Week 3: 6 Most Surprising Starts
Photo Credit: Andy Morales/AZPreps365.com
In the week 3 report, we are focusing on which teams surprised us with their quick starts. Although we are still relatively early in the season and anything can happen, the following are teams that jumped out of the gate and have caught the attention of their respective classifications.
Week 3: 6 Most Surprising Starts
6A: Mountain Pointe
This start is not surprising whatsoever as far as talent is concerned. Mountain Pointe has always had a surplus of that. However, winning games, even with talent is tough. This team looks like they are finally piecing the dots together. There is no doubt that this team has top 10 talent in 6A. Along those lines, they have one of the most improved and versatile big men in the state in Jalen Graham. Graham has been on an absolute tear as he has averaged a double-double to go along with 5 blocks. In addition, Graham is aided by solid guard play with Khalid Price and Amarion Cash.
5A: Poston Butte
It is safe to say that no one saw Poston Butte starting the season 7-0. Although some of the wins are more impressive than others, beating the likes of Maricopa and Seton Catholic is impressive. Kevin Johnson has been on an absolute tear and is averaging nearly 20 points and 3 three pointers per game. His ability to score the basketball has generated scoring opportunities for others. This team is a number of quality shooters which works hand in hand with Johnson’s scoring abilities. Poston Butte might not be a state title contender, but their start is nothing short of impressive.
4A: Coconino
At 7-2, Coconino is already 3 games away from matching last year’s win total. This program has taken a huge step forward and looks to be on the right path. With Mohave losing their home bout with Flagstaff, Coconino could be a sleeper team that ends up sneaking in and taking the region title. Bret McGowan is the leader of this team due to his ability to play so many different roles. In addition to McGowan, Emilo Esquivel brings an ability to shoot the basketball extremely well from deep. Further, to finish out a solid group of seniors, Coconino also relies upon Harding Eddie and Joram Watson.
3A: American Leadership Academy (Queen Creek)
American Leadership Academy has started out the season at 6-3 with one of those wins coming against 5A Centennial. Spencer Tyler is averaging nearly 3 threes per game en route to 15 points per game. Another part of what makes this team tough, is their ability to get on the glass. They have two players averaging nearly 7 rebounds per game or more in Tanner McLahlan and Dylan Wallace. This team will continue to make noise in the 3A ranks as they control the glass and have capable shooters.
2A: Pima
Pima has had without a doubt the most surprising start to the 2A season which has earned them a spot in the week 3 report. Although it looks like Rancho Solano is far ahead of the rest of the pack in this classification, but Pima could be the 2nd best team in 2A by the end of this season. Dawson Pruszynski has had a couple of big games for this group and is their primary scorer. In addition to Pruszynski, Frank Gutierrez brings a much needed shooter to the mix. Continue to watch out for Pima in 2A, they could be in for a breakout season.
1A: The Gregory School
How can a team that won 29 games last year surprise anyone and earn their way into the Week 3 report? The response: They lost a player who averaged nearly 30 points per game in Nick Rosquist. I knew they would be solid as they brought back Addison Mort. However, Mort’s numbers are like something from video games. In addition to nearly dropping 30 points per game, he is almost getting a double-double with boards. Further, he is at almost 5 assists and 4 steals per game while connecting on 18 threes. Mort might be the most dangerous player in all of 1A.