4A Semifianls Standouts

In an attempt for a shot at the state championship, numerous players put up big performances and showcased their talent. Although Cactus and Mesquite came out victorious, players from across the board were able to rise their stock and show us a little more of what they're capable of. Take a look at six standouts from the 4A semifinals: <strong>Aki Pulu, ATH, Cactus HS (C/O 2022)<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-24527" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/06/Generic-Featured-Image-2-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /></strong> Pulu has continued to step up big in the playoffs, as he had 9 carries for 113 yards and 3 TD’s to beat Casa Grande. He was also able to snag 2 receptions for 20 yards which including a one-handed catch and run on a flat route, and contributed 5 tackles on defense. Pulu displays excellent physicality and balance, which he utilized to spring loose for TD’s 3 times. He has a mean stiff arm where he put on display on a 37 yard score where he manhandled opponents to spring into open field. On defense, he pursued a breakaway receiver in open field from an OLB spot to save a TD and strip the ball carrier to force a huge turnover. He shows a very good striking ability, frequently laying massive, clean hits. Pulu has been a two-way standout, and is growing his stock dramatically. [player_tooltip player_id="42581" first="Ty" last="Thompson"], QB, Mesquite HS (C/O 2021) Thompson threw for 3 TD’s to help Mesquite advance to the state championship once again. Thompson did an excellent job of escaping out of pressure and finding receivers downfield, as the ALA-Queen Creek pass rush was frequently putting pressure on him. He set up and moved exceptionally well in the pocket and delivered accurate throws with good velocity. He had multiple tight window throws to move the chains where he showed solid arm strength and timing with receivers. His placement and finesse to fit the ball between defenders on throws was highly impressive. The Oregon commit proves on a weekly basis why he is the best QB in the state, and will have a shot to repeat as a state champion next week. [player_tooltip player_id="42671" first="Micah" last="Ferrin"], DE, ALA-Queen Creek (C/O 2021) Ferrin racked up 4 sacks and 9 total tackles in an effort to contain the Mesquite offense. He displayed a good initial get off as a pass rusher and was able to use his length well to get to Thompson. He was quick off the edges, oftentimes untouched by the Mesquite OT’s. His 9 tackles led the team, and showed a good ability to get lateral quickly to make plays. He got credit for a safety as a bad snap went over Thompson’s head and through the endzone, but was in position to record a sack. Ferrin is a long kid at 6’5 230lbs, and has been a legit D2 prospect thus far. <img class="size-medium wp-image-63963 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2020/10/IMG_4576-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="42705" first="Eric" last="Lira"], WR/DB, Mesquite HS (C/O 2021) Lira was a very clutch player by snagging numerous catches to move the sticks throughout the night. He did a great job of finding open windows on Thompson scrambles, as he was able to break off his route and find an open window to snag it and get upfield to take it 23 yards for a TD. He did a good job of exploding at the top of his route to generate solid separation while maintaining good route integrity. Lira showed good field awareness and body control, as he was able to work the sideline to stay in bounds to move the chains. [player_tooltip player_id="42811" first="Angel" last="Flores"], QB, Casa Grande HS (C/O 2022) Flores accounted for the only two Casa Grande scores through the air, and did a good job finding receivers as Casa Grande was playing catch up the whole game. Flores faced a solid pass rush, and did a great job of escaping pressure to extend plays on his feet and in the air. When Flores did have protection, he went through progression very well and was able to deliver accurate throws with good velocity. He did a good job of getting the ball out quick, as he was able to identify a blitz and hit his slot quick on a seam for about a 75 yard TD. His other TD came on a 17 yard post where he showed excellent placement and arm strength by fitting it right between two defenders in a tight window. [player_tooltip player_id="42937" first="Ryan" last="Meza"], DB/WR, ALA-Queen Creek (C/O 2023) Meza was able to give ALA-queen Creek a much needed spark as he returned a kick 60 yards for a TD in the 4th quarter. It was a very impressive return, as he spun off a tackle and broke two-more in the middle of the field to then stretch to the hashes and take it in for six. He showed excellent balance and vision and was able to scoot through a small gap. He contributed to the pass game as he hauled in 3 receptions for 34 yards, in which he set his routes up well to help move the ball. He was also able to contribute 4 tackles on defense. &nbsp;