Race for Arizona Mr. Basketball: Part 3
The season is winding down and each division is getting closer and closer to a new champion being crowned. There are some players with fight who have refused to let their teams go down til this point and many of them…
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Continue ReadingThe season is winding down and each division is getting closer and closer to a new champion being crowned. There are some players with fight who have refused to let their teams go down til this point and many of them are on our updated list for Mr. Basketball candidates.
-Division-I Candidates-
- Alex Barcello 6’2” Jr. Corona del Sol – The Aztecs are still rolling after a blow out victory over Mountain Pointe in the second round. Barcello is the undoubtedly leader of the team and his experience and poise has been evident all season.
- Chris Bowling 6’7” Sr. Gilbert – Bowling continues to deliver in the clutch for the Tigers. Though they had a rocky stretch around the Christmas holiday, Gilbert has been one of the hottest teams in the calendar year in big thanks to Chris. His ability to shoot, rebound, and attack has helped them into the quarterfinals.
- Tommy Kuhse 6’1” Sr. Mountain View – Kuhse has continued to lead his team deep into the playoffs for a second straight year. The Mountain View senior means as much to his team as any player in the state, if not more. If the Toros have Gilbert next and a potential match with Corona del Sol in which, if they win, Tommy would move to the top of the candidacy list for Division-I.
Honorable Mention: Drew Hatch (6’3”, Sr., Mesa); Saben Lee (6’2”, Jr., Corona del Sol); Gabe McGlothan (6’5”, Jr., Basha)
-Division-II Candidates-
- Michael Bibby 6’1” Sr. Shadow Mountain – The Matadors are still rolling, in big part to one of their senior leaders Michael Bibby who is scoring the ball with ease and continuously setting up his teammates for easy baskets.
- JJ Rhymes 6’3” Sr. Shadow Mountain – The other senior leader for the Matadors will need to have a huge game in their quarterfinal matchup against Flagstaff, especially on the glass. He could prove to be the biggest mismatch on the floor and if Shadow is able to exploit it you can expect them to cruise to a victory.
- Bryce Fowler 6’4” Jr. Agua Fria – With Gilbert Christian losing, Fowler moves into top three consideration in Division-II. He’s led the Owls to 22 straight wins and a Quarterfinal appearance with his versatility on both ends of the floor.
Honorable Mention: Mitch Lightfoot (6’8”, Sr., Gilbert Christian); Holland Woods (5’11”, Jr., Apollo); Brett Morrow (6’7”, Sr., Flagstaff);
-Small School Candidates-
- Reed Myers 6’0” Fr. Scottsdale Christian – Myers has had as good of a freshman year as you could ask for. The SCA standout saw his group dominate in their second round matchup against Tuba City and will look to lead the Eagles over Window Rock in the quarterfinals.
- Kurt Wood 6’4” Sr. Snowflake – Wood has been the BMOC of the Lobos the last two seasons, leading them deep into the state playoffs. He was huge in their win over a talented Moon Valley group and now will go head to head with Caleb Cota of North Canyon, another Mr. Basketball candidate.
- Rex Greabell 6’6” Sr. Estrella Foothills – The senior forward still has his team in contention for a state title. He was a big reason of the Wolves’ 10 point win over Cortez and will need to be the difference in a quarterfinal matchup against Cibola.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Ekmark (5’11”, Sr., Phoenix Country Day); Caleb Cota (6’4”, Sr., North Canyon); John Cutter (6’1”, Jr., San Carlos);