Region Preview: 6A Premier
The 6A Premier region will be as competitive of a region as there is in 6A. While Chandler and Hamilton did not make it into the top three, both of those teams will be ready to play at a high level in the Premier region. Further, Perry will take yet another huge step forward. They are one of the deepest and most talented teams in the state this season.
Keep an eye on this group as these spots are far from set in stone. There are multiple teams in this region who are able to win big games.
1. Perry
While he has not stepped foot onto a varsity court yet, Dylan Anderson Dylan Anderson 7'0" | C Perry | 2022 State #88 Nation AZ is without a doubt one of the top prospects in this region as well as the state. He adds even more length to a lengthy and skilled team that will also feature big man Carter Van Hammond Carter Van Hammond 6'9" | C Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ . This team is deep and versatile. They will be anything but an easy out in the state tournament.
In addition, they will have strong guard play with 6’4 Jalen Williams, who is one of the most proven shooters and scorers in the state. Williams will also have do it all SF Kyle Patterson aiding him will the scoring. Patterson fills up the stat sheet and will be the X-Factor that pushes Perry over the edge in many of their games this season.
Further, Bauer Bongard will join Williams in the backcourt as another capable playmaker. Lastly, D’Shayne James and Evan Skeoch Evan Skeoch 6'5" | PF Perry | 2020 State AZ provide the team with even more talent and depth. This is an extremely talented team that could be holding up a state championship trophy by season’s end.
2. Brophy
Brophy definitely lost a lot of their firepower from last year’s top tier team. However, they will reload instead of rebuild. They are a tough group who will execute and shoot the ball well. Marques White is one of the better athletes and playmakers on the team. Further, he is a solid on ball defender who will cause havoc for opposing teams.
Brophy will also have Ryan Gilburne who can shoot the basketball as well as anyone in this region. He will be responsible for running the show, which is a good thing for Brophy as he is fundamentally sound and ready to take on the role. Lastly, Basil Ribakare Basil Ribakare 6'6" | C Brophy Prep | 2020 State AZ was solid this summer for Factory. I would not be surprised to see him get the opportunity to start in the five spot for Brophy. He is a monster on the glass and has good footwork on the block to go along with a soft touch.
3. Basha
It would not be surprising in the slightest to see Basha overachieve and beat out this ranking. They are well-coached and play hard. Further, they have plenty of talent returning who got valuable varsity minutes in a tough region last season. This team will be ready to compete at a high level like Basha always does.
A couple of prospects who opposing teams should have on their scouting reports include: Jake Moore, Tyler Pugh, and CJ Noder CJ Noder 5'10" | SG Basha | 2020 State AZ . Defensive and execution will put Basha in a position to compete with anyone in this region.