Race for Arizona Mr. Basketball: Part 1
The race for Mr. Basketball is often a tight one in the state of Arizona. There are many deserving players over various divisions who have their name in the pot. Here is a look at the top Mr. Basketball candidates,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe race for Mr. Basketball is often a tight one in the state of Arizona. There are many deserving players over various divisions who have their name in the pot. Here is a look at the top Mr. Basketball candidates, divided by division.
Division-I Candidates
- Alex Barcello 6’2” PG Jr. Corona del Sol – There were a lot of questions for the Aztecs coming into the 2015-16 season. Losing three of their top five players and a Hall of Fame coach, it seemed things had the potential to be a little rocky…and for a while they were. However, under the leadership of Barcello CDS has worked their way back to the top of Division-II, currently ranking as the #2 D1 team in state.
- Darius Goudeau 6’4” F Sr. Mesa – Goudeau is not a player that you will find on any NCAA Division-I team’s ‘can’t miss’ list. However, when it comes to production he certainly has the results. The 6’4″ forward has led Mesa to the #1 ranking in D1 at this point and the Jackrabbits are poised for a deep tournament run.
- Jay Green 6’5” G Sr. Mountain Ridge – Green has been nothing short of amazing for the Mountain Lions. The senior transfer has been very productive scoring the ball, defending, and controlling the glass. He has kept Mountain Ridge in the top five all year long and has made some very clutch plays.
Others in consideration: 6’9” senior Tim Fuller had been the focal point for the Highland Hawks and the reason they have consistently been ranked in the top five. Similarly, 6’5” junior Gabe McGlothan has been the most consistent threat for a talented Basha team that has been ranked in the top 5 all year. Mountain View’s Tommy Kuhse and Gilbert’s Chris Bowling could also be under consideration as they mean as much to their team as any star. However, it depends how deep they can leader their groups into the tournament.
Division-II Candidates
- Michael Bibby 6’1” PG Sr. Shadow Mountain – Shadow Mountain is without doubt the most dominant team in the AIA. All season long they have been the best team on the floor whether playing Division-I or Division-II competition. Bibby has been the biggest contributor on the offensive end for the Matadors. He’s scoring from all three levels and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates as well.
- JJ Rhymes 6’3” SG Sr. Shadow Mountain – While Bibby is the biggest offensive threat for the Matadors some may argue that Rhymes has contributed the most, overall. JJ’s has scored at a pretty good clip but his biggest contribution has come in defending the opponent’s biggest offensive threat and dominating the glass from the perimeter.
- Mitch Lightfoot 6’8” PF Sr. Gilbert Christian – The Knights suffered a huge blow when they lost star guard Cam Satterwhite due to injury. Adding to that, guards Dontez Thomas and Jaden Lee decided to go the prep route. Regardless, Lightfoot would not settled for excuses and has Gilbert Christian sitting near the top of the Division-II rankings.
Others in consideration: Two players that have helped their teams rise to the top three are juniors Holland Woods (Apollo) and Bryce Fowler (Agua Fria). While they do have some help, they are without question the keys to their team. 6’4” Higley senior Bryan Battle has transformed the Knights from a 5 win team to a top ten team which certainly can’t go overlooked.
Division-III/Division-IV/Division-V Candidates
- Reed Myers 5’11” G Fr. Scottsdale Christian – Myers has done some very special things as a freshman. The 2019 guard has led his group in scoring and made big plays in clutch moments. What’s most impressive is that he’s kept them at #1 in Division-III ALL season long.
- Gresyn Rogers 6’4” SG Sr. Casa Grande – Rogers has been tremendous for Cougars. The 6’4” wing has been one of the most underrated players in the state the past two seasons and is making his presence felt in his final year. He currently has Casa Grande sitting at #2 right behind Scottsdale Christian.
- Bryce Cheney 6’7” SF Sr. Moon Valley – Cheney is one of biggest mismatches in all of Division-III basketball. The Texas-Rio Grande Valley possesses a nice mix of size, skill, and athleticism which is unmatched at his level. He’s helped the Rockets stay in the top 5 all year thus far.
Others in consideration: 6’7” Rex Greaball (Estrella Foothills) has been the dominant force inside that has kept the Wolves in the top 5 in Division-III. 6’4 Kurt Wood has long been the leader for Snowflake and the Lobos have made their way back into the top 5. Andrew Ekmark may be the best player in all of Division-IV basketball and has kept Phoenix Country Day atop the rankings.
Independent Candidates
DeAndre Ayton 7’1″ C Jr. Hillcrest Prep – Without question the best prospect in the state of Arizona, Ayton has been dominant for the Bruins. The nation’s #1 junior recently posted a game with 52 points, 33 rebounds, and 11 blocks.
Brock Gardner 6’7″ SF Sr. Tri-City Christian – Gardner has been the leader of Tri-City Christian, the only undefeated team remaining in the CAA. Brock has been the vocal and emotional leader while averaging 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Nigel Shadd 6’9″ PF Jr. Tri-City Christian – While Gardner has been the leader for Tri-City, you could argue that Shadd has been just as productive. The 6’9″ junior is averaging 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks.