Race for Arizona Mr. Basketball: Part 2
With the regular season concluded and post season beginning, here is an updated look at the top candidates for Arizona’s 2016 Mr. Basketball, broken up by division. -Division-I Candidates- Alex Barcello 6’2” JR Corona del Sol – Barcello has been…
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Continue ReadingWith the regular season concluded and post season beginning, here is an updated look at the top candidates for Arizona’s 2016 Mr. Basketball, broken up by division.
-Division-I Candidates-
- Alex Barcello 6’2” JR Corona del Sol – Barcello has been the lead man for the Aztecs all season long. The junior guard has led them to the number one ranking in the state and has helped them defeat numerous top teams including Basha, Chandler, Desert Ridge, Dobson, Highland, Mountain Pointe, Mountain Ridge, and Mountain View.
- Jay Green 6’5” SR Mountain Ridge – The senior transfer has made a huge impact for the Mountain Lions as their leading scorer and distributor this season. He’s helped them hover around the top five all season long while capturing big wins over Desert Ridge, Desert Vista, Dobson, Highland, Mesa, Mountain Pointe, and Perry.
- Chris Bowling 6’7” SR Gilbert – Bowling enters the top three Division-I candidates after a strong surge in the second half of the season. Since our last update the Tigers have earned victories over Desert Vista, Highland, and Mountain Pointe which has catapulted Gilbert into the top five.
Honorable Mention – Drew Hatch (6’4”, SR, Mesa); Tommy Kuhse (6’1”, SR, Mountain View); Gabe McGlothan (6’5”, JR, Basha);
-Division-II Candidates-
- Michael Bibby 6’1” SR Shadow Mountain – Bibby continues to be the key to the car that drives the state’s most dominant team, regardless of class. Michael’s ability to create offense for the Matadors has been uncanny and he has hit big shot after big shot to help them remain undefeated in the state of Arizona.
- JJ Rhymes 6’3” SR Shadow Mountain – Consider Bibby 1A and JJ 1B in terms of D2 Mr. Basketball candidates. Rhymes is as productive as any player in the state. He has kept the Matadors on top with his ability to defend and rebound in addition to his ability to put points on the board.
- Mitch Lightfoot 6’8” SR Gilbert Christian – The best player in Division-II, Lightfoot has had to help Gilbert Christian overcome a lot of obstacles with injuries and departures this season. Nonetheless, after the section playoffs, they are sitting pretty as the number two team in their division and he is the most dominant player—possibly in the AIA.
Honorable Mention: Bryce Fowler (6’4”, JR, Agua Fria); Brett Morrow (6’7”, JR, Flagstaff); Holland Woods (6’0”, JR, Apollo);
-Small School Candidates-
- Reed Myers 6’0” FR Scottsdale Christian (D3) – Myers remains the top candidate for the small school division. Scottsdale Christian has kept rolling all season long behind the freshman guard.
- Andrew Ekmark 5’11” SR Phoenix Country Day (D4) – Ekmark has helped Phoenix Country Day to the #2 ranking in Division-IV. The senior guard is putting points on the board and has refused to let his team lose.
- Kurt Wood 6’4” SR Snowflake (D3) – While there are others who’s teams are ranked higher than Snowflake in their respective division, perhaps no single player has meant more to their team’s success than Kurt Wood. The 6’4” senior is an experienced winner and has the Lobos quietly rolling with a lot of momentum heading into the state tournament. If he can help pull off a state title he may top the list for small school candidates.
Honorable Mention: Gresyn Rogers (6’4”, SR, Casa Grande, D3); Rex Greabell (6’7”, SR, Estrella Foothills, D3); Nick Rosquist (6’0″, JR, The Gregory School);
Race for Arizona Mr. Basketball: Part 1 (January 29, 2015)