6A first-round match-ups to watch
The first round of the 6A playoffs begin Wednesday, as 16 teams compete to take the first step toward a state championship. Here are three player match-ups to watch in this round: Shadow Ridge: Anthony Garza vs. Chandler: Isaiah Somers…
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Continue ReadingThe first round of the 6A playoffs begin Wednesday, as 16 teams compete to take the first step toward a state championship.
Here are three player match-ups to watch in this round:
Shadow Ridge: Anthony Garza vs. Chandler: Isaiah Somers
The 3 vs. 14 match-up could prove much closer than the standings might suggest. Anthony Garza is a long scorer who is one of the better rebounders in the state at 6-foot-6. He can post up and get buckets near the basket, while scoring off second-chance points as well. Somers has played well against big men on defense for a team that prides itself on that end of the ball. There will definitely be other players that will impact this game, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see both these guys go at it.
Perry: Jalen Williams vs. Skyline: Dayton Harris
This could prove the top point-guard matchup in the first round. Jalen Williams has proven he can score on the ball, as well as make plays for his many tall Puma teammates who can shoot and make plays near the basket. Dayton Harris leads 6A in assists, averaging 6.6 per game. He is the main ball handler on an offense that is full of young playmakers. He is a scorer, getting to the basket for lay ups and foul shots, but his biggest attribute is running the Coyote offense.
Mountain Pointe: Jalen Graham vs. Mesa: Zach Hobbs
This could prove the best big-man match-up in the first round, as two of the top bigs in the state will go at it. Graham missed seven games at the end of the season, but is one of the state’s best defenders near the rim. He has a refined post game, and can fill up the score sheet near the basket. Hobbs, though he often guards opposing bigs, has more of a perimeter-oriented game. He ended the season as the school’s top three-point shooter in school history. If Hobbs can have a big game on both ends, this could be a closer game than the 5 vs. 12 contest might suggest.