Arizona 5A State Finals Preview: Sunnyslope vs Apollo
Photo credit: Richard Obert/azcentral sports Monday nights game will be the third meeting between the two teams this year. Apollo has upper edge thus far, winning the first matchup in 3 overtimes and pulling out a close 3-point victory in the second game.…
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Continue ReadingPhoto credit: Richard Obert/azcentral sports
Monday nights game will be the third meeting between the two teams this year. Apollo has upper edge thus far, winning the first matchup in 3 overtimes and pulling out a close 3-point victory in the second game. Apollo’s Division-1 backcourt of Holland Woods and Dre Marin has created chaos for teams this season; while the high-level post play of Sunnyslope’s Chris Orozco and guard Kyle Fischer pose a matchup threat that might just be enough to steal the state title. Expect a show from the top-ranked 5A teams in Arizona.
Teams
Sunnyslope Vikings: After cruising to an easy 69-38 victory in the semifinals, the young and very talented squad looks to claim the state title over top-ranked Apollo. An impressive 26-4 record from the Vikings has come despite having not one senior on the team. They play high efficiency basketball, limiting turnovers on the offensive end. The intense defense and smart offense has carried them to a state title for a second year in a row.
Apollo Hawks: The 26-3 Hawks are coming off an impressive win in the state semifinals. Contrary to their upcoming opponent, Apollo is stacked with maturity- having 11 seniors this year. Apollo has solid depth, led by two top-ranked guards and their supporting cast of Elloheim Clark, Jeff Perez, and Emmanual Taban. The team is currently on a 12 game winning streaks and looks to capture one more W and the 5A state title.
Key Players
Holland Woods: Ranked by Prep Hoops at #4 in the class of 2017. The Portland St. commit is a steal of player, with an ability to put up big numbers on the offensive side. At 6’0, Apollo’s captain is averaging 28 points per game and 6 assists.
Dre Marin: Ranked by Prep Hoops at #9 in the class of 2017. The Southern Utah commit is averaging 22 point per game and 5 assists. He’s explosive- pushing the ball at any opportunity. Like his teammate Woods, Dre can knock down shots from 3 or drive past any defender.
Chris Orozco: Ranked by Prep Hoops at #18 in the class of 2018. A 6’6 power forward with a solid mid-range and post game. Orozco has the ability to spread the floor with his steady mid-range jumper and ability to take defenders off the dribble. On the other end Orozco makes his presence known, playing tough defense on anyone entering the paint.
Kyle Fischer: Ranked by Prep Hoops at #24 in the class of 2018. At 6’4, Fischer is one of the best two-way guards in Arizona. His versatile nature allows him to do a little of everything- solid on-ball defending, a great rebounder, and the ability to score at any place on the court.
Prediction
Just like their previous meetings this year, I see nothing less than a game coming down to the wire. Both teams match-up very well, highlighting the importance of each possession. Expect the team’s key players to show up, especially in pivotal moments of the game. Look for Apollo’s Jeff Perez and Sunnyslope’s Bryson Mewhinney as potential x-factors in Monday’s matchup. Apollo is led by two of the top talents in this year’s class, and a roster full of seniors that see a state title as a perfect ending for their high school career. Therefore, my bets on Apollo winning the 5A state title in a nail-biter, 75-71.