3 Things to Watch: 5A State Championship Preview
Deer Valley and Sunnyslope have played twice this year with two very different results. Early in the season, at the Sunnyslope Hoopsgiving Tournament, Deer Valley won the game. They controlled the game for the vast majority of the contest. However, it was a close game.
Later in the season, Sunnyslope was able to get revenge for that early season lose on Deer Valley’s court. They did it in a more convincing fashion as they won the game by 24 points. Sunnyslope was able to use their physical style of play to make Deer Valley extremely uncomfortable throughout the contest.
With the 5A state title on the line, the two teams who many have slotted as #1 and #2 in the state for the vast majority of the season have met up in a game that will most likely include plenty of drama. Both of these teams have taken two completely different paths to get to the 5A state title game. Nonetheless, both deserve to be here.
5 Things to Watch: 5A State Championship Preview
Experience vs. Grit
While both teams are largely senior heavy, only one of the teams has true experience in the state tournament. Sunnyslope has had the same core pieces involved in 3 consecutive runs to the state championship.
They lost one of the two contests that have already been played. However, that experience brought them closer together en route to this journey to the state championship and last year’s state championship run.
While Sunnyslope has the advantage of Kyle Fischer, Allen Abayev, Jaren Whitfield, Chris Orzoco, and Bryson Mewhinney all playing key roles on 3 separate teams who have made it this far, Deer Valley has some experience as well.
Deer Valley’s experience is one of heartache. They have primarily utilized Deven Breckner, Bryce Davis, Ari Danzi, and Keyvaughn Williams since they were all sophomores. However, as juniors, they were upset in the 5A State Play-in Game.
Davis has been vocal on a number of occasions that the pain of losing that game has been a key motivator in this team’s success this year. While motivation is no longer needed as the stakes are already high enough, it will be interesting to see how each team handles this moment.
Davis vs. Fischer
The last time that these two teams played, Fischer demonstrated why he is one of the best players in the state. Not only is he the leading scorer on the team, but he leads the team in rebounds, and is high on the list in assists.
Moreover, he guarded Davis on the other end of the floor. Fischer plays with a toughness that is unmatched by any player in the state. His energy is contagious and aids greatly in creating the culture that is Sunnyslope defense. Fischer will most likely guard Davis again.
The winner of this battle will most likely determine who wins the state championship. Deer Valley runs a number of its sets directly through Davis at the high post. His versatility and ability to shoot the basketball make him extremely dangerous at the high school level.
With that said, he does not play against someone with the offensive and defensive prowess of Fischer everyday. Fischer is the piece that makes this Sunnyslope team go.
Physicality vs. Skill
While both teams are extremely skilled, Deer Valley is comprised of a number of skilled and athletic wings and guards who aid them greatly. Their spread offensive is an integral part of what they do, especially when they are leading.
It is extremely hard to guard Danzy, Breckner, and Johnny Diaz in that set while having Jaret Allen on the wing. Further, this quick and long team uses some great run and jumps that can create turnovers and ugly up the rhythm of the game.
Sunnyslope, on the other hand, is extremely physical and loves to use their style of play to impose their will on the opposition. While they are extremely patient offensively, it is their defensive prowess that makes them special.
They are really skilled at creating and capitalizing on mistakes. One of the keys to tonight’s game will be whether or not Sunnyslope is able to impose their will on Deer Valley. If they are able to get the lead early and dominate physically, it will drastically change Deer Valley’s approach.
Prediction
Sunnyslope wins the game by 7 points. They will come out aggressive and make the officials either call everything or call nothing. In a game of this magnitude, they will error on the side of letting the kids play. This will enable Slope to gain the early lead and dictate the tempo throughout the rest of the contest.