5A State Playoff Preview: Quarterfinals
Today the first round of the playoffs started and we had some very good games, some close, some big wins, and some upsets. Now we are moving onto the quarterfinals of the playoffs and we are set for some pretty…
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Continue ReadingToday the first round of the playoffs started and we had some very good games, some close, some big wins, and some upsets. Now we are moving onto the quarterfinals of the playoffs and we are set for some pretty interesting games. The quarterfinals will take place February 15th at the high seed court.Let’s look at the match-ups:
8 Williams Field @ 1 Gilbert
Gilbert had a very impressive showing in the 1st round, beating Mountain View 66-32. Williams Field beat a very solid Paradise Valley team by 12. I think this game is going to be a lot closer than many people may think. Both of these teams play a very similar style of play and would not be surprised if there was an upset here. However, I still think Gilbert is the favorite in this match-up.
Prediction: Gilbert
5 Cactus Shadows @ 4 McClintock
I think McClintock wins the third round of this match-up. Earlier in the season, Cactus Shadows beat McClintock at home by 1 point. When the match-up was at McClintock, the Chargers won 69-47. With this match-up being at McClntock, I think they take this final game as well, setting themselves up in the semi-finals against 1 Gilbert.
Prediction: McClintock
6 Millennium @ 3 Ironwood
This may be one of the best games of the season. I fully expect a grit and grind type of game. I think the game will be very close the entire way, much like the first match-up between Sunnyslope and Ironwood. In a close game, I think the home court advantage plays a huge role. With that being said, I think Ironwood wins this game close.
Prediction: Ironwood
7 Sunnyslope @ 2 Apollo
While Ironwood and Millennium is an intriguing match-up, I think this is the game of the week. This is the third time these teams will face off and they split the season series. Region games are already intense enough, especially in the 5A Northwest, now add a playoff atmosphere! These teams are very familiar with each other and will have strategic game plans for one another. I see this game going either way, however if I had to choose one team to win…I’d bet on Apollo.
Prediction: Apollo