Sweet 16: Previewing the Richard Tate Region

<p>The season is dwindling as we are already in the Sweet 16. There are some excellent matchups with some pretty balanced teams set to play on Wednesday. Let’s take a look at the regions and a breakdown of each matchup in the 4A state playoffs. </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">No.4 Golden v. No. 13 Pueblo East</h2> <p>Eight straight wins for Golden should have them feeling good and a win against Discovery Canyon in the second round of the playoffs which, despite not winning a ton of games this season has some really good games on their resume. The Demons have a deep group but are led by their two seniors, Kevin Mulligan, who is a more prominent guard averaging 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds a game and Ben Mclaughlin. Those two are the consistent scoring threats for Golden and know what it takes to win close games down the stretch. With freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id="921096" first="Alan" last="Acevedo"] also scoring the ball and being a rebounding threat, it gives the Demons a three-headed trio of taller guards that can buckle down defensively and also hound smaller defenders. Golden is well-coached and will come in with a solid gameplan on how to slow each other down.</p> <p>I once heard, "do not bet against a Pueblo team in the playoffs." When looking back, it appears that way as they know how to make it to the Denver Coliseum, at least. Pueblo East is built for dog fight type of games that come down to the wire. They are a battle-tested team that has multiple players that are viable to step up at any given moment, and they can score that basketball. Darnell Kindred is the name to know over there as the senior forward can score. Kindred is putting up 17.4 points and 5.9 rebounds a game, and every time out, there is going to be a full out effort for him, no matter if he is scoring the ball or not. Juniors Jaxson Herring (12.2 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id="917012" first="Kyle" last="Miller"] (10.9 ppg) are rebounding machines that also consistently score the basketball as well. They provide energy and tenacity to this team as they do the dirty work. All three of those players will have to play exceptionally well and try and take over inside if they hope to advance.  </p> <h2 style="text-align: center;">No. 5 Northfield v. No.12 Erie        </h2> <p>Northfield is the team that has not been here, but since they are, want to show their worth. Northfield has proved doubters wrong all season long and has a balanced team that does not have to score a ton of points to beat you. The Nighthawks are led by big man [player_tooltip player_id="915293" first="Nahsyah" last="Bolar"] who has put together a sensational senior season as the top big man out of the Denver Prep League, averaging 18.3 points and 11.1 rebounds a game. In Northfield’s Sweet 16 game against Holy Family, it was Bolar that led the way. Bolar grabbed double-digit boards again, took over in the second half, and also blocked close to eight shots. With Bolar and Bally Diakite (11.0 ppg) down low and true point guard Diego Dominguez bringing his mental toughness, taking care of the ball, and controlling the pace, then all bases are covered. Guard play will be the difference.</p> <p>Erie is a woman-led team as they have one the only female high school head coaches in the nation. With that comes great responsibility, and that is why they are putting together such complete games. The smallest of details do not go unnoticed, and in their 67-56 win over Lewis-Palmer, the Tigers got some big-time performances. Junior guard Jordan Nguyen finished with a season-high 17 points in the game. Nguyen took a step back this season but looks to be able to start catching a groove finally, and his teammates rode the momentum. Sophomore wing Kayan Hargrave has been a playmaking wing for Erie, and the Tigers leaned on their young baller in the second round. Hargrave finished with 17 points and was efficient from the field. He got to the FT line and carried the load. Both players will have to have another solid game if they plan on winning. I expect a heavy dosage of Kevin Loy and Ladorian Havard as well.  </p>