Scouting Report: Sunrise Mountain vs. Sunnyside (D2 Quarterfinals)
Overview: At one point in the season, Sunrise Mountain looked as though they could be in serious jeopardy of missing the State tournament as they lost four section games in row. In addition, they trailed late to Westview High School. That…
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Continue ReadingOverview: At one point in the season, Sunrise Mountain looked as though they could be in serious jeopardy of missing the State tournament as they lost four section games in row. In addition, they trailed late to Westview High School. That win sparked a streak in which Sunrise has won 10 out of their last 11, with the only lose being against Apollo, whom they beat in the 2nd round of state. Sunrise came into this game as an underdog due to Sunnyside’s strong guard and post play. In fact, Sunrise seemed overwhelmed early as they trailed 11 to 3, but they fought back in large part to a switch to a stifling 1-3-1 zone and the play of X-Factor 6’2″ Senior G Michael Walcott and 6’2″ Senior G Chris Mullaney. In addition to strong play from the role players, Division-I signee Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'5" | SF Skyline Prep | 2022 AZ , 6’5″ Senior G/F, took over the game in the whining moments with a crucial steal and bucket that forced the first overtime and some big time jump shots that assisted in Sunrise pulling out the win after two overtimes.
Sunrise Mountain
Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'5" | SF Skyline Prep | 2022 AZ 6’5″ 2016 G/F – Thomas has such a stellar ability to take over games that teams cannot feel comfortable at the end of a game against Sunrise unless there is a significant lead. Even though Thomas played a facilitator role for a good portion of the night due to the strong play of his teammates, everyone knew who would have to take and make the big shots for Sunrise. Sure enough, Thomas did not prove void. He finished the game with a team high 30 points.
Chis Mullaney 6’2″ 2016 G – Mullaney has probably not had a bigger first half in his entire career than he had tonight. In a first half that was filled with scoring, as 12 threes were hit between the two teams in the 2nd quarter and the score at halftime was 40 to 39, Mullaney led the way. Any time Sunnyside made an sort of run, it seemed to end with Mullaney hitting a big shot. He was crucial to the success of this team.
Michael Walcott 6’2″ 2016 G – The gameplan for Sunnyside was very clear – make someone other than Thomas beat them. Unfortunately, someone did. Walcott hit multiple big shots early in the game and put played a solid game throughout as he assisted in the victory for Sunrise.
Sunnyside
Jacob Inclan 6’3″ 2016 F – Inclan was huge in the first half as he assisted in building the early lead as well as fighting the storm of threes that was thrown at Sunnyside. In addition, after trailing by 7 going into the fourth quarter, Inclan started the quarter with a huge steal and bucket that created the momentum shift that lead to Sunnyside being in control of the game for the majority of the 4th quarter. Inclan is a special talent due to his ability to play on the block and on the perimeter.
Cesar Ozuna 5’11″ 2016 PG – Ozuna was the facilitator for this team all year. This game proved no different as he seemed to have his hand in almost every big plan that was made by Sunnyside. His ability to pressure the basketball, shoot it from deep, handle pressure, and get into the lane make him a solid prospect for the next level.
Mikey Silva 5’7″ 2017 PG/SG – Sunnyside needed its strong guard play and Silva gave it all he had. He made some crucial buckets down the stretch that put Sunnyside in a position to win this game. Silva’s junior year obviously ends in difficult disappointment; however, he has a great opportunity to be the leader of this team next season with the return of big man Santino Duarte,
Next up: Semifinals: 2/27 Sunrise Mountain vs. Agua Fria at Gila River Arena 12:45