State Tournament Previews and Predictions: Division-II Second Round
Thursday night saw quite a few upsets and on Saturday there’s a chance of the same happening. Here’s a look at all the Division-II State Tournament Second Round games taking place. La Joya at Shadow Mountain – La Joya was…
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Continue ReadingThursday night saw quite a few upsets and on Saturday there’s a chance of the same happening. Here’s a look at all the Division-II State Tournament Second Round games taking place.
La Joya at Shadow Mountain – La Joya was able to earn a close victory over Rincon on Thursday but expect their luck to run out there. Shadow is the best team in the state and one of the best in the country. They are athletic, skilled, lengthy, and have depth. Except them to cruise to a W.
Flagstaff at Cesar Chavez – The Eagles have only loss two games in the calendar year, both to Apollo who was more athletic than them on the perimeter. They face a similar challenge against the Champions. While Chavez’ guards aren’t quite as good as Apollo’s they are quick, athletic, and scrappy. Also the Champions have some size that can combat the frontcourt trio of Brett Morrow, George Faull, and Kaleb Hagerman. Expect a Chavez W.
Nogales at Gilbert Christian – Nogales made noise on Thursday upsetting a hot Tucson team by 2. They face a much tougher opponent on Saturday with a lot more size and one truly dominant inside presence in Mitch Lightfoot. Expect the Knights to get a pretty convincing win over the Apaches.
Arcadia at Paradise Valley – Arcadia snuck past McClintock Thursday and will look to take on a very familiar opponent. PV won both regular season matchups against the Titans by a minimal spread. Their defense has been the constant but it’s always hard to beat a good team three times. Expect Arcadia to pull off the upset. This is Division-II’s Game of the Night.
Sunrise Mountain at Apollo – The Mustangs had an upset win over a Cienega team that was pretty solid this year. They are playing the best basketball of the year with their only loss being to Apollo (71-65) in their sectional tournament. The Hawks haven’t loss since December and, while Sunrise hung with them last week, expect a heavy dosage of backcourt pressure and offensive transition to lead them to victory.
Seton Catholic Prep at Sunnyside – Seton shocked the state with a blow out victory at Higley in the opening round. They face a Sunnyside team that is very good on the perimeter. The Blue Devils are scrappy but, while the defeated SCP in early January, they make for a good matchup for the Sentinels who plays poise through pressure and are stingy with paint touches. Look for Seton to continue their magical run with a second straight upset.
Catalina Foothills at Saguaro – Foothills has been good all year long and their blow out win over Queen Creek on Thursday proved the same. The Falcons are skilled but are taking on a Saguaro team that is playing as well as anyone right now. The physicality and aggressiveness of the Sabrecats should help them advance.
Salpointe Catholic at Agua Fria – Agua Fria is the hottest team in the state winning 22 straight games. They faceoff against a Lancers team that destroyed Marcos de Niza in the opening round so they are playing with confidence. Salpointe, however, doesn’t have the size to matchup with the Owls. Expect Agua Fria to extend their win streak to 23.