Region Preview: 4A Grand Canyon
Flagstaff has been a power for a number of years. In fact, they marched through this 4A Grand Canyon Region unscathed this past season. With that said, they have a lot of turnover and will have plenty of new faces. Flagstaff should still compete; however, this might open the door for a new team. This is one of the deepest regions in 4A as a number of teams bring back key prospects. This region is tough to predict as Flagstaff set themselves apart but the rest of the teams were very similar with only 2 wins separating second from last place. It would be surprising for any teams to go undefeated in this region this upcoming season.
Region Preview: 4A Grand Canyon
1. Mohave
Mohave will have the benefit of having the best player in the 4A Grand Canyon Region returning. Joe Heath brings plenty of varsity experience and an ability to score the basketball in an array of ways. Although winning this region will be no easy feat with every team in this region having the ability to beat the other, Mohave has to be the early favorite due to Heath. In addition to Heath, Jerimiah Jaques will be responsible for running the show. He is capable shooter from deep who will be responsible for putting his teammates in spots where they can be successful.
2. Flagstaff
Although Flagstaff lost a number of talented prospects from last season, they largely dominated this region en route to an undefeated record in region play. As far as returners are concerned, KP Kortsen will shoulder the majority of the responsibility of keeping this team at the top of 4A. In addition to Kortsen, Troy Yazzie is a skilled lefty who is a skilled shooter and should be ready to contribute immediately. Lastly, Ramsey Penza to play a bigger role in this upcoming season. Flagstaff will take more bumps than they have in the past, but this group should be ready to make some noise by season’s end.
3. Coconino
Cocoino will be much improved this year in comparison to years past. Although they have a lot to do, they played with more purpose this summer than I have seen them play with in quite some time. Further, they bring back quite a bit of talent with Jorum Watson being one of the top contributors to watch. Watson will be aided by one of the best starting 5s in the 4A Grand Canyon with Brett McGowan, Harding Eddie, and Emilo Esquivel. This group is bought in and looks to be much more invested in playing the game the right way. This group will surprise a lot of people this season.
4A Grand Canyon: Other Key Contributors
4. Lee Williams
Key Contributors: Marco Narvarte, Andrew Herrera, and Kade Juelfs
5. Mingus Union
Key Contributors: Michael Bryan and Chaz Taylor
6. Bradshaw Mountain
Key Contributors: Ben Petro and Travis Lamb
7. Prescott
Key Contributors: Kody Jones and Braden Lopez