Game Day Previews and Predictions: February 5
The season is winding down and there are still teams with something to prove who are looking to do so tonight! Here is a look at the top games that will be taking place on Friday. -Division-I- Desert Ridge at…
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Continue ReadingThe season is winding down and there are still teams with something to prove who are looking to do so tonight! Here is a look at the top games that will be taking place on Friday.
-Division-I-
Desert Ridge at #2 Mesa
The Jackrabbits have two games remaining in the regular season, both at home. They are discipline enough to recognize the significance of both these contests and will not overlook a talented Desert Ridge group that has won six of their last seven including wins over Desert Mountain, #9 Dobson, and #10 Mountain View (the latter of the three who gave Mesa their last loss).
#3 Basha at Perry
After a convincing win over #6 Highland the Bears take on a Perry squad that’s hovered around the top ten. After collecting a road win at Hamilton the Pumas are confident as this is the first of their final three games, all at home. However, Basha’s size will be too much.
Desert Vista at Mountain Pointe
This is Desert Vista’s final contest of the regular season and, while they gotten some big wins, they’ve only won three of their last eight (one of their last four on the road). Mountain Pointe is 1-3 in their past four games (playing teams all ranked in the top 10) but have won their last three at home. This will be a very competitive matchup but the Pride’s experience will help them to secure the home victory. This is Friday’s Game of the Night.
St. Mary’s at #7 Sunnyslope
There will be a lot of emotion in the building as this is Sunnyslope’s last game of the regular season (and senior night) in one of their most competitive years in recent times. Expect the crowd to be electric and for the Vikings to leave with a win over a hot Knights crew.
Chaparral at #10 Mountain View
The Toros were trying to find themselves for a while but, in recent weeks, have seemed to do just that—winning their last five contest including wins over Mesa and Desert Mountain. Mountain View has three games remaining in the regular season and the way they are rolling there’s a good chance that this game is the start to an extended win streak.
-Division-II-
#1 Shadow Mountain at Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Shadow Mountain has been great all season long. They’ve lost four games all season—all of them being to national powerhouse programs. They will face another one of those tonight as they take on Gary McKnight’s Mater Dei program in Orange County, California. The one thing that the Matadors have struggled with is a team with legitimate size and shooters around them. 6’9” Oregon bound MJ Cage will be a problem, and though Shadow Mountain has the experience factor it is very rare that Mater Dei loses at home. Expect the Monarchs to hand the Matadors their first loss of the calendar year and their fifth loss overall.
Queen Creek at #2 Gilbert Christian
Queen Creek is coming off a very close loss to Division-III’s third ranked Casa Grande. Nonetheless they must switch focuses quickly as they are facing a Gilbert Christian group who will have multiple seniors (including Kansas bound Mitch Lightfoot) play their final home game for the Knights. There are a lot of factors that will determine the outcome of this game but—most importantly—Gilbert Christian is just too big all around.
Arcadia at #5 Paradise Valley
This is the final regular season game for Paradise Valley and, just as important, the last time that senior guards Dom Rogiers and CJ Van Beekum will play on their home floor. After a big win at Saguaro expect the Trojans to finish the season with a win.
McClintock at #8 Higley
This has been a remarkable year for Higley, a lot due to the play of senior transfer Bryan Battle, and they will look to see him off the right way on senior night. However, that will be no easy task as they face a McClintock team that can play with just about anybody in Division-II when they are clicking on all cylinders. Expect the emotion to help carry the nights to victory tonight.
-Division-III-
North Canyon at #4 Snowflake
Snowflake has only loss two home games all season and only one in the calendar year. On a special night that will recognize the seniors, specifically Kurt Wood, there will be a lot of energy and emotion on their side. Expect the Lobos the leave with a victory.