is a team that has hovered around the top ten all season long. They have the ability to get in the key and make shots. Marcos is similar but doesn’t have quite as high of a talent level and will be on the road which gives the edge to the Lancers.
-Division-I State Tournament Seeding-
- Shadow Mountain
- Agua Fria
- Apollo
- Paradise Valley
- Gilbert Christian
- Sunnyside
- Saguaro
- Cesar Chavez
- Flagstaff
- Catalina Foothills
- Higley
- Tucson
- Arcadia
- Cienega
- Salpointe Catholic
- La Joya
- Rincon
- Marcos de Niza
- Sunrise Mountain
- McClintock
- Nogales
- Seton Catholic Prep
- Queen Creek
- Shadow Ridge