State Tournament Previews and Predictions: Division-II Quarterfinal
There were a lot of upsets that took place on Saturday in Division-II. With eight teams remaining, expect the action to be intense at Gila River Arena. Each of these teams will be looking to be playing on this court…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere were a lot of upsets that took place on Saturday in Division-II. With eight teams remaining, expect the action to be intense at Gila River Arena. Each of these teams will be looking to be playing on this court Saturday and Monday and getting a win Wednesday is the first step. Here’s a look at the four Quarterfinal matchups.
Flagstaff vs Shadow Mountain – In a very close bout Flagstaff was able to overcome a very talented Cesar Chavez team. They used their size and fundamental style to slow the game down and overcome the quickness and athleticism of the Champions. The Eagles must now face off against the state’s top team, Shadow Mountain. The game plan for Flagstaff should be similar as the Matadors have a similar style to Chavez. The difference is that Shadow has more skilled guards, a better shooting group, and, arguably, they play harder than any team in the state. Put a mark in the win column for Shadow.
Nogales vs Paradise Valley – The Apaches picked up the biggest upset of the tournament thus far as they took down the #5 seeded Gilbert Christian Knights. They face off against a Paradise Valley team that had a big statement win over Arcadia in the second round. The Trojans are playing as well as ever and it will be hard for Nogales to stop them.
Sunrise Mountain vs Sunnyside – Elijah Thomas has put the Mustangs on his back leading them into the Quarterfinals. After a close loss to Apollo in their section tournament Sunrise Mountain pulled off the upset in the second round. Now they take on a Sunnyside team that has won 12 straight games. The Blue Devils have been playing well but haven’t seen the athleticism of a guy like Thomas thus far. However, they play as hard as anyone and that will help them to a victory.
Catalina Foothills vs Agua Fria – No doubt the hottest team in the state, Agua Fria continued their win streak by defeating Salpointe Catholic in the second half. This team is playing with a ton of confidence. Catalina came on top in a close game against Saguaro last Saturday. The key for the Falcons is in their backcourt with 6’2” Sam Beskind and 6’4” Nik Nehls. The Owls, however, have a sizey lineup (headed by 6’4” Bryce Fowler and 6’3” Isaiah Johns) that can combat that. Expect Agua Fria to win their 23rd straight game.