5 Things to Watch: 1A, 2A, and 4A State Championships
We are officially down to 2 teams left in the 1A, 2A, and 4A classifications as their state championships tip off tonight. The match-ups for these particular championships are quite intriguing with one huge rematch.
Here is your guide to the 1A, 2A, and 4A state championships.
7 Things to Watch: 1A, 2A, and 4A State Championships
1A: #3 Fort Thomas vs. #1 Gregory School
1. Shooters Delight
Addison Mort is without a doubt the top scoring threat for the Gregory School. While he has a balanced game, he is averaging over 2 threes per game. On the other side, Malachi Rogers, who is only a sophomore, is leading the scoring for Fort Thomas. He is also averaging almost 2 3s per game.
Between the high scoring of Mort and the Gregory school mixed with Rogers ability, it is safe to say that this will be a high scoring affair.
Prediction: The Gregory School beat Fort Thomas earlier this year and found a way to overcome their proverbial giant by beating NFL Yet. They have too much scoring power for Fort Thomas and will take this one in a high scoring affair.
2A: #4 Rancho Solano vs. #3 Alchesay
2. High Scoring Affair
I was two for two in my predictions for the semifinals match-ups in 2A. Rancho Solano has the most talent in this match-up. However, Alchesay is capable of scoring the basketball at a high level. Further, they are not afraid of anyone.
Alchesay’s up-tempo style of play enables them to consistently score in the 6os and 70s. Further, Rancho Solano has the talent to play at that tempo. Between the two teams, their are plenty of scorers on the floor.
Alchesay will be led by Harley Upton, Juan Slick, and Raekwon Cosay. These three are the most consistent scorers for the team while they have multiple other options who can score the basketball as well.
As far as Solano is concerned, Nikc Jackson and Kiimani Holt provide athleticism and skill that is unmatched by any player in 2A. This should give them the advantage in this contest.
3. Match-up Nightmare
As mentioned earlier, Jackson gives Rancho the advantage in this contest. There are few prospects in the state, let alone in 2A, who match-up well with the Air Force commit.
He is a versatile four who gets after it on the glass. Alchesay will need to keep the tempo going up and down as a means of trying to mitigate Jackson’s impact. However, he is athletic and capable of playing at a fast pace.
Prediction: While Alchesay will play hard and keep this close, they will not be able to slay the 2A Goliath. They will not have an answer for Jackson or Holt. Rancho Solano wins their 1st state championship.
#11 Salpointe vs. #1 Shadow Mountain
4. Rematch of the Year
Salpointe reaching the title game looked about as likely as winning the lottery not too long ago. Enter Evan Nelson. Nelson and the health of Majok Deng has changed the fate of Salpointe and led to this much anticipated state title re-match.
In this game last year, Shadow Mountain dominated from buzzer to buzzer and tempers flared at the end of the game. While Salpointe is one a run, this game will most likely not live up to the hype.
Shadow mountain is far too skilled and athletic. They have consistently proven that they are the best team in the state and one of the best teams in the entire nation.
While Nelson and Deng will put up a fight, the length, athleticism, skill, and depth of Shadow Mountain will be the game changer. This team is one of the best teams to ever come through Arizona.
5. Battle of the Guards
This match-up is extremely intriguing due to Jovan Blacksher and Jaelen House playing against sophomore standout Evan Nelson. Nelson has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of Salpointe. Further, he is not afraid to go toe to toe with other top guards in the state. His performance against Catalina Foothills proves that.
While Shadow has too much fire power, Nelson will compete at a high level. It will be fun to watch 3 of the top guards in the state get after it. Further, it will be interesting to evaluate and watch how Nelson handles the up-tempo pressure employed by Shadow Mountain.
Prediction: Shadow Mountain pulls away in the 2nd half after Salpointe keeping it close in the 1st half.