Arizona 5A Semifinals Preview and Predictions
Despite the #2 seed, Arcadia, being eliminated, many would agree that the top two teams still prevailed to the semifinals. Apollo and Sunnyslope were and are the favorites to make it to the state championship. However, the road gets tougher…
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Continue ReadingDespite the #2 seed, Arcadia, being eliminated, many would agree that the top two teams still prevailed to the semifinals. Apollo and Sunnyslope were and are the favorites to make it to the state championship. However, the road gets tougher and anything can happen in a one and done format.
5A Semifinals Previews and Predictions
#15 Liberty vs. #2 Sunnyslope
Liberty
Liberty is led by two talented guards who play with a chip on their shoulders in Dom Ciccaglione and Cole Roether. Ciccaglione is a knock down shooter who uses his footwork well to attack the paint and create for others. His basketball IQ and playmaking abilities has made it tough on teams to put Liberty away. In addition to Ciccaglione, Roether shoots the basketball at an extremely high level and does a nice job of creating shots for himself at the rim. Both of these guards have a competitive mentality that make them a scary duo in a one and done format. They are not afraid of anyone and will be ready for whatever challenge is thrown their way.
Sunnyslope
When talking about maximizing a team’s potential – look no further than Coach Ray Portela of Sunnyslope. This group does not have one guy that sticks out as a game changing play maker. Rather, they all play extremely hard and play their roles. With that said, Kyle Fischer does a great job of making plays in an array of ways for Slope. He is a capable shooter with a high basketball IQ. Furthermore, he is relentless on the glass and creates well for his teammates. Fischer will need to continue to create so that Sunnyslope’s shooting threats can make big shots. Look for guards Bryson Mewhinney and Allen Abavey to pressure the basketball and create transition opportunities for Slope. Lastly, Chris Orozco will provide a game changing post presence that Liberty will struggle to handle.
Prediction
Although Liberty has surprised many by making it to this point, it has been well-deserved. They will put up a strong fight, but Sunnyslope will move on to the championship.
#4 Chaparral vs. #1 Apollo
Chaparral
Chaparral, although they have multiple weapons, is lead largely by Colten Kresl. Kresl is a dynamic playmaker who is capable of impacting the game in an array of ways. On the offensive end, he is a knock down shooter who can create a shot for himself off of the dribble and coming off of on ball screens. In addition, he does a great job of getting into the paint and finding the rotation from the defense and kicking to teammates. Kresl makes this team go and everyone will be relying on him to have a big night in order for Chaparral to pull off the upset over Apollo. In addition to Fletcher, look for Kai Fletcher to be an X-Factor tonight. He does a great job of crashing the glass and creating transition as well as 2nd chance opportunities for Chaparral. If he is able to dictate the glass, Apollo could be in for a lot of trouble as Chaparral has the shooters and athletes to do damage.
Apollo
Apollo has the obvious weapons of Dre Marin and Holland Woods. These two talented prospects have done a lot of damage and are the two most talented players in this game. However, what sets Apollo apart as being one of the best teams in the entire state rather than just in 5A is their other weapons. Jeff Perez is a knock down shooter who plays tough defense and rarely makes mistakes. In addition, Ellohiem Clark and Emmanuel Taban are game changing players who play their roles very well for this talented team. Marin and Woods will control the tempo and get the basketball up the floor in a hurry if Chaparral makes any mistakes. Plus, the depth and number of X-Factors that Apollo has will wear down Chaparral.
Prediction
Apollo will win this one due to their depth and weapons. Marin and Woods will have big nights as they take Apollo from the semifinals to the championship.