Region Preview: 6A Metro
The 6A Metro region has the potential to have a couple of state tournament teams. However, it is not one of the more deep regions in the state. Cesar Chavez has the most chance at making a lot of noise this upcoming season as they return a lot of proven commodities and skilled underclassmen.
It is hard to imagine anyone challenging Cesar Chavez for the top spot in this region. With that said, the rest of the region will largely be up for grabs.
1. Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez will be the top team in a region that does not have much depth. In addition to being the top team in this region, they are one of the top teams in 6A. They have a plethora of underclassmen talent returning who will look to dominate this region as well as compete for a state title.
The primary suspects to watch are guys who everyone who follows Arizona basketball has heard about a lot: TyTy Washington and Ricardo Sarmiento Ricardo Sarmiento 5'11" | PG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ . Washington and Sarmiento are one of the best backcourt duos in the state. They will be unguardable in this region.
The Chavez backcourt will also have a third member who will make an impact in Tyrail Carrethers. Lastly, to round out the solid team will be Abdi Odowaay and Nyjer Andrews.
2. Tucson
Tucson will have a nice home court advantage with teams having to travel far to play them. However, they will have to deal the same treatment as they will have a lot of nice bus rides for region play. In addition to moving to a new region, Tucson will have some new faces responsible for running the show as their top three prospects graduated.
Joseph Shelby, Mark Hunter, and Marcus Hinojosa will largely be responsible for carrying the work load this upcoming season. All three of these prospects posted fairly similar numbers in terms of production last season. Shelby led these three in points and rebounds.
The good news for Tucson is that this is a good region to rebuild in. While Chavez is at the top of this region and a state championship contender, Tucson will have their opportunities to win games and not have to play mistake free basketball.
3. Trevor Browne
Losing Steven Koko will hurt Browne. However, the team does bring back their next two leading scorers in Rosario Preciado and Abel Villalobos. Trevor Browne will have their work cut out for them in order to finish in the top two in this region as well as to make the state tournament.
However, this group frequently has athleticism and talent. Preciado and Villalobos will need to be consistent scoring threats in order for this team to make a run. Both of these guys showed that they are capable of scoring it last season as 2nd and 3rd options. The real question will be are they able to do it as primary scorers with the opposing team’s focusing on slowing them down.