Region Preview: 5A Northwest Region
The 5A Northwest Region took on a whole new look with Sunnyslope, Apollo, and Ironwood coming over from the Metro Region. This group might not be as deep as what Sunnyslope, Apollo, and Ironwood were used to on a daily basis as that region saw 5 of the 6 teams makes it to the play-in game two years in a row, but this is still a solid region.
Centennial is fresh off of a final four run while Sunnyslope has brought home two consecutive state championships while Apollo brings back a solid core that could be the top team in 5A. In addition, Kellis and Sunrise Mountain will be much improved while Ironwood has proven that they can compete with anyone over the past two seasons.
This should be one of, if not the most, competitive regions in 5A. It is hard to imagine that anyone will make it through region play without at least 1 lose.
1. Apollo
Emmanuel Taban is one of the most talented players in the nation. He is long and shoots the basketball at a high level. Further, he is willing to do the little things to ensure his team is successful. His ability to shoot it from deep and be a versatile defender makes him special.
Taban will have plenty of help as far as scoring is concerned with one of the best 2021 guards in the state in Paris Woods and Tre Lee. Woods and Lee will be looked to as pivotal playmakers with Woods getting into the paint at will and hitting from three while Lee crashes the glass and creates opportunities for himself and others.
In addition to Lee and Woods, Gabriel Nyawumenya is as tough of an on ball defender as there is in the classification. He sets the tempo for Apollo due to his toughness, quickness, and buy-in. This group also has a couple of really skilled underclassmen who will make an impact this upcoming season.
2. Ironwood
It is hard to put them over the two time state champs, but they bring back a lot of talent from last years team. This group will be led by two starters from last year’s team in Dominic Gonzalez and Cassius Carmichael. Gonzalez led the team in scoring while Carmichael was often times the most efficient rebounder. Both have improved as well.
In addition, Malik Smith came off of the bench and provided the team with a lot of athleticism and scoring. The team will also have Jordan Kafoa who played solid minutes last year off of the bench as a toughness guy who controlled the glass and brought physicality.
With that said, what will make this team really special is their depth at guard. Bailon Black, JJ White, and Aaron Rice were solid this summer. Mixed with Gonzalez, this team has the ability to shoot the basketball with anyone in the state. This team could be extremely hard to defend and could end up shocking a lot of people this upcoming season.
Do not be surprised if you see a log jam between Ironwood, Apollo, and Sunnyslope for the top 3 spots.
3. Sunnyslope
It would not be surprising in the slightest to see Sunnyslope out live this projection. There is just a lot of unknowns with this group due to them losing a good portion of their contributors to graduation. With that said, Zach Paloma might be the best point guard returning in this group. He is extremely fast, skilled, and tough.
Paloma will have Ivan Paloma and a host of skilled underclassmen to aid them in competing in this tough region. Carson Basham, Alex Gaylor, and Grady Lewis will provide the team with plenty of length and scary talent going forward.
This group has the potential to be extremely special. It would not be surprising in the least to see them atop the 5A world once again very soon.