6 Takeaways: 5A State Semifinals
The semifinals for the 5A state tournament have concluded with Sunnyslope and Deer Valley meeting up for the 3rd time this season. Both teams have found a way to beat the other team 1 time.
Both teams are extremely deep and will be attempting to dictate tempo on the offensive and defensive. This should be a great match-up between two senior heavy teams who are both looking to lift up a trophy by the end of he season.
5A State Semifinals: Breakdown and Recap
#11 Centennial 29 vs. #2 Sunnyslope 42
Centennial put up a good fight. However, Slope was in control of this one from the get go. Both teams competed at a high level, but Slope’s grind it out style of play wore down Centennial.
Centennial brought a lot of senior leadership in to this game while Sunnyslope has played in this game for 3 years in a row. Their experience and tough defensive schenes afford them the opportunity to compete with anyone.
Most Physical: Chris Orozco
Orzoco is a game changer for Sunnyslope due to how he moves without the basketball. He is constantly looking for bodies to screen and players to post and seal. He is one of the best players in the state at rolling into seals off of on ball screens. Further, he does a great job of carving out space backside. Moreover, Sunnyslope does a great job of putting him in positions to pack the paint and play tough help side defense. Orzoco is a huge part of this team’s success.
Most Dominant: Kyle Fischer
While Orzoco does a great job of sealing, there might not be a better passer from the wing in the state than Fischer. He is the quarterback for Sunnyslope who makes everything go. His high basketball IQ enables him to create for others and it encourages his teammates to keep moving without the basketball as he will find them. In addition to being a top tier passer, Fischer leads the team in points, rebounds, and steals. Further, he has improved his ability to shoot it from deep substantially.
Most Athletic: Koby Jones
While Centennial looked overmatched in this one, Jones asserted that he is athletic enough to play in top tier games. While it is yet to be determined as to where he will go for college basketball, Jones has a next level body. His potential is extremely high.
#12 Paradise Valley 63 vs. #1 Deer Valley 65
Deer Valley had the game firmly grasped. However, Tashon Brown found a way to get Paradise Valley back into the game and send it into overtime.
In overtime, Paradise Valley appeared to take control of the game. Their tough defense made it hard for Bryce Davis or Deer Valley score in overtime. However, Deer Valley was able to make enough game changing plays that aided them greatly in moving on to the next round.
Most Clutch: Deven Breckner
While the argument could be made that Brown was the most clutch due to his 3 made free throws at the end of regulation, Breckner put together two huge plays in overtime at a time when it felt like Deer Valley was losing steam. First, after a timeout, Breckner faked a hand off and got two quick points. Second, when down 2 with time dwindling, Deer Valley needed someone to create. He did not make the big shot, but Breckner drove and pulled two defenders then kicked to Jaret Allen who knocked down the go ahead bucket to send Deer Valley to the state championship.
Best Playmaker: Tashon Brown
Brown continued to impress last night. Any time it felt like Deer Valley might pull away, Brown found a way to create for himself or for others. His playmaking ability is special, and he is one of the top guards in the state at using on-ball screens. Moreover, his basketball IQ is extremely high.
Bryce Davis Deer Valley Image Provided by Yourvalley.netMismatch Nightmare: Bryce Davis
While Davis struggled to create for himself in the 2nd half due to great help side defense from Deer Valley, Davis still demonstrated his versatility. His capable of playing on the block or on he elbows. Moreover, he is a capable shooter from deep. While many coaches are wondering what position he will guard and defend at the next level, he has shown throughout his high school career that he can play at an array of spots.