4A State Playoff Preview: Quarterfinals
Today the first round of the playoffs started and we had some very good games, some close, some big wins, and some upsets. Now we are moving onto the quarterfinals of the playoffs and we are set for some pretty…
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Continue ReadingToday the first round of the playoffs started and we had some very good games, some close, some big wins, and some upsets. Now we are moving onto the quarterfinals of the playoffs and we are set for some pretty interesting games. The quarterfinals will take place February 15th at the high seed court.Let’s look at the match-ups:
8 Amphi @ 1 Shadow Mountain
Prediction: Shadow Mountain
Shadow Mountain is widely considered the favorites in this year’s playoffs and as one of the best teams in the entire state (if not the best). With that said, I think Amphi has a solid team, however I do not see them competing with Shadow Mountain. One match-up that I think is interesting and worth a watch is Jackson Ruai (Amphi 2019) vs Jaelen House (Shadow Mountain 2019). Both of these great players are the best player on their respective team and both know how to shut down their opponent on the defensive side of the ball. Both of these players are some of the best defenders I’ve seen at the high school level.
12 Mesquite @ 4 Salpointe
Prediction: Salpointe
Mesquite had the biggest upset win of the playoffs thus far, knocking off 5 Peoria. However, I think their upset tour has run its course. Salpointe Catholic simply has too much offensive firepower with Evan Nelson (Salpointe Catholic 2020) and Majok Deng (Salpointe Catholic 2019). These two are usually a handful for teams and Mr. Nelson has a history of taking his play to a whole new level come playoff time. Salpointe should win this game and set up a rematch between them and Shadow Mountain in the Semi-Finals.
11 Catalina Foothills @ 3 Buckeye Union
Prediction: Buckeye Union
A lot of people will call Catalina Foothill’s win over Seton Catholic as an upset but Catalina Foothills always brings their A game and is always dangerous in the playoffs, I attribute much of that to their coaching staff. I think Buckeye will be a little too much to handle for Catalina Foothills but I would never count them out and would not be surprised if Catalina Foothills ended up winning this game.
7 St. Mary’s @ 2 Deer Valley
Prediction: Deer Valley
I think this game is going to be pretty close and will be a grit and grind type of game. Both teams are very talented and had tremendous seasons. However, I think Johnny Diaz (Deer Valley 2019) is enough to edge out St. Mary’s. I love this kid’s game, he is a pure competitor and will do whatever it takes to secure a win for his team. I think that is enough to pull out the win and send his team to the Semi-Finals, setting up a match-up between them and Buckeye Union.