Democracy Prep Wins Thriller Over Desert Pines, 61-59

Democracy Prep and Desert Pines had their highly anticipated matchup last night at Desert Pines. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, you could feel the excitement in the gym from the opening tip. It was a game where each possession truly mattered and mistakes were magnified. The Blue Knights and Jaguars essentially went bucket for bucket in the first quarter, and three-point shooting seemed to be the theme, as DPAC had four and DP had three. DPAC also ended up leading 17-16 going into the second.   DPAC's pace and shooting continued, and [player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='2122232' first='Kaden' last='Arnold'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding'] got quality chances often. But DP didn't fall too far behind, as it was 34-28 going into the break. Coming out of halftime, it was evident that Desert Pines wanted to start feeding Merto and McMorran II to help close the gap. The strategy paid off, and they kept chipping away at Democracy Prep's lead. After three, it was still 51-48, and you could feel the momentum shifting. However, the Blue Knights stretched the lead back to six early in the fourth quarter.   But the Jaguars' attacking mindset helped them make it a two-point game after Merto scored four straight points. That's when [player_tooltip player_id='2877330' first='Lavell' last='Lovelace'] stepped in and drained a three to give them the lead. DPAC quickly responded and got back in front thanks to a bucket from [player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'].   Then [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] got the ball again on the block and dropped in a shot while drawing contact, giving Desert Pines a 57-56 lead. He missed the free throw. Blue Knights guard [player_tooltip player_id='2434274' first='Elizjah' last='Scott'] then hit a three, making it 59-57 DPAC. Jaguars junior [player_tooltip player_id='2812155' first='Mason' last='Robles'] answered with a layup with about a minute left to tie it at 59-59.   Desert Pines then got a huge stop and brought the ball up the court before calling their final timeout with 37 seconds left. Out of the timeout, [player_tooltip player_id='1707443' first='Chase' last='Robertson'] drove to the hoop with about 12 seconds to go. But [player_tooltip player_id='2374248' first='Dashaun' last='Harris'] made a clean swipe at the ball, deflecting it to [player_tooltip player_id='2434274' first='Elizjah' last='Scott'], who promptly threw it ahead to Harris and he was fouled. He made both free throws to put DPAC up 61-59 with 6.1 seconds left.   McMorran II then sprinted up the court after the inbounds pass but was fouled near midcourt. He inbounded the ball to [player_tooltip player_id='2812155' first='Mason' last='Robles'], who gave it right back to him. McMorran II set up for a three, but it had just a little too much on it. Merto grabbed the rebound and tried to put it back up, but it didn't fall as time expired.   It was a wild finish in a loud atmosphere, and both teams left it all out there. Democracy Prep will go on to play Liberty in the NIAA 5A Southern Region semifinals at Valley High School next Wednesday, February 18th at 8 PM.        [player_tooltip player_id='2374248' first='Dashaun' last='Harris'] scored a couple of early buckets on strong takes to the rim and was active defensively throughout the night. As mentioned above, he then showed ice in his veins and hit the game winners. It was a clutch performance from the sophomore, who already looks comfortable delivering in pressure-filled moments.   Stats - 8 Points     [player_tooltip player_id='2122232' first='Kaden' last='Arnold'] capitalized on his catch-and-shoot opportunities last night, consistently finding space in the corners and dropping in four three-pointers for the Blue Knights. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end, applying pressure and bringing steady energy to the floor throughout the game.   Stats - 12 Points     [player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding'] scored in a variety of ways against Desert Pines. He crashed the offensive glass for second-chance points, knocked down a pair of three-pointers, and converted two free throws. Overall, he delivered a strong all-around performance and played a key role in DPAC securing the win.   Stats - 12 Points     [player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'] splashed in timely shots for Democracy Prep yesterday. He was making his threes and showed a smooth touch from mid-range, including a jumper that came in the closing minutes to. Harris' confidence was on display all night, and he'll surely be a player to watch in the next round.   Stats - 14 Points     [player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'] came out firing from the get go, pouring in three triples in the first quarter alone. From there, he began to get downhill and also made an impact in transition. In the second half, he got back to work and did damage at the free-throw line and beyond the arc. McMorran II was a playmaker on the defensive end as well, blocking two shots and altering others. While the Jaguars didn't get the win, he brought his A-game and finished with a game-high 27 points.     [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] grew more assertive and aggressive as the game progressed. He finished multiple putbacks, threw down a dunk, and used his athleticism to operate effectively in the paint. It was clear he was in rhythm and that he was feeling it. Although his season has come to an end, he closed it out with an exclamation point. It'll be interesting to see how he builds on that momentum during AAU this spring and summer.   Stats - 19 Points

Democracy Prep and Desert Pines had their highly anticipated matchup last night at Desert Pines. With a trip to the semifinals on the line, you could feel the excitement in the gym from the opening tip. It was a game where each possession truly mattered and mistakes were magnified. The Blue Knights and Jaguars essentially went bucket for bucket in the first quarter, and three-point shooting seemed to be the theme, as DPAC had four and DP had three. DPAC also ended up leading 17-16 going into the second.