Region Preview: 5A San Tan
For the past two years, the 5A Metro Region has been the most deep in the class. However, this region might have taken over that distinction in terms of top to bottom depth. If they haven’t, it is definitely close as this region has 5 teams that could make the state tournament.
Higley is one of those 5 teams. However, they took a huge hit with Shon Robinson leaving the group. With that said, they will still have Jason Harris to run the show and aid them in staying with this pack. Further, Williams Field will be tough, but they have a lot of spots that need to be filled.
While this region might only have one legitimate title contender, there are plenty of teams in here that can and will make noise in the state tournament.
1. Gilbert
Gilbert is tough and well-coached. They will be one of the top teams in 5A due to their stingy style of play and ability to shoot it from deep. Brycen Long and Doc Self will most likely lead the way for the group. Self will be the defensive catalyst who is looked to for a lot of playmaking.
In addition to those two, Carson Towt and Griffin Lamb will play key roles for the team. This group had a lot of success last season before being eliminated by Pinnacle, the eventual 6A state champion. While this team did lose some key pieces, they bring back a core group of prospects from last year’s team who will be able to compete with anyone in 5A.
2. Casteel
while Casteel will be making a huge leap into 5A, they have demonstrated that they know how to win. Further, they bring back every prospect from last year’s team. This group is skilled and will compete at a high level. They will be far from an easy out. While it is unlike anyone will challenge Gilbert for the region championship, they have the most potential to knock GIlbert off.
Cooper Christiansen might not get as much love as some of the other prospects. However, he runs the team and does an excellent job of getting his teammates involved. Further, Chris York provides the group with a proven competitor who can score the basketball from all over the floor.
There is no reason for Casteel to not have a very strong season. They have all of the pieces. In addition to the prospect;s mentioned, the team will also have Austin Ponsness and they are a well-built team. York will lead the way, however, there are plenty of other shooters on this roster.
3. Campo Verde
This might be the most bold production out of them all as Higley has one of the top basketball players in the entire state and could easily be in this spot. However, it will be tough for Higley to adjust to life after Robinson while Campo Verde had a decent season and brings back the vast majority of the players on the team.
It is far from a foregone conclusion that Campo will finish in this spot. As mentioned earlier, Higley will be competing in the 2-4 range while Williams Field reloads.
In order for Campo to keep this spot, the young prospects need to regroup and play at a high level. On paper, this team should be solid due to returning Brock McDowell and Ben Langford. Both of those prospects led the team in scoring and rebounds. They were pivotal in Campo Verde’s successes. However, they should have bigger goals this year after having some success and seeing the amount of talent back in their program.
A couple of other prospects who are worth keeping an eye on are: Peyton MacLay and Luke Nicolds. This team is deep and has talent at every spot on the floor.