5 Takeaways: Lancer Tip-Off Classic
The Lancer Tip-Off classic has reached its final four. The four teams that are remaining are: Desert Mountain vs. Nogales and Basha vs. Catalina Foothills. With the tournament reaching the semifinals, it is time for a 5 Takeaways of the Lancer Tip-Off Classic.
5 Takeaways: Lancer Tip-Off Classic
1. Nogales is the Real Deal
Although Nogales did not have as tough of a pool as some of the other teams, they won the games they needed to win. They had to beat Salpointe, who has Majok Deng and homecourt advantage. This made them far from the favorite in this particular game. Further, they took down a much improved Rincon/University team who beat Salpointe as well. Nogales is going to be a tough team to beat in a 4A region that is loaded with Salpointe and Catalina Foothills.
2. Desert Mountain is much Improved
Desert Mountain navigated its way to a 3-0 start by beating the likes of a couple of caliber teams. They are scrappy and shoot the basketball well. Their balanced scoring on offense and the ability to keep teams honest due to their ability to shoot it from deep make them a tough team to beat. Keep an eye on this group as they have the ability to surprise some people in the 6A ranks.
3. Defense Wins Games
Basha will need to find consistent scoring at some point in order to stay relevant in 6A against the top tier teams. However, they are not easy to score on. They play tough defense and do a great job of keeping the basketball out of the paint. Further, they fly on the defensive end and do a great job of scrambling in situations where they get caught behind. As they continue to find a consistent scorer, they will be able to win games due to their commitment to the defensive end.
4. Guards Rule Tucson
Everyone knows about Majok Deng and Salpointe. However, Catalina Foothills, Cienega, and Cholla showed that they are not slouches in this tournament as well. All three teams have a common denominator in that they have strong guard play. Foothills is led by Sam Beskind, Cienga is led by Jordan Green, and Cholla is led by Marcel Dean. These three guards are high caliber players who make their teams significantly better. They might be from Tucson, but these guards can compete with anyone in the state.
5. Arcadia is Still Tough
Although Arcadia did not win their pool, they have played well thus far. Many were curious, myself included, as to how the team would do without Max Moses. They appear to still have enough pieces to be a legitimate state tournament contender with Jaylin Fleming and Aiden Weber taking on bigger roles.