Prep Hoops Top 250: 3rd Team
As we continue our coverage of the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo for Arizona, below is the 3rd Team. The third team highlights a number of underclassmen who demonstrated that they are going to be a problem going forward. These guys played at a high level despite the talent in the gym and their youth. Keep an eye on these guys.
Isaiah Wilson 6’1 PG/SG 2019 Desert Vista (Alpha Males)
Wilson’s play was cut short due to an injury. However, he is quick, shifty, and athletic which enabled him to get into the paint seemingly at will. Defensively, he is strong and moves well laterally. Thus, he is able to guard an array of prospects, including quick guards. Moreover, he impressed me due to his feel for the game and good decision making. He frequently got into the paint. However, he did not force shots. He took the right shots and kicked it to shooters along the perimeter as well.
JJ White 6’3 SG 2021 Ironwood (Team Zona)
White played well throughout the event. He shot the ball extremely well from deep while taking good shots. He is strong and athletic as well which aided him in getting into the paint and making plays. Moreover, he play the game the right way and competes hard on every possession.
Defensively, he has good instincts in help side and gets his hand on a lot passes. His ability to generate turnovers aids him in getting easy looks in transition and creating opportunities for others. Moreover, he makes the opposing team second guess their decisions as his athleticism enables him to get to passes that many prospects cannot get to.
Jackson Leyba 5’11 PG 2021 Deer Valley (Team Zona)
Despite his youth, Leyba was one of the most physical guards at the event. He is strong and uses his body to get to wherever he wants to get to on the floor. Further, he finished extremely well around the rim. He has a soft touch and is not afraid to get into the paint with the bigs. Moreover, he is a more than capable shooter from deep which he demonstrated on multiple occasions.
Defensively, he bullied many guards and was able to use his strength to push guards off of their spots. Leyba looks to be yet another extremely skilled guard for Deer Valley as he should play a huge role for this team this upcoming season.
Zach Morgan 6’7 C 2021 Pueblo (Powerhouse Tucson)
Morgan’s literal growth caught me off guard as I was barely able to recognize him after not seeing him since July. In addition to growing 2-3 inches, he looks longer and even more athletic. He has all of the athletic tools in order to be an elite prospect at the next level.
While he was quite impressive athletically and made some solid plays, what is most impressive is that he is far from a finished product. He can afford to shoot the basketball better from deep and have an improved motor. If he is able to do those things, Morgan could be an extremely special prospect.
Chase Morely 5’11 PG 2019 Sandra Day (Powerhouse King)
Morley has one of the highest basketball IQs out of all of the guards in the state. He makes good decisions with the basketball and makes people around him better. Moreover, he has improved his ability to shoot it from deep. Defensively, he is able to guard quick and strong guards due to his low center of gravity, quickness, and strength.
Morley is a floor general who does all of the little things. He is not flashy and often times prospects with his skill set get over looked at events like this. However, he was able to demonstrate his ability to score it, lock up, and pass the ball at a high level.