First Round 5A Playoff Preview and Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5A playoffs are set to begin tonight (2/14).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Desert Pines (10-9) at Liberty (14-9) at 6:30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was at the Desert Pines vs Liberty game on February 5th and it started off as a defensive battle. Each team seemed slightly timid to get going, but eventually [player_tooltip player_id='1252347' first='Jaden' last='Riley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1493480' first='Dante' last='Steward'] started scoring for Liberty. Riley began to hit shots from beyond the arc, and [player_tooltip player_id='1493480' first='Dante' last='Steward'] hit long 2's and close range shots. If both of them can have similar games today, the Patriots will likely win. So the question is, can Desert Pines shut down that duo? And can they get going on offense themselves? Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'] , [player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1965156' first='Mike' last='Taylor'] will all need to bring their A game if they want to advance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction:</em> Liberty has a bit more experience and I think they get the job done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centennial (5-20) at Bishop Gorman (21-5) at 6:30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs find themselves in a tougher first round matchup due to the NIAA forcing them to forfeit 17 games. But no matter, they are on a mission to win a state championship. [player_tooltip player_id='1253141' first='Jayonni' last='Durrough'] has been a key player for them all year. He is the engine that makes them go, and can make plays on both offense and defense. The Bulldogs also have [player_tooltip player_id='1961186' first='Bryce' last='Iwuoha'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'] who are capable of dropping over 20 points. The defending champs have no intention of getting knocked out in the first round though. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='986960' first='Nick' last='Jefferson'] and Chris Baudreau both showed up in the Gael's first matchup with the Bulldogs and they will need to again. A few other players that I expect to make impacts for Bishop Gorman are [player_tooltip player_id='1511462' first='Jett' last='Washington'], [player_tooltip player_id='2047786' first='Kameron' last='Cooper'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1965274' first='Ilan' last='Nikolov']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction:</em> I'm going to give the edge to Bishop Gorman due to how many options they have on offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Arbor View (18-8) at Mojave (17-9) at 6:30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams just met 10 days ago, and the Rattlers won 70-62. They were led by [player_tooltip player_id='1268866' first='CJ' last='Shaw'] who dropped over 25 points in that game. In order for Mojave to move on, they will also need [player_tooltip player_id='1665140' first='Zacarrion' last='Jackson'], Isiah Trotter, and others to play their parts. The Aggies have an upset on their minds though, and they may have the shooters to do it. [player_tooltip player_id='2053685' first='Wilbert' last='Townsend'], JT Darden, [player_tooltip player_id='1253130' first='Sebastian' last='Knox'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2053686' first='Cassius' last='Britt'] all have the ability to get hot from downtown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction:</em> Mojave may find themselves in a close one, but I think they get to the second round. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silverado (11-14) at Coronado (14-10) at 6:30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Silverado has a few upperclassmen who would like their seasons to continue. [player_tooltip player_id='1970812' first='Travaughn' last='Brigance'], [player_tooltip player_id='1494682' first='Kayden' last='Goss'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1705453' first='Travis' last='Fralin'] are all key players for the Silverhawks. Brigance can really fill it up, Goss knows how to find shots from behind the 3-point line and Fralin is their swiss army knife. The Cougars have a veteran heavy team as well, and [player_tooltip player_id='1253129' first='Mason' last='Abittan'] has been playing at an incredibly high level all year. In addition to Abittan, Coronado has [player_tooltip player_id='2515172' first='Jalen' last='St. Clair'] running the show and he keeps the defense honest with his long range shot. Then you have forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1253137' first='JJ' last='Buchanan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1335934' first='Lantz' last='Stephenson'], who can score in the paint. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prediction:</em> Coronado looks ready for a deep playoff run and I believe they'll win tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->