NIAA 5A State Final Preview: Keys to Cutting Down the Nets

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Matchup -</em></strong> <em>Liberty Patriots vs Coronado Cougars</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Time: </em></strong><em>7 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Location:</em></strong> <em>Valley High School</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The championship takes place tonight, and it is sure to be an electric championship atmosphere. The Liberty Patriots are currently 22-5 and have a 13 game winning streak going Meanwhile the Coronado Cougars are 16-8, and have a won their last 4 games in convincing fashion. Both teams seem to be hitting their stride and are playing their best basketball of the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Previous Matchup</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots and Cougars faced off just 17 days ago. Coronado held a seven-point lead at halftime, and it looked as though they were on track to grab the win. But the Patriots stormed back in the second half, stunning the Cougars in the fourth quarter and escaping with a 63–59 victory after a tense final three minutes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Battle Of The Backcourts</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Liberty's backcourt consists of [player_tooltip player_id='1463230' first='Tyus' last='Thomas'], Tayshawn Caeser, Taytum Cios-Webb, with [player_tooltip player_id='2640655' first='Eric' last='Alisca'] coming off the bench for them. Three of the four are seniors (Cios-Webb is a junior), and they all have plenty of experience to draw from for this game. So far this season and in the playoffs, they've been consistent, and there's been strong cohesion among them. With their ability to stay calm and poised, they're effective in just about every situation. If they continue to hit shots like they have been, watch out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coronado is also stacked at the guard spots. They feature [player_tooltip player_id='1406767' first='Munir' last='Greig'], [player_tooltip player_id='1463264' first='Jonny' last='Collins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1707488' first='Demari' last='Hunter'], with [player_tooltip player_id='2819205' first='Graceson' last='Snow'] in the rotation as well. Each of them is a scoring threat, and we saw Greig, Collins, and Hunter combine for 39 points in the semifinals. Considering their athleticism and defensive capabilities, I expect them to be locked in on both ends tonight. A key to success for them will be creating turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Between both groups, there's clearly a ton of talent, and taking care of the rock will be of the utmost importance for either team to win this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Wings And Bigs To Watch For </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots have a few forwards that can make their presence felt on both offense and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1493480' first='Dante' last='Steward'] has been a force all year long, and his outside shooting is another attribute that the Cougars will need to worry about. Then they have [player_tooltip player_id='2145851' first='Evan' last='Hilliard'] who makes hustle plays routinely and he doesn't hold back on defense. Another Patriot forward that might make a difference is Da'aron Thompkins. He gives them more size to help matchup against Coronado's height, and he's made 19 3PM this year (shooting 30%). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other hand, the Cougars have a number of giants that Liberty will look to contain. First there is 6'6 SF [player_tooltip player_id='1490283' first='Amare' last='Oba'], who lights it up from 3 point land. But can also slash to the rim if given the lane. Next they've got 6'8 PF [player_tooltip player_id='2484289' first='Devaughn' last='Dorrough'] who has been coming on strong as of late with his interior scoring and rebounding. [player_tooltip player_id='2509672' first='Siyahe' last='Siaisiai'] can also come in and protect the rim, or put down dunks if left open. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Considering how well Oba and Dorrough have been playing, the Patriots will need disciplined, connected team defense. Meanwhile, the Cougars must use their size in the passing lanes to generate deflections and transition opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>5 Other Factors</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who will come down with more rebounds?</strong><br>Limiting second-chance points could be pivotal in this game. Liberty's guards, like Taytum Cios-Webb, have a knack for crashing the glass, and Coronado's 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2484289' first='Devaughn' last='Dorrough'] is skilled in that area as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Can the “star” players stay out of foul trouble?</strong><br>In the semifinals, we saw [player_tooltip player_id='1463230' first='Tyus' last='Thomas'] pick up three fouls in the first half. Luckily, he didn't add any more. If either team's go-to players rack up early fouls, that could shift the momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Which team will handle the championship atmosphere better?</strong><br>It's sure to be loud anytime free throws are being shot, and the team that converts more opportunities at the charity stripe may come out on top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>If it comes down to the wire, who will execute and get stops?</strong><br>Avoiding simple mistakes in the fourth quarter could ultimately decide the outcome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who wants it more?</strong><br>There's no holding back now. The team that dives on the floor, sprints back on defense, and consistently gives maximum effort will have the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->