Region Preview: 4A West Valley
The 4A West Valley region is top heavy with both Deer Valley and Peoria being contenders to win the region who could make deep runs in the state tournament. However, the rest of the region has a lot of work to do in order to catch these two. With that said, Desert Edge should be much improved in comparison to last year.
1. Deer Valley
While Deer Valley lost a good portion of last year’s team, they bring back many players who played key roles in the run to 2nd place. Johny Diaz is the heart and soul of this team. His competitive mentality makes the team go. Further, he plays with a chip on his shoulder that inspires those around him to compete and not be afraid of the competition.
In addition to Diaz, Brandon Savage continues to improve. He is long, athletic, and versatile. Further, he is finishing around the rim better and better. The group will also have an emerging 2021 prospect in Jackson Leyba Jackson Leyba 6'0" | SG Deer Valley | 2021 State AZ , who shoots the ball well, provides good strength, and competes. He does all of the little things needed to win games.
Moreover, Jaret Allen provides the team with even more length in addition to quality shooting. This team is versatile and has the pieces to contend for the 4A state championship, which will run directly through Shadow Mountain.
2. Peoria
Peoria is going to be tough this upcoming season as well. While the group might have lost some quality length, the team brings back one of the top point guards in 4A in Kaleb Brown. Brown is as precise of a shooter from mid-range as there is in the state. Moreover, he sets the tone on the defensive end and makes his teammates better due to his high basketball IQ.
Isaac Monroe Isaac Monroe 5'11" | PG Peoria | 2020 State AZ will also be back. Between these two, Peoria will have one of the toughest backcourts in the state. Moreover, this group had some solid underclassmen last year who did not get much varsity time. Expect a couple of new names to appear who are able to aid Peoria in winning some basketball games this upcoming season.
3. Desert Edge
Despite having a season that left a lot to be desired last season, Desert Edge will look to be much better this upcoming season. This group has a lot of prospects who have proven that they can play at the varsity level. However, they have not proven that they can win at this level.
EnoShay Cain EnoShay Cain 6'4" | SF Phhoenix Prep Post Grad | 2022 State AZ is one of the those prospects who has shown throughout the course of this off-season that he is capable of being a big time prospect. He is as athletic as anyone in this group, and he fills the stat sheet. Moreover, Adrian Banuelos also played huge minutes for this team despite being an underclassmen. These two young prospects give Desert Edge a lot of hope going forward.
In addition, keep an eye out for Johnathan Soto to have a strong season for the group as well. Desert Edge will take some bumps once again. However, this team should be much improved. They have some prospects who can play and have success. The key will be for them to do enough to win close games.