Friday Night Lights: 8 Games to Watch
Football season is officially over which means that basketball gets to dominate the “Friday Night Lights”. There are a number of good games to watch this Friday. Included in our 8 games to watch are three games of the night. These three games will be the most intriguing of this Friday night.
Friday Night Lights: 8 Games to Watch
Games of the Night
Apollo vs. McClintock
Although Apollo lacks some of the firepower that they had last year, they bring into the game a huge gamechanger in Emmanuel Taban. In addition to Taban, they have guards who can shoot and pressure the basketball in Paris Woods Paris Woods 6'5" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2021 State AZ and Gabriel Nyawumenya. Further, it is the region opener for both teams. Thus, it should be an intense game.
As far as McClintock is concerned, Josh Baker runs the show. He shoots the basketball at a high rate and looks more comfortable attacking the paint. In addition to Baker, Armani Williams Armani Williams 6'1" | SG McClintock | 2020 State AZ brings a physical presence on the wing. Further, he has improved his ability to shoot the basketball from deep.
Prediction:
Apollo will compete at a high level. However, McClintock will take this one in a hard-fought contest.
Key Players:
Apollo: Emmanuel Taban, Paris Woods Paris Woods 6'5" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2021 State AZ , Gabriel Nyawumenya,
McClintock: Josh Baker, Armani Williams Armani Williams 6'1" | SG McClintock | 2020 State AZ , Mekhi Rodgers, and Andre Thurman
Desert Vista vs. Mountain Pointe
Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe is an intriguing match-up, especially with Christian Anigwe and Jalen Graham. Both teams bring in 1 loss records and two talented bigs. Angiwe is more of a true center whereas Graham is versatile and can score in an array of ways. The battle between these two will be crucial to whoever wins the game.
In addition to the bigs, Tyrek Chambers, who transferred to Desert Vista prior to the start of the season, will provide solid guard play for Desert Vista. On the other side of the court, Khalil Price and Amarion Cash will be expected to be able to hold down the fort defensively while creating offensively.
Prediction:
Desert Vista holds their advantage on the wing with Wesley Harris and with their guards. However, Graham is the best player on the court tonight. With that said, due to the advantage at the guard spot, I see Desert Vista walking away with the W.
Key Players:
Desert Vista: Tyrek Chambers, Christian Anigwe, Wesley Harris, and Alijah Gammage
Mountain Pointe: Jalen Graham, Khalil Price, Amarion Cash, John Norsworthy, and Ryan Pate
Pinnacle vs. Shadow Mountain
In what should be one of the closer games that Shadow Mountain will play, this one should be an all out dog fight. Nico Mannion will have his hands full with two of the best guards in the entire state and nation on the opposing side. While Mannion will be slightly undermanned as he is missing fellow backcourt teammate Trent Brown, Pinnacle has plenty of weapons and should be ready for battle. This game will not disappoint and should give the state a good idea of how good both teams really are.
Shadow Mountain has been on an absolute tear as of recent. Not only are they beating some of the best teams in the nation, but they are making sure the “little guys” know they have no business in the ring with this heavyweight. Jaelen House and Jovan Blacksher start everything for this group, but they are loaded with skilled and athletic wings who are able to benefit from the skills that House and Blacksher possess.
Prediction:
Shadow Mountain will continue their undefeated streak, but this will be far from a blow out. Mannion will compete at a high level and show everyone why he is one of the best players in the nation as well. However, the depth and wing play of Shadow Mountain will be too much for Pinnacle.
Key Players:
Pinnacle: Nico Mannion, Jordan Mains, Mason Johnson, and Spencer Rattler
Shadow Mountain: Jaelen House, Jovan Blacksher, Immanuel Allen, Shemar Morrow Shemar Morrow 6'4" | SF Shadow Mountain | 2020 State AZ , and Antonio Reeves
Other Games to Watch
Northwest Christian vs. American Leadership Academy
Key Players:
Northwest Christian: Andrew Augustine
American Leadership Academy
Hamilton vs. Tucson
Key Players:
Hamilton: Rashad Smith, Zach Anderson Zach Anderson 6'3" | SG Desert Mountain | 2023 State AZ , and Thayne Hunter
Tucson: Derek Williams, Eddie Cordova, and DeShawn Bowen
Prescott vs. Coconino
Key Players:
Prescott: Kody Jones
Coconino: Bret McGowan, Jorum Watson, Harding Eddie, and Emilo Esquivel
Cienega vs. Poston Butte
Key Players:
Cienega: Jordan Green
Poston Butte: Kevin Johnson, Jacob Motley, Cory Barnes, and Pierce Anderson