Rattlers Outlast Skyhawks To Win Back To Back State Titles The Mojave Rattlers have been dominant in 4A play this season, winning league games by an average of 29 points per game. They face a Silverado team that is coming…
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Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log inRattlers Outlast Skyhawks To Win Back To Back State Titles
The Mojave Rattlers have been dominant in 4A play this season, winning league games by an average of 29 points per game. They face a Silverado team that is coming off three straight thrilling playoff victories. The Skyhawks who play Mojave twice a year in the same division looked anything but intimidated to start the game. They used hot shooting and heart to keep it close in the first half. One thing was clear throughout the first half,
CJ Shaw
CJ
Shaw
6'3" | SG
Mojave | 2025
State
NV
couldn’t be stopped. The sophomore wing was Phenomenal finishing with 23 first-half points. The second half resembled something like a movie about the world’s greatest pickup game, as each team went back and forth, trading blows at a frenetic pace. Like every game this year, Mojave went on one of its patent runs however this Skyhawks team simply would not fold. After a
Kollin Ngo
Kollin
Ngo
6'2" | CG
Silverado | 2023
State
NV
three the Skyhawks held the lead with less than two minutes to go and had the ball down one with less than 1 minute. Ultimate the Rattlers would rely on what they relied on all season, their defense, as they would get a stop, and salt the game away at the free throw line, winning 73-68. The Mojave Rattlers are your 4A State Champs.
Most impactful
Easiest choice ever. Shaw was brilliant. He doesn’t run as much as he glides, as it looks like he’s on an escalator and everyone else is taking stairs. Some people check the tempature of the room when they walk in, Shaw sets the tempature. Once again in the season’s biggest game, he put on his cape, and carried the Rattlers to the Crown. Shaw finished with 35, points, a handful of steals, and what seemed like every important rebound.
Best Offensive Player
Franklin made a huge difference for the Skyhawks in the regular season, and you can see why. He’s a versatile, multi skilled weapon who was comfortable handling on the perimeter or scoring in the interior. Long rangy wing, franklin scored both with and without the ball in his hands. He showed some big time type A qualities, setting up teammates on one end, and defending Shaw on the other. Turned himself into a clear stockriser to watch during the upcoming spring and summer months.
Best Defender
The scrappy Wohl had one of his better offensive games, however I thought he really set the tone with his defense. He was tough defending on the ball, and wasn’t afraid to sacrifice his body to take charges and fight for 50/50 balls.
Biggest Sleeper
This game felt like a coming out party for Simmons. The sophomore foward has swung between JV and Varisty throughout the season, but proved his worth in the biggest game of the season. His willingness to compete for boards, and throw his body around was huge. He carved out 10 tough points for the team, with his frame, and new found confidence, I could see him having a breakout Spring and Summer.
Best High Motor Guy
The diminutive PG exudes confidence. A dogged defender, he was a pest whether playing on ball in man, or at the top of the zone for the Skyhawks. His energy wasn’t just limited to what he did on the defensive end, the high energy guard also banged home a couple clutch threes in the game.
Best Glue Guy
I thought McNeal’s willingness to play his role was crucial for the Rattlers. He defended, banged and rebounded but I thougth it was his overall energy along with his defensive versatility in the press that allowed him to make a contribution.
Most Upside
Fralin only played limited minutes, however he flashed a lot of potential. His size makes him intriguing as he looked closer to 6’5 than 6’4, with a strong upper frame. My first thought when he entered the game, is that the Skyhawks have some size. He was productive in his short stint finishing with 6 points in the game.
