Open Division Semi-Final: Desert Vista/Hamilton
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On February 27th the Desert Vista Thunder battled the Hamilton Huskies with a spot in the Open Division Championship on the line. The 1st quarter was a back-and-forth match as the Thunder held a 13-12 lead heading into the 2nd…
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Continue ReadingOn February 27th the Desert Vista Thunder battled the Hamilton Huskies with a spot in the Open Division Championship on the line. The 1st quarter was a back-and-forth match as the Thunder held a 13-12 lead heading into the 2nd period. In the 2nd quarter, Hamilton’s size began to really give the Thunder problems as every shot is being contested. At halftime, the Huskies had built a 25-20 lead. In the 3rd quarter, in an effort to speed up the tempo, the Thunder began to press Hamilton. Going into the 4th quarter, Hamilton had a 39-30 lead. The 4th quarter was a back-and-forth match as regulation ended tied at 49-49. In overtime, despite multiple starters fouling out, DV continued to fight. DV pulled out the overtime victory 57-53 in one of the better games of the year.
Here I look at some of the standouts:
Eanae Dagons Eanae Dagons 5'3" | PG Desert Vista | 2024 State AZ Desert Vista (Featured Image)
The senior was the player of the game. E played her usual stellar defense, collecting five steals and numerous deflections. Offensively, she hit some big-time perimeter shots when her team needed it the most. She committed to Eastern Arizona College.
Callie Hinder
Callie
Hinder
6'6" | C
Hamilton | 2026
State
AZ
Hamilton
The length and timing of CJ was so imposing in this game. She’s a shot blocker that doesn’t go for many fakes. Her rebounding is also improving rapidly as she keeps the ball high and away from opposing teams. She will be a stock riser this spring/summer.
Trinity Jones
Trinity
Jones
5'7" | PG
Desert Vista | 2025
State
AZ
Desert Vista
The junior guard played tough defense and came up big late in the game despite not shooting as well as she usually does. She hit some clutch 3s that gave her team the energy to continue fighting.
Katelyn Larney
Katelyn
Larney
5'9" | SF
Desert Vista | 2024
State
AZ
Desert Vista
Stats can’t measure Larney’s contributions in this game. She played tough defense on players much taller than her and was vocal with her teammates on both ends of the floor.
Taylor Sipfle
Taylor
Sipfle
6'4" | C
Hamilton | 2026
State
AZ
Hamilton
Sipfle is another post player whom Desert Vista had no answer for. She has excellent hands in the post and is hard to move once she’s established position. Taylor plays with a high motor and is a good rebounder as well. She blocked numerous shots as well. This is a prospect to watch out for.