State Tournament Previews and Predictions: Division-I Quarterfinal
It’s getting to everyone’s favorite time of the year…the Division-I Quarterfinal matchups! Wells Fargo Arena is a destination that every D1 program wants to get to. It brings a different atmosphere to high school basketball and you can bet that…
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Continue ReadingIt’s getting to everyone’s favorite time of the year…the Division-I Quarterfinal matchups! Wells Fargo Arena is a destination that every D1 program wants to get to. It brings a different atmosphere to high school basketball and you can bet that the eight teams participating will be ready to leave it all on the floor. Here’s a look at Wednesday’s matchups.
Sunnyslope vs Corona del Sol – Both the Vikings and the Aztecs came away with blow out victories in the second round on Saturday. Both Sunnyslope and Corona were two of the most winningest teams in Division-I basketball. Corona, however, is deeper with talent and have guards that will be able to make plays against Slope’s stifling defense. Expect another semi-final appearance.
Mountain View vs Gilbert – The Toros and Tigers are both pretty hot as of late. Mountain View has won their last nine thanks to the playmaking of their leader Tommy Kuhse while Gilbert has only fell twice in the calendar year. In their first matchup to open up the month of January it was a Chris Bowling led Gilbert that cruised to a road win victory. Expect Coach Ernst to make adjustments, however, and for this game to come down to the wire. The Toros are always best in postseason play and this battle of experienced and successful programs could simply come down to his shooting the ball better this night. This one is a toss up but we’re giving the W to Mountain View.
Pinnacle vs Basha – The Pioneers were able to do it again, upsetting a higher seeded Perry squad. Without question Pinnacle is playing their best ball of the season and, to this point, have had matchups that somewhat favor their personnel. Seniors Nik Mains and AJ Elliot are playing well and their underclassmen have gained experience playing in some tough games throughout the year so they are coming together at the right time. Now, however, they are head to head with a tough Basha team that walked their way to the Quarterfinal after a massacre of Boulder Creek. In addition to their versatile frontcourt of Devin Kirby and Gabe McGlothan, the Bears have a big perimeter with players that can attack, make shots from the perimeter, defend, and rebound. This just isn’t a good draw for the Pioneers.
St. Mary’s vs Mesa – Earlier this season the Jackrabbits decimated the Knights, defeating them 72-41. St. Mary’s has improved a ton since that game and over the course of the last three weeks have solidified themselves as a state title competitor. Not having Darius Goudeau hasn’t hurt Mesa too much thus far but this is certainly a game they could use them. Regardless, as stingy as the Jackrabbits’ defense is, the Knights just don’t shoot it well enough to score enough to beat them