6A State Tournament: Guards to Watch
The 6A state tournament officially kicks off tomorrow night. Below are some guards to watch throughout the state tournament. Nico Mannion 6’2 PG 2019 Pinnacle There really isn’t much to say here that people aren’t aware of. He receives plenty…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A state tournament officially kicks off tomorrow night. Below are some guards to watch throughout the state tournament.
Nico Mannion 6’2 PG 2019 Pinnacle
There really isn’t much to say here that people aren’t aware of. He receives plenty of publicity because of his high level play and commitment to playing at the University of Arizona.
While Pinnacle has dealt with injuries throughout the season, including not having Jordan Mains for most of the year and a short stint without Trent Brown, the group has managed to only sustain one lose in state.
Mannion’s play has been vital to this success. Be ready for him to give one last show prior to making the leap to the next level.
Khalid Price 5’11 PG 2019 Mountain Pointe
Price has aided Mountain Pointe in weathering their own storms. Without Jalen Graham for an extended period of time, Price has been the leader of the group. He is one of the top on ball defenders in the state. Further, he has demonstrated that he is more than capable of impacting a game on the offensive end.
He has averaged nearly 15 points and 4 assists per game as he has led this group to a region championship. While Mountain Pointe can take pride in being region champs, they have bigger goals in mind now that it is February.
Jalen Williams 6’4 PG 2019 Perry
Perry came out of the gate a little slow, but Williams was a consistent force for them even in the tough times. His strong play enabled them to stay competitive as the other skilled prospects figured out roles. Further, this team was missing a couple of key pieces due to the schools deep run in the football state tournament.
Williams is one of the best shooters in the state and has good length. Further, he has a high basketball IQ that enables him to put his teammates in spots where they can be successful. While Perry comes into the tournament #4, they are definitely a threat to take home the state title.
Carson Kelly 6’0 PG 2021 Chandler
The emergence of Chandler can be largely correlated to the emergence of Kelly. While there are other prospects playing at a high level, specifically a couple of seniors who have stepped up, Kelly has been the most consistent performer on this team. In order for Chandler to maintain their winning ways in the state tournament, Kelly will need to continue his strong play.
Ty Ty Washington 6’1 PG 2021 Cesar Chavez
Washington has been one of the most dominant guards in 6A. Chavez has a chance against anyone if Washington continues to play at a high level as Chavez has plenty of other pieces as well.
This group is athletic and skilled. Further, Washington leads the way with one of the nicest mid-range jumpers in the state and an improved ability to get into the paint at will.
Dayton Harris 6’2 PG 2020 Skyline
Skyline is having one of the best seasons that they have had in school history. Harris is having a huge season and playing a huge role in the group’s success. While they are not the favorite tomorrow, Harris gives them a fighting chance. Further, this team has a bright future. They are a skilled and young group. Be on the look out for Skyline in the state tournament this year and in future.
D’Maurian Williams 6’4 PG 2019 Westview
Westview comes into the match-up as an 11 vs. a skilled 6 in Hamilton. Williams is one of the top guards in the state and has been doing it for four years. This is his last chance to make noise in the state tournament. Do not expect him to go down lightly in this win or go home format. He will be the top player on the floor between the two teams, while Hamilton has more depth and the home court advantage.