Way Too Early Rankings: 2A
2A is top heavy with a couple of teams who could easily win the state championship, especially in a one and done format. This should be an extremely fun group to watch due to the fact that most of the top teams bring back the majority of their talent from last season. Below are our far too early top 5 rankings for 2A.
Way Too Early Rankings: 2A
1. Gilbert Christian
This was a toss up as Rancho Solano gained a key transfer this past off-season. However, Gilbert Christian brings back the majority of their state championship team. One of the key pieces that will be returning for his junior season is Kyle Patterson. Patterson was the leading scorer and one of the leaders in every statistical category for the team last season. Although the group will lose skilled Nate Graville, Patterson will look to continue his strong play and pick up the slack. Lastly, Brayden Finkbeiner brings another long wing to the group whose increased production should help feel the void of Graville.
2. Rancho Solano
I would not be surprised in the least to see Rancho Solano win the state championship for 2A. They bring back solid guard play
Nikc Jackson Rancho Solanoin Caden Hoffman. They have a couple of the most talented wings in the state, despite only being sophomores, in Kiimani Holt Kiimani Holt 6'4" | SG Phhoenix Prep | 2020 State #499 Nation AZ and Tyson Legner Tyson Legner 6'2" | SG Rancho Solano Prep | 2020 State AZ . Lastly, they received one of the biggest, size and impact, in the state in Nikc Jackson. This group has all of the necessary pieces to have a big time season and bring home a state title to Rancho Solano.
3. Alchesay
Alchesay, like the two teams mentioned before them, has the potential to win the state championship as well. They made it to the state championship game and bring back the vast majority of their roster. More specifically, they bring back their core leading scorers. Tristen Upton is the most impactful prospect that they bring back as he will most likely lead the team in scoring as well as rebounds. He has a well-balanced game and can hurt teams in an array of ways. Further, San Juan Slick is solid on the ball defensively and manages the tempo of the game extremely well at the point guard spot. Lastly, Raekwon Cosay rounds out trio. Cosay is an X-Factor for the group who does all of the little things necessary to win games.
4. San Carlos
San Carlos is yet another team that made a deep run in the state tournament last year and returns a plethora of talent. Aloysius Case sets the tone for the team. He is one of the leaders in every statistical category for San Carlos and makes this team run. In addition to Case, Christian Nosie is a quick guard who is also one of the best shooters in all of 2A. Case and Noise will present one of the best 1-2 punches in all of 2A due to their ability to score and put their teammates in good positions. These guys will keep San Carlos in the title run until the very end.
5. Scottsdale Christian Academy
Injuries have plagued a Scottsdale Christian group that looked like they were oozing with potential after winning the state championship on the backs of Ethan Spry and Reed Myers. However, Spry missed a good portion of last season due to injury. Scottsdale Christian, upon Spry’s return, was able to make it to the number 5 seed in the tournament last season. Unfortunately, the injury bug has bitten again as there is a good chance that Myers will miss this season with a torn ACL. Myers was the floor general who made everything function for the group. Scottsdale Christian will need someone else to step up in a big way to minimize this lose. With that said, they have the pieces and the talent to do it. Expect a big season for Spry as Scottsdale Christian stays in the hunt.
Feature image provided by East Valley Tribune