With the playoffs for Division II beginning in exactly three weeks on Saturday, May 2, let's take a look at one of the big games remaining from all seven of the sectional races. There may be more than one big game remaining for sure but we'll focus on just one for now.

The playoffs will consist of 24 teams with each section sending an automatic berth based on sectional record. There will also be 17 at-large bids so lace them up and play them all.

 

Section I

Buckeye Verrado at Glendale Kellis, Apr. 20.

These two are leaders of the pack and they hold multiple tiebreakers with the remaining teams in the section. This game could be for the section championship. Verrado has a shot at a top-eight ranking and the first-round bye that goes with it.

 

Section II

Tucson at Tucson Sunnyside, Apr. 21

Tucson holds the tiebreaker to most of the teams besides Sunnyside and Tucson Sahuaro. The Badgers have already defeated section rival Nogales and Sunnyside is knocking on the door of a high seed. Tucson is already a top-three team.

 

Section III

Phoenix Greenway at Peoria Sunrise Mountain, Apr. 15

Taking into account The Mustang's huge 8-0 win over Cave Creek Cactus Shadows at Chase Field on Thursday, Phoenix Greenway becomes the next logical roadblock to a section title for Sunrise Mountain. All three teams are highly ranked.

 

Section IV

Phoenix Arcadia at Scottsdale Saguaro, Apr. 24

Saguaro is inching their way to the top 10 but they still have tough games with Gilbert Campo Verde, Queen Creek and Arcadia remaining. This section could go down to the last week.

 

Section V

Prescott at Flagstaff Coconino, Apr. 14

These two playoff teams could be meeting for the section championship although Cottonwood Mingus Union could have a lot to say. Coconino is hoping for a first-round bye.

 

Section VI

Tucson Salpointe at Marana, Apr. 14

Salpointe defeated Tucson Catalina  Foothills, Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge and Oro Valley Canyon del Oro. If the Lancers get past Marana then the section championship should be in hand heading into the playoffs. They should also be top seed in the tournament.

 

Section VIII

Yuma at Lake Havasu, Apr. 14

Lake Havasu is the only team from this section raked high enough to qualify for the playoffs but they suffered a huge section loss to Yuma Kofa. Every game becomes an important one now for the Knights.