Arizona 6A Semifinals Preview
Although it has been exciting, the 6A state tournament has not featured any upsets to this point. In fact, the semifinals feature the top 4 seeds as provided by AIA365. In this round, #2 Basha will play #3 Desert Vista…
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Continue ReadingAlthough it has been exciting, the 6A state tournament has not featured any upsets to this point. In fact, the semifinals feature the top 4 seeds as provided by AIA365. In this round, #2 Basha will play #3 Desert Vista and #1 Corona Del Sol will play #4 Cesar Chavez. Games will be played on Thursday, February 23 at Gila River Arena. Here is the bracket for more information and future match-ups.
6A Semifinals Previews and Predictions
#3 Desert Vista vs. #2 Basha
Desert Vista
Desert Vista has an abundance of talent as well as depth which has been a key to the team’s success. Wesley Harris has been one of the biggest keys to the success of the team as he has averaged a little over 16 points and 6 rebounds per game. Even more impressive, he has done this while shooting the basketball at a little over 65% inside the 3. Harris is physical and presents match-up nightmares for opposing teams. In addition to Harris, Desert Vista will rely on the knock down shooting of Noah Baumann and versatile play of Caleb Simmons to aid them in pulling off the first upset of the state tournament.
Basha
Basha is much like Desert Vista in that they are loaded with talent. Their depth and team play make them a tough match-up for anyone. The group is unselfish and plays with an edge and toughness. In order for Basha to continue their winning ways, Terrell Brown must continue to perform at a high level. The 2017 prospect is shooting the basketball at an alarming rate as he is averaging almost 2 threes per game while shooting it at almost 40%. In addition, he is a do it all type player who leads the team in points and assists. Much like Simmons of Vista, his versatility is game changing. In addition to Brown, Mcglothan must continue to control the glass and finish around the rim. If he is able to control the glass, Basha will get to dictate the tempo of the game and have a much better chance at moving forward.
Prediction
This will be a close battle between two highly talented teams; however, I see Basha moving forward.
#4 Cesar Chavez vs. #1 Corona Del Sol
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez is loaded with fast and athletic wings who can impact a game. Specifically, Malik Porter and Kaleb Martin will be tough for Corona Del Sol as they get up the court fast and finish well around the rim. In addition, although he has a different style of play, Michael Rogers is a tough match-up due to his size, strength, and ability to get into the paint. Lastly, Donald Carter does a good job of dictating the tempo of the game and getting the basketball up the court in a hurry. If Corona does not get back in transition, this team will make them pay significantly. Like all of the teams at this point, there is a tremendous amount of depth on this roster; however, the thing that sets them apart is there ability to constantly sub in athletes.
Corona Del Sol
Corona Del Sol has the best two players in this game and two of the best players in the entire state in Alex Barcello and Saban Lee. Although they do not have quite the same athleticism or depth as Cesar, in a one and down format, it is crucial to have players who can flat out make plays. Barcello and Lee know how to take over games. In order for Corona to go back to the state championship, which they missed out on last year for the first time in awhile, Barcello and Lee need to continue their dominant ways.
Both players are good athletes who can create shots for themselves. Moreover, they shoot the basketball at an extremely high rate. When they game is on the line, they can be trusted to create and hit shots that will keep Corona afloat. These two are a match-up nightmare for opposing teams and will continue to do so in this game.
Prediction
Corona Del Sol will win this one as Chavez will struggle with the same thing every team struggles with – slowing down Barcello and Lee.