Why Each Team Can Win On Wednesday

The NIAA 5A State Semifinals will take place tomorrow at Valley High School.   The reigning champions, the Bishop Gorman Gaels, will take on the Coronado Cougars at 4:40 PM.   Then the #1 seed, Liberty Patriots, will go to battle against the Democracy Prep Blue Knights.   Both matchups are sure to deliver plenty of entertainment, and it'll be exciting to see which teams come out on top.   Bishop Gorman   What They Do Best - Bishop Gorman is a team that has had players thrive in their roles this season. Their primary facilitators have been guards [player_tooltip player_id='2370258' first='Dino' last='Roberts'] and Ty Johnson. Their shooters include [player_tooltip player_id='2047786' first='Kameron' last='Cooper'], [player_tooltip player_id='1965271' first='Hudson' last='Dannels'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2691549' first='Canon' last='Mullen']. They've also had multiple other players be reliable on both ends with their energy, such as [player_tooltip player_id='2450360' first='Noah' last='Grossman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2654821' first='Braylen' last='Williams']. And let's not forget 6'9” center [player_tooltip player_id='2086139' first='Tyler' last='Johnson'], who is capable of being a big-time difference maker. Overall, they're a team that shares the rock, and you have to respect their ability to drive into the paint and knock down open shots.   Formula To Advance - For them to grab their second win of the season against Coronado, they'll need to replicate some of the things they did in round one. It will be vital that their guards get downhill, and from there, make the right decisions. The shooters mentioned above will also need to do their part and drain catch-and-shoot opportunities. On the defensive end, they'll need to protect the rim against Coronado's size. It's also important that they force them into contested shots from the perimeter. If they can do those things, they should be in a solid position to advance.   Coronado   What They Do Best - Coronado has the height and size that a college roster typically has (well before 22- and 23-year-olds were playing). When they utilize that length and athleticism on defense, they can turn into a buzz saw–type team, putting a lid on the hoop when they're locked in and creating turnovers. On the offensive end, they seem to be at their best when they have the defense on its heels or can force late rotations. Players who have been especially crucial for them in bigger games include [player_tooltip player_id='1490283' first='Amare' last='Oba'], [player_tooltip player_id='2484289' first='Devaughn' last='Dorrough'], [player_tooltip player_id='1406767' first='Munir' last='Greig'], [player_tooltip player_id='1707488' first='Demari' last='Hunter'], Siyahe Siaisiae and [player_tooltip player_id='1463264' first='Jonny' last='Collins'].   Formula To Advance - In order for the Cougars to advance, they'll need their top guys to show up like they're capable of. Floor general [player_tooltip player_id='1406767' first='Munir' last='Greig'] has had defenders on skates much of the year, and his pace and assertiveness can help keep the pressure on the Gaels' defense. Oba and Collins will also need to capitalize on their opportunities. And watch out if they're both hitting from three-point range. Then there's Dorrough, who can be a bit of an X-factor in this game if he can clog up the paint on defense and go up strong with it on offense. A few other potential impact players are [player_tooltip player_id='2509672' first='Siyahe' last='Siaisiai'], [player_tooltip player_id='1707488' first='Demari' last='Hunter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2819205' first='Graceson' last='Snow']. Siaisiai will be asked to limit Bright's production, Hunter is a relentless defender, and Snow isn't the type of player you want to leave open. When it comes down to it, it will be about execution and poise for them.     Liberty   What They Do Best - Liberty has leaned on their seniors all year long, and for good reason. They are a resilient group that has each other's backs. One player who typically gets things going for them is [player_tooltip player_id='1493480' first='Dante' last='Steward']. His shot-making, play in transition, and ability to score inside help create chances for his teammates as well. They also have guards like [player_tooltip player_id='1463237' first='Tayshawn' last='Caesar'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1463230' first='Tyus' last='Thomas'] who can take advantage of extra space. Then there is [player_tooltip player_id='2128311' first='Taytum' last='Webb'], [player_tooltip player_id='2640655' first='Eric' last='Alisca'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2145851' first='Evan' last='Hilliard'] who have brought energy on the defensive end all year. Which allows the Patriots to play with real tenacity and speed.   Formula To Advance - The Patriots have a great chance to move on if they keep playing the way they have over the last month. On offense, they'll need to swing the rock and take what the defense gives them. When Steward, Thomas, and Caesar get enough quality chances, they tend to get the job done. On defense, they'll need to cover ground and not let the Blue Knights' guards get clean looks. Look for them to apply steady ball pressure throughout. If they can do those things and also create some opportunities in transition, they just might be playing for the State Championship on Saturday.     Democracy Prep   What They Do Best - Democracy Prep has scorers just about everywhere, and they even have a few they can bring off the bench. With their feel for the game and instincts, they're an effective and efficient squad. As we saw against Desert Pines, they can fill it up from the perimeter if left uncovered. Many of their guards also have the burst to beat defenders off the bounce. A few players who help them dictate the tempo are [player_tooltip player_id='1667943' first='Zyon' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='2374248' first='Dashaun' last='Harris'], [player_tooltip player_id='2122232' first='Kaden' last='Arnold'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding']. When they're getting up and down quickly, they can throw teams out of sync.   Formula To Advance - The Blue Knights could upset the #1 seed if they come out and “blitz” Liberty with their agile guards (mentioned above)from the opening tip. The more they can push the pace, the better, as the Patriots would likely prefer to play more in the half court. If they set the tempo and force Liberty out of character, it'll be close. From there, they can look to further frustrate Liberty with their defense. Creating turnovers and turning those into quick points would only add to the pressure. If they can build early momentum, it could shift the confidence in the gym and put the Patriots on their heels. Other players who may help out are: [player_tooltip player_id='1529853' first='Tai' last='Coleman'], [player_tooltip player_id='2434274' first='Elizjah' last='Scott'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1667541' first='Mario' last='Allen'].

The NIAA 5A State Semifinals will take place tomorrow at Valley High School.