At the 16U level, AZ Power has two very talented teams. Looking at AZ Power Red they are coached by Brad Pinter. Here is the inside scoop from coach himself.
Preview
Well our AZ Power Red Elite 16u had a great summer. We lost only 3 games and won every pool we were placed. The worst finish we had was sweet 16. I would like to highlight a few guys.
Habib Arogundade 5’8 G 2017 Millenium
He may be the fastest guard in the entire western United States. There was not 1 team that we played with a guard faster with and without the ball. He had a huge summer having multiple games scoring 30 multiple times. He couldn't be guarded 1 on 1 the entire summer. The other team always needed to help. He shot great from 3 point line also which added to his success.
Sam Beskind 6’2 G 2018 Catalina Foothills
He came to our team late and only played 2 tournaments. He was absolutely amazing in every aspect of basketball. He was able to play positions 1-5 and guard positions 1-5. He is only gonna be a sophmore so a 2018 kid with an extreme amount of talent. At different games led our team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He are expecting huge things from him next year.
Jaquan Butler 6’4 G 2017 Central
Jaquan led teams in dunks throughout the summer. He had some huge games in blocks also. He is so long and athletic he is able to play multiple positions. He had some big games of 25 points and helped our team to those victories. He is getting many looks from D1 coaches and will only continue to skyrocket his recruiting.
Mason Stark 5’10 G 2017 Marcos De Niza
Well not enough can be said of Mason Stark. He led team during tournaments in rebounds and steals and points and blocks all during different games. He had huge games scoring 28 and 30. He did whatever team needed to win. He shot the three ball extremely well but most of all improved his ball handling and penetration off the dribble. He was able to finish against all teams in the paint. He getting tons of interest from colleges and it will keep growing this year.
Morningstar Takapu 6’7 F 2017 Millenium
He was a beast this summer!! Averaged about 13 rebounds a game along with 3 blocks. He was very active on defense which led to our transition. He shut down every big man he faced while at the same time scoring at will on the offensive end. He scored on drives, rebounds, post ups, and most of all shot the three ball extremely well. He had some mister games of 25 and 23 points. His shot improved every tournament and his confidence really picked up. The last tournament he put a player in a poster! His athleticism is unmatched at 6'7″ and 215. He picked up a ton of D1 interest from schools such as Portland, Portland State, and BYU.
Chris Wright 5’11 G 2017 Marcos De Niza
I can't say enough about Chris and he is the coach on the court. He played every game this summer with intensity and confidence. He guarded every team's best guard and never backed down from a challenge. He asked each game who is their best player and he wanted to guard that guy. He scored at will having some huge games in our biggest games when it mattered. Scoring games of 35 and 30 and having assist games of 12 and 15. Chris is so underrated. I feel like there is no better 16u Guard in state that can defend, pass, shoot, and lead teams to victory. His leadership is off the charts. His has seen his recruitment soar this next year as coaches learn about him.
Carson Pinter 6’1 G 2017 Seton Catholic
He is the designated 3 point shooter on team. He had some huge games hitting 7 and 8 threes in different games. He was a spark plug for team and a great teams leader. He had to be guarded always which helped get other players openings. He had a tremendous summer shooting a team high 60% in a tournament.
Dalen Dorsey 5’9 G 2017 Corona Del Sol
He was a late addition to our team but brought intense defense that is rarely possessed in kids. He wanted to defend and is willing to guard anyone on the other team and lock them up.
Final Note
I also just want to say that I had one of the best summers of coaching club ball in my entire career. I have coached club basketball since 1994 and I've had some great players and great teams. This team was special because they believed in each other. They never quit. They always made the extra pass. They played extremely hard on defense. They walked into games the underdog but walked out of them with a victory and the respect of the other team. They showed tremendous character and class. I would take this team anywhere and play any team and feel like we have a chance to win and even expect to win. They are special and a pleasure to coach.
