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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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5A Contender: Sunrise Mountain

The rise of Sunrise Mountain has been nothing less than spectacular.  In 2015 they finished the season with just 6 victories, the next season 8 wins, and by 2017, 9 wins.  All losing seasons.  Then in 2018, they finished with a 0.500 record at 13-13.  2019 followed with a 19-win season, a home playoff victory and a round of 16 loss to Horizon.  Next was 2020.  The Mustangs made it all the way through an undefeated regular season, several home play off victories, and a trip to ASU to match up in the Title Game with defending champ, Millennium.  The game didn’t go as planned, ending with a 29 point loss and a runner up trophy.  Now comes 2021.  The perfect ending for the team on the rise is a 5A State title, and they have the roster and path to make it a perfect ending. 

If the Mustangs are going to cut the nets down in ‘21, they will lean heavily on some players from the 2020 team.  First is Senior Julie Diveney, a lights out shooter with range from feet behind the arc.  She led the team in scoring in ‘20 at around 12 points a game.  In a game vs Ironwood, she hit an amazing 8 triples.  That impressive shooting should continue in ‘21.  In addition to Divieney, Sunrise Mountain will lean on Junior Kelci Connolly.  The guard has the ability to get in the lane and distribute, getting others open.  This will be key in ‘21. 

In the middle is Sophomore Mackenzie Dunham, who coming off a freshman campaign where she patrolled the paint and owned the boards.  Her defense in the post and in the press will be key to success in the Mustangs defensive plan in 21.  Another Sophomore post is Reena Bhakta.  Her ability to rebound and score on put backs will be paramount if the Mustangs are to cut down the nets in 2021. 

Sunrise Mountain returning core is rounded out by Jacey Demaree and Mackenzie Nielsen.  These two will be asked to up there scoring out put from under 5 points each to around 8 or nine.  They will be asked to defend at a high level and be a part of the offense a level that was not needed in ‘20. 

Head Coach Jenn Tolle has used a full court press to force turn overs and get easy buckets.  This plan could force opponents to make mistakes and play faster than they are comfortable.  It will need to be successful for the Mustangs to make their dream season a reality.  If any team has a chance to cut down the nets, its Sunrise Mountain.  It would be the perfect ending for this team on the rise. 

Up next Millennium 


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