Favorites: 4A Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon Region lived up to the expectations last year as this was a very competitive region. While it lived up to the expectations, there were some huge shifts at the top of the region. Flagstaff fell to tied for third while Coconino improved tremendously and won the region title. Further, Mingus Union competed at a high level and finished second.
This region will not be as deep this year. However, there is talent in this region who will compete and give their teams a chance to win the Grand Canyon Region and make a deep run in the state tournament.
1. Flagstaff
Flagstaff took a huge step last year in regards to what they are typically used to. However, they bring back the core of a team that tied for finished for third in this region. While it is far from a foregone conclusion that they will finish in the top three, they should have enough firepower to challenge Mingus and Coconino for the region title.
While they lost their lone 1st team selection from last year, they bring back their backcourt whom was efficient last season. Ramsey Penza led the team in scoring and was the top playmaker for the group. In addition, Troy Yazzie also provided solid production for the team.
In order for the group to make the leap that will get them into this spot, Yazzie and Penza will need to shoot it better as well as get others involved.
2. Mingus Union
Chaz Taylor is arguably the top prospect that is returning in this region. Taylor is a difference maker for this group and is a huge reason that the team finished in 2nd place last year in this region.
While Taylor is good enough to make Mingus Union competitive, they are going to need other pieces to step up in a huge way in order for this team to be successful. The ability of the role players for Mingus to step up and provide consistently strong performances will be key for the group.
Taylor will be able to keep the team afloat while they wait for others to step up. However, this is a tough region. Unless others find their grove, Mingus won’t live up to this projection.
3. Coconino
Coconino surprised many as they won this region last year. However, anyone who watched this team over the course of last summer knew that Coconino was going to be much improved. They did that and much more. This group had a special season and accomplished quite a bit.
With that said, Coconino lost a good portion of last year’s team. In order for this group to make it back the state tournament, Brennan Motes will have to step up and play a huge role for the team. Motes brings back the most varsity experience and will be looked to in a huge way for this team.
Motes will have some other young prospects to rely on as well. The most notable of the young pieces is Dustin Richard. Richard played the biggest role of the young talent in this program. There is an early expectation that he will take a huge step forward and compete at a high level for this group.
Coconino is extremely well-coached as well. Expect this team to be in every game that they play this upcoming season.