D-I girls hoops: Desert Vista still on track to repeat

February 24, 2015 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


There were no real surprises in the first two rounds of the Division I girls state basketball tournament. With eight teams left and seven games remaiining in the tournament there is little chance any upsets of significance are in the offing. Desert Vista, the defending champs, opened defense of its title with a 52-27 rout of Mesa Mountain View. The Lady Thunder carry a 19-game winning streak to the quarterfinals.

Here are the matchups for the quarterfinals set for Wednesday (Feb. 25) at Grand Canyon University and some accompanying info on each:

#8 Mesquite (21-10) vs. #1 Desert Vista (28-3): Two of the four quarterfinal matchups could be considered upsets if the underdog wins. This is one of those and the underdog is Mesquite. Mesquite took apart #9 Chaparral in the second round, winning by 22 points. The Lady Wildcats have faced Desert Vista this season, losing a month ago by 22. Mesquite, which starts no seniors, struggled early in that contest, trailing Desert Vista 16-4 after the opening period. A better start is absolutely essential for Mesquite, which shot poorly in the first meeting. Freshmen Lindsey Vanallen and Shaylee Gonzales haver found their niche in their first varsity season. Junior Izzy Spruit is a streak shooter from the perimeter. Desert Vista is likely too formidable opponent for Mesquite to top, even if the Lady Wildcats enjoy a better shooting game. Desert Vista is loaded with experience in its starting five, with post Kristine Anigwe and guards Sabrina Haines and Toni Davis the leaders. Mesquite's record vs. the quarterfinalists is 0-6; Desert Vista is 4-1. 

#5 Millennium (26-4) vs. #4 Valley Vista (25-7): There isn't much difference between these teams. They seem as close as their seeds indicate. Millennium brings more experience to the matchup, the factor that gives it an edge. All of its key players played extensively in postseason last year, led by junior point guard Raina Perez and seniors Passionate Amukamara and Quynne Huggins. Millennium nearly upset Dobson in last year's quarterfinals, falling in overtime. Millennium is the lone Arizona team to defeat Desert Vista this season. Valley Vista, in its first D-I quarterfinal, rallies around sophomore Kiara Edwards and a pair of freshmen guards -- Rayah Craig and Taylor Chavez. Valley Vista started fast and held true to its lead against Basha in the second round. Valley Vista and Millennium thrive on pressing and pressure so the winner of similar style should rule the afternoon. Millennium vs. the other quarterfinalists is 1-2; Valley Vista is 2-2.

#6 Dobson (27-2) vs. #3 Hamilton (23-8): This is the other rematch among the four games. Hamilton connected on a shot at the buzzer in early December to win by one. Both teams reached the semis last year and that's where their seasons ended. Dobson thrives on its depth, which is solid at every position. It relies often on a big-scoring night from senior Alexis Todd. Senior Dyesha Stahley runs the offense. The Lady Mustangs have become a very good defensive team in the half court and will need a strong effort to combat Hamilton's inside game and a couple of good perimeter shooters. Hamilton's balance on offense keeps the opposition honest in defending. Sophomore post Maya Banks and guards Mikalya Filiere and Payton Whitmore lead the Lady Huskies. Dobson is 5-1 vs. the other quarterfinalists; Hamilton is 3-3.

#10 Horizon (24-6) vs. #2 Liberty (27-3): Horizon has enjoyed a quietly successful season under coach Gerrard Carmichael, but is the clear underdog to Courtney Christman-led Liberty. The Lady Huskies did not receiver a first-round bye and have played twice in the tourney so far. They trounced Raymond Kellis in the first round, 53-25, and took to the road to edge #7 Highland in the second round, 42-37. Horizon's attack revolves around guards Leah Goodman and Andrea Easley. In the victory over Highland, Jordan Wehr came up big with 13 points and has been solid on the boards. Liberty took no prisoners in walloping Corona del Sol in the second round, 78-39. This on the heels of winning its supersectional the week prior. The Lady Lions have won nine in a row and 17 of 18. Christmas, a senior, warmed up at state with a 30-point, 11-rebound effort in the win over Corona. On a given night, Christmas can get complementary scoring support from Jenae Lewallen, Megan Smith and/or Anissa Hughes. Christmas is averaging just a tick under 20 points per game. Horizon is 0-2 vs. the other quarterfinalists; Liberty is 2-2.

Predictions to the finish: Semifinals -- Desert Vista vs. Millennium and Dobson vs. Liberty. Championship -- Desert Vista over Dobson.