6A State Tournament Round 1: Analysis and Breakdown
The state tournaments are finally upon us with the top 16 teams in 6A squaring off tonight. All games will be at the higher seeds location with a 6:30 start time. More information on brackets can be found in the AIA website.
6A State Tournament Round 1: Upset Alert
#9 Perry vs. #8 Horizon
I do not foresee any other upsets taking place in the first round. Further, the 8/9 match-up is hardly an upset. With that said, Perry has played a tough schedule and is entering this game with a lot of momentum. They have won 5 in a row and are winners of 8 out of their last 10. While Horizon’s press will cause havoc, Jalen Williams is more than prepared to be the primary ball handler. In addition to Williams, Perry has solid wings in Kyle Patterson and Evan Skeoch Evan Skeoch 6'5" | PF Perry | 2020 State AZ .
While Perry will make this game extremely tough for Horizon, Horizon has plenty of weapons and are more than capable of winning this game. As far as guard play is concerned, Aidyn Albright will need to run the show. He is a capable shooter who gets his teammates involved in spots where they can make plays. Moreover, Gabe Zdrale will be relied upon heavily for big time contributions in order for them to move on to the next round.
Prediction: This will be a high scoring affair and a close game. However, Perry will find a way to make a couple of more plays en route to keeping their season alive.
6A State Tournament: Top Seeds Dominating
#16 Corona Del Sol vs. #1 Brophy
While Corona Del Sol has young guard talent, they will fall short to an extremely talented Brophy Prep team. Brophy looks like they are on a collision course for the state title with either Pinnacle or Desert Vista. However, they will have a tough match-up in the round of 16. Ian Burke and Jaxson Baker will lead the way for the group. Their size on the wings and ability to shoot will make it extremely tough on Corona. With that said, expect underclassmen Eric Blackwell Eric Blackwell 6'0" | CG Corona del Sol | 2020 State AZ and Dalon Terry to compete at a high level. Next year, we should be back to seeing Corona make deep runs in the state tournament.
Prediction: Brophy will win this one, but it will be close. Corona’s guards are no joke. Terry brings a lot of confidence to the court and will play at an even higher level due to the magnitude of the game.
#15 Highland vs. #2 Pinnacle
Highland was able to pull of the Play-In game upset. However, the upset specials end here for Highland. Pinnacle has played inspired basketball and it is safe to assume that they will bring another level of focus after losing on a buzzer beater to #1 Brophy recently.
Nico Mannion is the real deal. His change of pace and direction on his moves is more exceptional. In addition to Mannion, Spencer Rattler and Trent Brown add more solid guards that Highland will have to chase around. Moreover, Mason Johnson and Jordan Mains provide good length and athleticism as well. Bottom line: Pinnacle has more depth than any team in the state of Arizona. They are a tough out in 1 and done formats because of how many guys they have who can make game changing plays.
