Augustine’s Analysis: 5A State Championship
The 5A state championship is upon us. While the 5A state tournament had some fireworks, many in the state predicted that Gilbert and Millennium would be involved in the Final Four. Not only did they accomplish that, but they have…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A state championship is upon us. While the 5A state tournament had some fireworks, many in the state predicted that Gilbert and Millennium would be involved in the Final Four. Not only did they accomplish that, but they have made it to the final round where they will play for the gold ball.
Lets look at what makes Gilbert and Millennium two of the top teams in the state and last two 5A teams standing.
Augustine’s Analysis: Gilbert
1. Defense – They have only allowed two teams to score 60 points against them (Perry and Basha). Everyone plays their role for Gilbert as far as defense is concerned. With that said, Doc Self is the start of the pack line defense with his solid on-ball defense on opposing guards.
In addition to Self, it helps that the team has decent size. Carson Towt provides the team with length near the paint. While this group is solid on the ball and in help side, it helps greatly to have a long presence near the rim as the last line of defense.
2. Patience – While their defense is impeccable, part of what makes them so stout on the defensive end is that they are solid on offense. They rarely turn the basketball over which aids them in not giving up transition buckets. Further, they take high percentage shots. They are also good on the glass. Towt is one of the best offensive rebounders in the state. This makes opposing teams have to play against them in the halfcourt.
Again, Self is a huge part of this as he runs the show for the group. However, his back-up PG, Tampa Scott, played meaningful minutes for the team in the semifinals due to Self being in foul trouble. While Scott did not provide the same presence as Self, he was able to get the job done and get Gilbert shots in spots where they could be successful.
Further, this group is content with running their offense until the defense makes a mistake or until a great shot opens up. Paul Maldonado and Jake Ehmann finish well around the rim and are capable playmakers for the group as well.
3. Team First Mentality – As mentioned earlier, they rarely take bad shots or try to do too much on offense. That is due in large part to their team first mentality. They care more about winning than stats. That is a rarity in many locker rooms as everyone is concerned about their numbers.
Gilbert is committed to making winning plays and letting the numbers happen organically. Unfortunately, since they are not flashy, many miss what makes this team special: They are solid.
Gilbert feels a lot like the Sunnyslope teams that won the state championship the past two years. Much like how many did not appreciate Kyle Fischer and company, Gilbert feels the same way. They don’t need the glamour or noise as long as the job gets done.
Key Players: Doc Self, Carson Towt, Paul Maldonado, and Jake Ehmann
Augustine’s Analysis: Millennium
1. Shooters – Make no mistake about it, DaRon Holmes and Justus Jackson are the premier go to prospects on this team. However, what enables them to go about their business is that they are surrounded by capable shooters from deep.
Cam Wilder, Zach Foster, Coleman Fields, and Jalan Early are all prospects who receive meaningful minutes for the group who shoot above 30% from 3.
Millennium does a great job of spreading opposing teams and attacking. Once the help side comes, they are able to dump off the passes to Holmes for dunks and layups. If help rotates onto Holmes, they have multiple shooters who are ready to let it fly from deep at a high percentage.
2. Playmakers – Jackson and Holmes make this team go. Jackson hits tough shots and can create for others at a high level. He does a good job of putting the team in spots where they can be successful and pulling help side defense.
Holmes, on the other hand, aids Millennium in winning the rebounding battle. His length and motor make him special. Further, he changes the game on the defensive end of the floor. Millennium does not have to help near as much as other teams as he is able to protect the paint.
Holmes and Jackson are one of the top 2021 duos in the west coast. They will need to be huge once again in order for Millennium to take home the state title.
3. Youth – While senior leadership is important, there is something to be said about the young guns who do not understand fearing the moment.
Millennium plays with a lot of confidence and most of their guys are not worried about turning in their jerseys. If they lose, they get to regroup next year. While there is no one who would argue against the importance of upperclassmen, it is just as important to have guys who play loose and have confidence.
Millennium has plenty of those guys. They are not afraid of the moment, and they are ready to go toe to toe with anyone to bring home the championship.
Key Players: DaRon Holmes, Justus Jackson, Michael Batchelor