2A State Tournament: Semifinal Preview
The 2A state tournament had a couple of upsets in the 1st round. However, in the Quarterfinals, everything went as expected. With that said, throw out the numbers at this point as the 4 teams left are the best that 2A has to offer.
All four of these teams have been beating up the 2A competition in huge routings all season. It will be intriguing to see which teams handle adversity the best and find a way to make game winning plays in close games.
2A State Tournament: Semifinal Preview
#4 Rancho Solano vs. #1 Pima
There was very little drama in the Quarterfinals as all of the top seeds advanced as expected. While the top 4 teams have made it to the final four, it is safe to say that the numbers next to their names no longer matter.
In fact, Rancho Solano is not a true #4. They have only lost 2 in-state games all year with those games coming against 6A’s #1 ranked and final four team Brophy and 5A’s #2 and state championship contender Sunnyslope. The argument could and should be made that Rancho Solano is the favorite in this game.
Solano has the most talent out of any of the teams in 2A. This talented team has only had two games this season against 2A competition that have been within 20 points, both of which were against Scottsdale Christian. Kiimani Holt Kiimani Holt 6'4" | SG Phhoenix Prep | 2020 State #499 Nation AZ and Nikc Jackson are both NCAA Division-I candidates, Jackson has already signed at Air Force. These two will lead that charge with Caden Hoffman and Tyson Legner Tyson Legner 6'2" | SG Rancho Solano Prep | 2020 State AZ providing key facilitator roles.
As far as Pima is concerned, Dawson Pruszynski has been a walking double-double this season. He will most likely earn the opportunity to compete against Jackson in a crucial match-up that will most likely determine the outcome of this game.
In addition to Pruszynski, Trey Thompson provides a shooter and a playmaker at the point guard spot. Both of these seniors are battle tested and have shown the talent and composure to win big games. They will need to have huge nights and get support from their teammates in this one.
Prediction: Rancho Solano will win this one in a closer battle than they have had all year against 2A schools.
#3 Alchesay vs. #2 Paradise Honors
While Rancho Solano has the most talent in 2A, Paradise Honors might have the deepest team in 2A. They were aided greatly by the closing of Arizona Charter Academy. In the transition, they received 3 of the schools leading scorers to a team that already had talent.
Jared Perry is still the focal point of the team due to his length and athleticism. He finishes well with his right hand around the rim and uses his strength and motor to be a monster on the glass. Josh Hawkins and Ian Jackson have also played meaningful scoring roles for the team this year. Moreover, despite only being a freshman, Jalen Scott Jalen Scott 6'3" | PG Paradise Honors | 2021 State AZ has demonstrated a lot of poise in facilitating for the group.
On the other hand, Alchesay plays extremely hard and has been here before. Last year, they came up a little short in their state championship run as they lost in the title game. This is not new territory for them and they know the hurt.
Harley Upton, Juan Slick, and Raekwon Cosay led the team last year and are doing the same this season with a little extra help from their teammates. Despite not having the “big name” prospects, they have a really talented group that is deep and plays for each other.
Prediction: Alchesay pulls off the upset and takes down Paradise Honors in a close battle.
Feature Image Provided by Eastern Arizona Courier