Arizona 6A Play-In Preview
Although the AIA has labelled it the “Play-In” games, many people around the state consider tonight to be the start of the state tournament. Keep an eye on the 6A Play-In games. For all intents and purposes, this seems to…
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Continue ReadingAlthough the AIA has labelled it the “Play-In” games, many people around the state consider tonight to be the start of the state tournament. Keep an eye on the 6A Play-In games. For all intents and purposes, this seems to be the correct assertion as it is win or go home. At this point, there are no easy games and there should be a number of fun games to attend. Here is a preview of tonight’s action.
Game of the Night
:
#19 Perry vs. #14 La Joya Community
Perry is fresh off of an upset of the #1 ranked team in the entire state in Basha High School. Although Perry has been up and down this season, this particular contest shows that they have the ability to play with anyone. Most importantly, 2019 PG Jalen Williams showed that he can produce in big time games. A
s far as La Joya is concerned, they have had a solid season and been quite consistent. La Joya is led by the backcourt duo of 2017 Quincy Smith and 2017 Tre Mitchell. Both guards are skilled at breaking down the defense and getting to the second level. Once they get by the first defender, they finish at the rim well and do a great job of making reads and kicking to the open man.
Prediction: La Joya
Battle of the Bigs
#18 Mountain Ridge vs. #15 Red Mountain
Mountain Ridge is led by talented Seniors Saikou Gueye and Eli Lopez look to provide length, shooting threats, and experience in a quest to continue their senior seasons and tremendous careers. Gueye and Lopez are a match up problem for the majority of teams as they have the ability to take guards on the block and take bigs on the perimeter due to their versatile skill set. They should be ready for a hard fought match with Red Mountain.
Red Mountain, as predicted, has surged since 2019 Timmy Allen became eligible. This group has managed to not only string together some impressive wins, they took their region title as well. The mixture of Allen, Dre Harris, and Andres Mayberry should be too much for Mountain Ridge. They are a darkhorse to make a deep run in this state tournament. They have all of the pieces to make any game interesting and pull off some upsets over higher seeds.
Prediction: Red Mountain
Upset Special?
#17 Mesa vs. #16 Sunnyside
Many would argue that it is hardly and upset if the #16 team loses to the #17 team. Especially, if the #17 team won the state championship the year prior. With that said, Sunnyside does have a lot of talent and the luxury of getting to play on their home court. This season, Sunnyside has been led by 3 year varsity starter and recent South Mountain commit Mikey Silva. In addition to Silva, Sunnyside has been aided by the return of injured big man Santino Duarte. Duarte had a bright future in front of him prior to hurting himself last season. However, he is back and playing at a high level. Lastly, the group has been assisted greatly by double-double machine Nikc Jackson. Jackson is a talented prospect who has come in and played a large role in keeping Sunnyside successful this season. These three will look to keep Mesa from continuing their postseason run.
Mesa has obviously lost some talented players from last years title run, but they still have plenty to work with. Talented 2019 Mark Hatch and 2020 DJ Henderson will have a long road ahead of them if they hope to keep the teams state tournament hopes alive. With that said, they have proven once that they can do it. Hatch shoots the basketball at a high level and Henderson is a talented slasher who plays tough defense and is a capable shooter. This should be a great game to watch with many talented prospects involved.
Prediction: Sunnyside