TEMPE, AZ- Up in enemy territory, future Arizona Basketball player Nico Mannion had his talent on full display as he won another state final.
The greatest player in Arizona High School history? Perhaps! On Tuesday evening, Arizona Basketball signee Nico Mannion certainly put that to the test as he was competing for his second-straight State Final.
If you’ve been paying attention, the senior had been having a terrific season, and an even better post-season, helping guide his high school the 6A State Final, after beating Perry High School days prior.
Arizona Wildcats
He entered Tuesday nights game with still some unfinished business, looking to end his high school career on top. Mannion felt it was a bitter sweet moment, and was truly complimentary of the opportunity he’s had for the last three years.
From the start, it was shaping up to be quite the State championship game! Playing Chaparral for the third time this season, could the Pioneers do it again?
Early on, it was the Firebirds that got out to the early lead, controlling the first quarter, and led Pinnacle at the break, 15-13. However, a big second quarter by the Pioneers, put them back up with a slim, 38-35 lead.
Hoping to really get things going in the second half, Nico and Pinnacle seemed to have picked-up where they left off, still taking control of this game. Nico had a quiet seven points in the third quarter, that helped pace his team to a 57-51 lead as they headed into the fourth and final quarter.
Looking to leave it all out there, the fourth quarter is when Pinnacle seemingly took over this one, completely taking it to Chaparral in that final quarter, outscoring the Firebirds 26-13.
Nico would even be pulled out in the waning moments of the game, with victory in hand, where the senior would leave the court to a standing ovation one last time.
.@niccolomannion walks off a high school basketball court for the final time! Pinnacle wins 83-64! pic.twitter.com/f3DNbFCdJI
— Saul Bookman (@Saul_Bookman) February 27, 2019
The Pioneers would eventually pace themselves to the dominating, 83-64 final and second-straight State Championship, as Mannion finished with 34 points.
Now with his second title in hand, future Arizona teammate and long-time friend/ AAU teammate Josh Green wish Nico a well-deserved congratulations for winning state again!
i’m ready brotha❤️ let’s get to it! 🐻⬇️ https://t.co/R9V0BEcSSH
— niccolo (@niccolomannion) February 27, 2019
At Zona Zealots, we are proud of Nico and all that he has accomplished in just three years at Pinnacle, and can’t wait to see what he can do here! Bear Down, Nico and Bear Down, Arizona!