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Lady X Tournament

In one of the more exciting Championship games at the Lady X Tournament Millennium defeated Perry in an overtime thriller in which Tournament MVP Kassady Dixon delivered a last second assist to Sophomore Guard Mia Amundsen, who was able to drain a game winning 3 as time expired.  The matchup showcased the 2018 Champion vs the 2019 Champion.   While this year's tournament did not have all the perennials powers that it usually showcases, presumable due to it postponement from its June slot due to the the pandemic, it did not disappoint in terms of game play and excitement.  What follows are some take a ways that we have about the teams that made the Lady X Tournament a success in 2020.   Millennium (Finished #1 with an Overtime victory over Perry) is still talented.  They have a D1 committ in Kassidy Dixon (GCU) and a top 5 Freshman in Ellie Guiney.  However they are not still a defensive minded program. In the past the Tigers would hang their hat o...
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6A Contender: Xavier College Prep

Back to Back Title Game appearances has put Xavier College Prep in the conversation every year, to win a 6A championship.  Coming off of a 18-11 season in 2019-20 and a no. 10 seed in the state playoffs, the Gators will lean on young stars and a mix of veteran returnees.  In 2018, Xavier made it all the way to title game, falling to Valley Vista.  In 2019, they returned to the final game, falling to Hamilton, in 2020, the Gators fell to upstart Westwood of Mesa, in the round of 16.  2020-21 could be the year that Head Coach Jennifer Gillom breaks through and bring home the Golden Ball trophy. 
The Gators will need good play from their young leaders in 20-12.  Sophomore Mia Davis has unique size and skill for a guard.  She was the 2nd leading scorer on the 19-20 team at just over 9 points a game.  Her ability to get to the hoop and distribute the ball on offense will be key to Xavier’s success in 20-21.  At her size, 6’1” she will be asked to guard forwards on her opponents and rebound more.  The other Sophomore that the Gators will need to score is Sienna Cherwinski.  She averaged 8.5 points a game in 19-20 and will need to raise that output in her sophomore year if the Gators are to make waves this season.  By leaning on these two young guards Xavier will be strong contenders for the next couple of years. 
The Gators will also look to a group of seniors returning Victoria Saucedo, Kailey Appel, and Mackenzie Coder.  This trio will be asked to be apart of the Xavier ball pressure that Gillom has used over the years, as well as hit open shots to loosen up the opposing defense.  Appel has ample experience on varsity since her freshmen year at Mesa Red Mountain.  She can stretch the floor hitting shots from behind the arch and will be asked to be a major part of the Gators run this season. 
Sophomore post Hannah Young, will be asked to patrol the paint this season, and be the back bone of the press.  If she is able to up her rebounding totals and give Xavier a post threat, the Gators will be a tough out in 21. 
Major questions for Xavier this season will be focused around the maturation of their sophomore starters.  Can these young stars make the necessary gains to lead the team to the Title Game and get the Golden Ball?  Can the Seniors who have been seen as role players in the past, become players that are leaned on in big moments?

Up next: Sandra Day O’Conner

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