Monday Night Thrillers
Many students are focused on their final exams this week. However, there are a couple of big time games tonight that will make it hard for students to focus on just tests. This Monday kicks off with a huge bang as Sunnyslope heads to Deer Valley and Shadow Mountain takes on Paradise Valley.
Monday Night Thrillers
Sunnyslope vs. Deer Valley
November 24 could have been the day that awoke the beast that is Sunnyslope. On that particular day, Deer Valley beat Sunnyslope at Sunnyslope in the championship game of the Hoopsgiving Tournament.
Since then, Sunnyslope, who has made it to two straight state championships and won one of them, has been stellar. They dropped a game to one of the nation’s top teams in Lone Peak. However, other than that lose, Sunnyslope has beaten every in state team they have played by at least 10 points or more. They look possessed and ready to get after it.
Kyle Fischer is the leader of this team from a skills and emotional perspective. His skill set and demeanor sparks a lot of confidence from the rest of the group.
Deer Valley, on the other hand, has continued to play some extremely tough games and has managed to remain undefeated despite a couple of close calls. As far as AIA games are concerned, this is by far the toughest game they have left and there is a good chance they could run the table if they pull this one off.
In order to win this game, Deer Valley will need to continue to play focused basketball. They have a lot of talent and length at their disposal. With Fischer leading the way for Sunnyslope, it will be interesting to see what Sunnyslope’s answer is for Bryce Davis, Deven Breckner, and the rest of the skilled role players. Typically known for their tough defense, Slope will have a hard time packing the paint due to the number of threats that Deer Valley possesses.
Prediction:
This game on a Monday starts of the week quite well. Deer Valley has played extremely well this season and has earned the number one ranking. However, this game will feel a lot like a state tournament game for Deer Valley and Sunnyslope. Although cumulatively I believe that Deer Valley has more talent, Sunnyslope has more experience playing in these types of games and brings an edge that is unmatched by any team in 5A. In fact, they dropped two last year to Apollo prior to beating them in the state tournament and largely in control of that game despite the overtimes and close score. Sunnyslope returns the favor to Deer Valley and wins this one on the road in a close battle.
Shadow Mountain vs. Paradise Valley
Shadow Mountain recently beat the favorite to win the 6A state championship in Pinnacle. Further, they comes into this Monday and rivalry game with one of the most impressive winning streaks across the nation. Not only are they winning games, but they are blowing teams out.
Although there are a lot of reasons for the success of Shadow Mountain, the biggest reason has to be their guard play. Jovan Blacksher and Jaelen House are one of the top backcourts in the nation. Their ability to create extra possessions, score the basketball, and create for others is unmatched in this state. Add to it that they have some extremely talented wings. This team is built to be one of the best in the nation.
Paradise Valley started the season well, but is 4-3 in their last seven games. They have a solid team with a number of capable shooters and a really skilled point guard in Tashon Brown. They are without a doubt one of the top teams in 5A. Further, they will need to limit turnovers and have a big game from sharpshooter Jordan Morris.
Prediction:
Despite being the home team, Paradise Valley is going to struggle to deal with the athleticism and skill possessed by Shadow Mountain. PV will hang around early. However, Shadow Mountain will continue their streak of not allowing any in-state teams to stay within 10 points.