Arizona’s 6A Mid-Season Report
With a little less than one month left in the regular season, it is time for mid-season reports on the various divisions. For 6A, it has been quite intriguing to watch how everything has played out. Although there are numerous…
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Continue ReadingWith a little less than one month left in the regular season, it is time for mid-season reports on the various divisions. For 6A, it has been quite intriguing to watch how everything has played out. Although there are numerous teams nipping at their heels, Basha appears to be the standard for 6A. Here is what to watch for as the season comes to a conclusion.
Best of the Best
Being the only undefeated team left in 6A, many might find it easy to name Basha as the top team in the division. However, there is so much talent in this division that there are many teams that will make noise in the one and done format of the state tournament. With that said, as it currently stands, Basha has earned the number 1 spot due to their 21-0 record. What is the most impressive about Basha is their depth and selfless play. As a collective unit, they play the game with a level of focus, toughness, and execution that is rarely found in the high school ranks.
Gabe Mcglothan is the motor that makes the team go as he averages near a double double and sets the standard for the toughness with which the team plays. Moreover, Brennen Davis and Terrell Brown have impressed and made key contributions to the teams success. Part of what makes this unit so special is that they can attack teams in an array of capacities due to their depth and talent. At this point, it is safe to say that Basha is the team to beat in 6A.
On the Rise
Red Mountain entered the winter break with a 7-7 record and a 4-6 non-tournament record. Talented big man Dre Harris and guard Andres Mayberry were able to hold down the fort long enough for big time talent Timmy Allen to become eligible due to transferring from Desert Ridge. Needless to say, this team looks like it could be special as they continue to play together and progress. In fact, the team is 4-1 since Allen becoming eligible with one of the wins coming in a non-tournament game against Mesa Mountain View.
I would not be surprised at all to see Red Mountain competing for a region title now that they have their full team available. Keep an eye on this group as they are my prediction to make a deep run in the state tournament.
Early Season Surprise Award
Although no one should be surprised as Coach McEvoy is as good as the come and Westview has one of the best point guard’s in the state and a number of other key pieces, Westview earns the award for the “Early Season Surprise.” Last season, Westview was unable to get over the hump in close games at the Division II level as they lost 11 games by 10 points or less.
However, Westview has been able to change that trend largely due to the improved play of already talented D’Maurian Williams. Furthermore, Brenden Van Dyke has been a huge off-season acquisition for Westview as he is averaging almost 15 points and 6 rebounds per game while providing rim protection. One of the other big X-Factors that teams should be aware of for Westview is Josh Tafoya as the senior is filling up the stat sheet in an array of ways. His ability to impact the game in many ways has been crucial to the success of Westview. This team has earned itself a top five ranking in 6A, and I do not expect them to change their winning ways any time soon.