5A State Tournament Round 1: Breakdown and Analysis
The 5A State tournament started off with a bang in round 1 with Chaparral and Ironwood pulling off upsets. Due to the upsets, shifts were made in the rankings. With the shifts, here is round 1 which will take place at the high seed at 6:30 tonight. Here is the bracket for more information.
5A State Tournament Round 1: Battle of the Metro Region
#9 Apollo vs. #8 McClintock
Over the past two years, the round of 16 has had at least four Metro region teams. Last year, it contained 5. Further, none of the Metro teams lost unless it was against one another. In the round of 16, Slope and Ironwood will play non Metro teams while Apollo and McClintock square off for the 3rd ime.
In the 1st two meetings, Apollo has been able to take care of business. Emmanuel Taban has been the game changer with McClintock seemingly having no answer for the versatile forward. In addition to Taban, Paris Woods Paris Woods 6'5" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2021 State AZ has played at a high level. Apollo is dangerous in this match-up and a one and done format due to their physical style of play as well as their shooting ability from deep.
McClintock, on the other hand, has had a strong season as well. They have demonstrated an ability to play with the best teams in the state and will look to find a way to make the 3rd time a charm. Josh Baker is one of the top players in this region as well as in the state. In order for McClintock to move forward, they will need Baker to continue to play at a high level. Further, Mekhi Rodgers and Armani Williams Armani Williams 6'1" | SG McClintock | 2020 State AZ will need to have a huge stamp on the game.
Prediction: McClintock will compete at a high level; however, they will not find a way to get over the hump with Apollo. Apollo’s physical play and ability to control the glass will aid them in moving to the Elite 8.
5A State Tournament Round 1: Do Over
#12 Paradise Valley vs. #5 Cienega
Last year, Paradise Valley made the trip to Cienega and did not have the success that they had hoped to have. This year, they bring back the vast majority of that team and hope to have a different result. Tashon Brown will look to be the game changer that Paradise Valley will need in order to move on to the next round. He will have plenty of help from Jordan Morris. This is a well-built team with plenty of talent and potential.
Cienega also brings back a good portion of their team from last year. Most notably, Jordan Green. Green has been as solid as they come this season. Him and Brown will have a fun point guard match-up tonight and the better guard will probably move his team on to the next round. In addition to Green, look for Breven Burnett to play at a high level.
Prediction: Cienega will prevail for the second year in a row. However, they will have a harder time this year than they had last year. Paradise Valley will be ready to compete.
5A State Tournament Round 1: Predictions
#16 Ironwood vs. #1 Deer Valley (Pick Made by Staff Contributor: Kaimarr Price)
#15 Chaparral vs. #2 Sunnyslope
#14 Fairfax vs. #3 Buena
#13 Carl Hayden vs. #4 Williams Field
#11 Centennial vs. #6 Cholla
#10 Sahuaro vs. #7 Mesquite