Way Too Early Rankings: 1A
There are very few surprises in the 1A world with most of the teams on this list having success past season. In fact, the top two teams in our Way Too Early Rankings made their way to the state championship last season as well.
1. The Gregory School
The Gregory School has anything but a smooth shot to the 1A state title repeat as they lose Addison Mort. However, they are the top returning team in this classification with Tomari Harris looking to run the show. Harris was the second leading scorer on the team. Make no mistake about it, he will have huge shoes to fill in order for The Gregory School to stay atop of 1A.
In addition to Harris, Anderson Mort will be essential to this team’s success. He will most likely lead this team in rebounding and will play a much bigger scoring role.
2. Fort Thomas
While anything can happen in a one and done format, it is not that crazy to think that Fort Thomas and The Gregory School could end up in the state championship game against each other once again. Both teams lost key pieces that led them there. However, they bring back plenty of talent and experience.
Fort Thomas will be led by Malachi Rodgers. Rodgers led the team in scoring and assists last season. He was the team’s top playmaker and will be relied upon to play the same role this upcoming season. Rodgers will have fellow sophomores Brad Johnson and Skyler Kindelay aiding him in running the show. This team has the potential not only win a title next year but for the next two seasons.
3. NFL Yet
NFL Yet will once again be a favorite in the 1A world due to having BJ Bryant on the roster. Bryant is the most versatile prospect in 1A. He was voted defensive player of the year and is capable of scoring the basketball as well as anyone in this classification.
Bryant will be looking for teammates to step up and help him if this group is going to have any chance at winning the state title. He will clearly be the catalyst, but will need the assistance of his teammates to take that next step.
4. Red Mesa
Red Mesa had a solid showing last season and made a good run in the state tournament. Like every team on this list, they will be without one of their top playmakers from this past season. However, they bring back two prospects who played well enough to earn all conference distinctions.
Hunter Pipkin will be one of the most important prospects on the roster. He will be responsible for running the show and putting his teammates in spots where they can be successful. In addition to Pipkin, Quentin Friday will be one of the top scoring options for the team. Between these two, Red Mesa will have a chance to be really good this upcoming season.
5. Joseph City
Latrell Kinlicheenie is going to be relied upon more than ever to stuff the stat sheet. He scored the ball well for the team while leading the group in assists and providing solid numbers on the glass. He is going to be looked to even more next season in order for Joseph City to continue to be successful.
Kinlicheenie will need Jacob Begay to step up in order for Joseph City to live up to and exceed this expectation. Joseph City has a lot of experience returning that could aid them in shocking the 1A world.