Nevada 4A Playoffs Region Finals: Star Power

We're playing for Chips tonight! Both the Desert and Mountain Region Finals will be taking place. I'm a big believer that to win Championship games your best players have to perform like stars. If that's true, then we're in luck as these two Finals feature many of the top-ranked players in the state. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the stars participating in the Region Finals. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mwani-wilkinson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mwani-wilkinson/">Mwani Wilkinson</a></a> 6'6 SF Bishop Gorman 2020 (#3PHN 2020) - Wilkinson has been the star of stars this season. A walking highlight reel, he has translated his raw athleticism into dominant production. I always talk about players with the ability to Melo size their squads, he has been the player that consistently does that night after night. His defense is elite, and his activity and athletic ability make him almost unstoppable on the offensive end. I have no doubt that he shows up big once again in the Finals. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zaon-collins/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zaon-collins/">Zaon Collins</a></a> 6'1 PG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#2PHN 2021) - The uber quick PG will have his hands full against an equally quick Durango squad. Collins has the playmaking ability to control the game with paint touches, and distribution. Where he will need to be great at is on the defensive end. The last time the Gaels faced Durango the Trailblazers put up 47 points in the 1st half, forcing Gorman to go zone. It will be up to Collins to take the challenge to slow down the talented ballhandlers of Durango this time around. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-mcclendon/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-mcclendon/">Will McClendon</a></a> 6'3 SG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#3PHN 2021) - Collins should get help on the defensive end from McClendon. The long arm shooter will also be counted on to slow down the driving attacks of the Trailblazer guards. In addition to that Gorman is going to need McClendon to activate his clutch gene and knockdown more than a couple shots in order to escape with the title. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/azavier-jonhson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/azavier-jonhson/">Azavier Johnson</a></a> 6'4 PG Faith Lutheran 2021 (#9PHN 2021) - Johnson has put together a marvelous season. I think any questions about what level he can play at have been answered. Now he will have to carry his team for one more game. In order for the Crusaders to advance, they will need steady play from the 6'4 PG. He will be counted on to handle against DP's pressure, and create for his teammates. This is the type of game where Johnson can solidify his status as a D1 player. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/anthony-hunter/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/anthony-hunter/">Anthony Hunter</a></a> 5'11 PG Durango 2020 (#6PHN 2020) - Hopefully any questions as to why Hunter made my all Defensive team was answered on Tuesday. The ultra-quick guard laid it all on the line in helping Durango advance. Now the two way star gets another shot at the Gaels. The one thing I know is that he will come out in attack mode. If he can put together similar production on Thursday, Durango just may be prepared to clinch their spot in Reno. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keshon-gilbert/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keshon-gilbert/">Keshon Gilbert</a></a> 6'2 PG Durango 2021 (#6PHN 2021) - It's fun watching Gilbert play. He never backs down, and never gets rattled all while playing with a chip on his shoulder. This is a legacy type game for Gilbert. He has already signed with the local school, and he's put together a terrific season, a win tonight would provide a defining stamp in his Prep passport. He's going to have to be able to handle the pressure of BG while keeping his emotions in check. If he can do that, Durango has a chance to advance. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sebastian-mack/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sebastian-mack/">Sebastian Mack</a></a> 6'1 SG Durango 2023 (#1PHN 2023) - The freshmen isn't on this list by accident. Mack put together a sensational performance in the Semis. Now the sharpshooter enters the Finals with loads of confidence. He finished with 27 on 8 for 8 shooting from 3. There is no way he can do that again... Is there? <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/milos-uzan/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/milos-uzan/">Milos Uzan</a></a> 6'3 PG Desert Pines 2022 (#1PHN 2022) - Uzan has catapulted himself into the top spot in the c/o 2022. Now is his opportunity to play for another title. He's the type of PG you want in a game like this. The sophomore stays poised, and always keeps his team playing at a level that they can be successful at. DP is playing in a home game for the opportunity to advance to Reno, I expect another terrific performance from the highly regarded PG. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dayshawn-wiley/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dayshawn-wiley/">Dayshawn Wiley</a></a> 6'3 SG Desert Pines 2021 (#8PHN 2021) - Wiley is probably the player that stands to benefit the most from Uzan's passing ability. The 6'3 pogo stick has the athletic ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. If he's knocking down 3's DP will be a difficult out for anyone. In this contest, his defense on Johnson, as well as transition buckets should go a long way if the Jags are to advance. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/anthony-swift/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/anthony-swift/">Anthony Swift</a></a> 6'6 PF Desert Pines 2021 (#5PHN 2021) (featured image) - I feel like you get Swift for games like this. He has very quietly put together an All-State type season. His rim protection and rebounding is probably his most impactful skill, yet he has developed a high-level post game over the course of the season. His turn around jumper and face up attacks will put immense pressure on Faith's defense tonight. A tough matchup on most nights, the addition of Darnell Washington makes Swift an absolute matchup nightmare.