Region Preview: 6A Desert Valley
The Desert Valley region is led by four teams who have a lot of returning firepower. The style of play of the teams in the Desert Valley region is quite different. Thus, who is able to dictate the tempo of the game will largely have the upper hand in the majority of these contests. In addition to being region contenders, Pinnacle could be walking away with a state title by season’s end.
Region Preview: 6A Desert Valley Top 4
1. Pinnacle
Despite only being a freshman, Nico Mannion is a nationwide household name for basketball. Mannion demonstrated , while playing with Italy, over the summer and fall that he is one of the most dangerous guards in the world, not just the nation. In addition to Mannion, this brings back young, but experienced talent. Trent Brown has improved his game considerably and is looking more and more like a NCAA Division-I prospect.. Also, look for Jordan Mains, Spencer Rattler, and a number of others to play a big role for the talented team. Pinnacle will not only be one of the best teams in the Desert Valley region, they will be one of the best teams in the state.
2. Desert Mountain
Desert Mountain brings back a core group of players from last year’s team who had a lot of success this summer. Granted it is only summer basketball, the confidence and physical style of play that they demonstrated was quite impressive. Brandon Kron will be the leader of this group. He is a monster on the block and glass. Further, Brady Giordano is a knock down shooter who manages the tempo and puts his teammates in good spots. Lastly, Dylan McGirt and Hayden Peters will look to play key roles.
3. Sandra Day O’Conner
O’Conner brings back the majority of their scoring power from last year. In addition, they have a solid guard and post dynamic that will feature TJ Connaker and Keaton Rodgers. Connaker is a do it all point guard who has a high IQ, gets his teammates involved well, and can score the basketball. In addition to Connaker and Rodgers, keep an eye on Nick Conger and another high IQ guard, Chase Morley.
4. Horizon
Horizon’s style of play can be very challenging for teams to match-up with. They push the tempo as fast as anyone in the state and utilize pressing as well as three pointers to achieve that. In addition to style of plan, the group brings back Aidyn Albright and Gabe Zdrale as well as Logan McCullough. All three are capable shooters with Albright being the most dangerous. This group lets it fly from down town and can turn close games into a routing quite quickly due to their pressure filled style of play.
Other Key Contributors
5. Boulder Creek
Key Contributors: Jacob Howie and Evan Schirm
6. Mountain Ridge
Key Contributors: Jabari Sutherland, Tanner Ray, and Trask Morgan