Desert Oasis Could Be The Sleeper Of The 4A Playoffs

<p>With the playoffs set to begin this week it is really that time to start talking about teams who can make a deep run. Currently one of the hotter teams in the state is 4A Desert Southwest's Desert Oasis. As the playoffs start Desert Oasis have won six of their last eight games. Their losses have come against Bishop Gormon who had to have a monster fourth quarter to hold them off and also a lost against Silverado. What Desert Oasis has to offer is deep senior leadership and one of the better scorers in the state. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>1. Who Are Their Key Players? And What Have They Done So Far?</strong></p> <p><strong>Dominque Ford 6’4 SG 2020 (#7 PHN 2020)</strong> – Like Ford's namesake  Dominque Wilkins. Ford has been a human highlight reel this season. On the season he has gone ham on the state putting up nearly 22 a game. All this is including a late January streak scoring over 30 points in three straight games. Of all the player's coming into the tournament I would argue Ford maybe the hottest. The 6’4 shooting guard is a powerful athlete and a natural scorer. Ford can do everything he can make 3’s, he can dribble-drive to the basket. He can drain mid-range shots, and can get to the rim with ease. He also can turn defense into offense averaging 2.7 steals per game. Ford has many tools in his belt and he is one player I wouldn't mind betting on to get me key wins.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-michl/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-michl/">Mason Mich’l</a></a> 6’7 C Desert Oasis 2021</strong> <strong>(#41 PHN 2021)</strong> – Mich’l is indeed my X-Factor on this team because his size and his ability to stretch out and hit the open jump shot. He's the team's 3rd leading scorer and has scored 18 points in a few different occasions this year. His height provides an advantage down low because he is a capable rebounder. He could be the tone setter on the defensive end of the floor.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-van/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-van/">Nathan Van</a></a> 6’2 PG 2020 (#52 PHN 2020)</strong> – Van and Ford maybe one of the better back courts in all the state. Van is a very unselfish guard. Van is a willing but brilliant passer, with the skill and vision to deliver on time and on target dimes. Great size for the position and can see over defenders. Van is solid on the boards and can get his team in and out of breaks once he has the rebound in his hands.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>2. Desert Oasis Has Very Underrated Size.</strong></p> <p>The Diamondbacks have a multitude of lineups and they can bother teams with their size and length inside. Between <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-michl/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-michl/">Mason Mich’l</a></a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-savell/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-savell/">Cade Savell</a></a>, and Marcus Connolly they can easily roll out a front court of 6’5 and over. They also have a tall back court that are solid on the boards. Dom Ford and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-van/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-van/">Nathan Van</a></a> are all 6’2 or taller and capable ball handlers that can solidify the back court. Their size allows them to be an inside and outside team and they are just as deadly at both. Their size and ability to score has been a huge reason for the late season run they been on. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>3. They Are A Veteran Team</strong></p> <p>Desert Oasis is one of the older teams in the state with Dom Ford and Nate Van both being seniors not to mention <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-savell/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-savell/">Cade Savell</a></a>. Desert Oasis starting five consists of all juniors and seniors with that being said this maybe there best opportunity to win. As a teacher myself  I personally root for young men like <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-savell/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cade-savell/">Cade Savell</a></a>, Savell is a genius on and off the court he has a 4.0 GPA. He’s received a ton of interest from several high academic schools one being John Hopkins. The overall maturity of this team makes them a sleeper in this tournament.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>4. They Have The Hot Hand/ Who's Next?</strong></p> <p>If I have learned anything about picking teams in tournaments it is that I always want to put my money on teams who are hot. I've often heard it isn't how you start but it is how you finish and Desert Oasis has finished the season on a high note including victories over Faith Lutheran, Durango, Spring Valley and they gave Bishop Gormon a run for their money. These are quality teams they have beaten in this stretch run. Next up for them is Basic on Wednesday. The guard match up in this game will be what I am the most excited for. Dominque Ford and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-van/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-van/">Nathan Van</a></a> vs <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaylen-berry/">Jaylen Berry</a> and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/john-board/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/john-board/">John Board</a></a> III. Both teams have strong guard play so it will prove to be a solid match up. If Desert Oasis can win,  the regional championships will be played at their home arena so they have plenty too look forward too. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>