4A Region Preview: Desert Sky
The Desert Sky region is probably the most deep region in all of 4A. Any team in this region has a capable chance of taking the crown. At this point, there are a couple of teams who will have some…
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Continue ReadingThe Desert Sky region is probably the most deep region in all of 4A. Any team in this region has a capable chance of taking the crown. At this point, there are a couple of teams who will have some high expectations coming into the year due to the known commodities that they have returning.
Desert Sky Top 3
Marcos De Niza High School – Marcos De Niza had a strong season last year and looks to continue their success with strong play from 2017 Mason Stark. Stark is one of the top shooters in the state and uses his length well to create off of the dribble as well. Stark will need to be more active on the glass and continue his strong shooting as a means of keeping Marcos De Niza in thsi number one slot in the Desert Sky region. In addition, look for Tyson Union and Zurell Livingstong to play integral parts for this team as they look to compete for a region title and make the state tournament.
Higley High School – Higley lost a lost of key players from last year’s team; however, they return multiple players who can extend the court as well as attack the rim. Lawsen Owens, Christ Wright, and Jacian Mercadel all average near or more than one three pointer per game last year. Wright will be expected to create the most out of the players mentioned in that group. With that said, all three of these 2017 prospects will be vital to the team having success in the Desert Sky region. In addition to these three, expect a strong performance from talented 2018 Nate Cundiff. Higley has a talented group and should make some noise in the Desert Sky and potentially in the state tournament.
Tempe High School – This time has a lot of potential and plenty of upside as they return talented 2018 PG Naseem Vigil. Vigil shot the lights out of the basketball last year as Sophomore and looks poised to take even bigger steps forward to make Tempe relevant in the Desert Sky region and as a state tournament candidate. Also, it is important to keep an eye on Joseph Leon as this skilled point guard runs the show and dictates the tempo of the game. His ability to take defenders off of the dribble and put teammates in a position to be successful is outstanding.
Desert Sky Best of the Rest
Seton Catholic – Luke Thompson and Carson Pinter will look to carry Seton Catholic to another successful season. Someone will have to fill the gap of talented PG Jake Reuter in order for this team to be successful. Good coaching, hard working and smart players will give this team a chance to compete in this region.
Desert Sky Players to Watch
Mason Stark 6’2 PG/SG 2017 Marcos De Niza
Tyson Union 6’2 PG/SG 2017 Marcos De Niza
Zurell Livingston 6’1 SG 2017 Marcos De Niza
Chris Wright 6’0 PG 2017 Higley
Jacian Mercadel 6’0 SG 2017 Higley
Lawsen Owens 5’9 PG 2017 Higley
Nate Cundiff 6’5 C 2018 Higley
Naseem Vigil 6’0 PG 2018 Tempe
Joseph Leon 5’8 PG 2018 Tempe
Luke Thompson 6’3 SF 2017 Seton Catholic
Carson Pinter 6’2 SG 2017 Seton Catholic