Favorites: 4A Gila
The 4A Gila Region is going to make a huge leap and be one of the deepest regions in 4A. While this region might not be as top heavy, it will be deeper top to bottom. Nearly every team in this region could compete to make the state tournament. While Douglas and Rio Rico do not make it on this list, expect them to be very competitive and to make an impact in the state tournament race this year.
1. Palo Verde
Palo Verde won this region last year and looks more than poised to do the same this upcoming season. This was an extremely balanced scoring group last year which made it tough for opposing teams to defend. While they will still have a lot of balance, they will look to one guy to lead the way.
Zionn Sandoval led the group in points and assists last year. He was by far the top playmaker for the team and that responsibility has only grown. He will live in the paint and create for himself as well as for others. Further, he is one of the top shooters in all of 4A. He will let it fly from deep at a high rate which makes it extremely hard to guard him.
Sandoval will have a lot of help as well. Jeffery Thomas is an explosive guard who uses his shiftiness to get to wherever he wants to get to on the court. Thomas and Sandoval will make up one of the top backcourts in 4A.
Moreover, Darius Rollins will provide the group with decent size. His ability to get on the glass will be key to whatever success this team has.
2. Amphitheater
Jackson Ruai gets a lot of potential due to his defensive prowess. He is arguably the best on ball defender in the state. He is athletic and long which allows him to keep the basketball in front as well as any prospect in the state. In help side, he uses his length well to get into the passing lanes and create easy scoring opportunities.
While Ruai gets plenty of attention, Cohen Kimmel deserves create as well. He is a consistent scoring threat for the team. His ability to shoot the basketball from deep extends the defense and allows Ruai to get into the paint.
Further, Daelyon Clark will provide the team with an X-Factor to supplement the production of Kimmel and Ruai. His ability to provide the team with a third scoring threat and stat sheet stuffer will aid Amphitheater in taking a huge step forward this upcoming season.
3. Walden Grove
Walden Grove had a strong season last year, but they are left with a lot of huge voids to fill. Chase Verdugo will be the only returning prospect with a lot of varsity experience and success. Thus, a lot of the responsibility of keeping this team afloat will fall on his shoulders.
Verdugo shot the lights out of the gym last year and will look to do the same this upcoming season. Moreover, he will need to take on more of a playmaker role, much like his brother Conner Verdugo.
Walden Grove will go as Verdugo goes. Their ability to find role players to play key minutes will be key to whatever success this team experiences this season as well.