4A Gila Overview: Standings & Standouts
We are a good portion of away through the season and I think it is time to look at some region standings and discuss what the potential future may look like for these regions/teams. Here is the 4A Gila Overview:
Standings: As of 12/9/18
1. Palo Verde 0-0 (Region) 3-0 (Conference) 4-0 (Overall)
2. Amphi 0-0 (Region) 2-0 (Conference) 5-0 (Overall)
3. Rio Rico 0-0 (Region) 2-1 (Conference) 2-4 (Overall)
4. Pueblo Magnet 0-1 (Region) 1-1 (Conference) 1-4 (Overall)
5. Walden Grove 0-0 (Region) 0-0 (Conference) 1-4 (Overall)
6. Douglas 0-0 (Region) 0-2 (Conference) 3-4 (Overall)
Top Players:
Jackson Ruai (Amphi): Jackson Ruai is hands down one of the best defenders in the entire state and I would argue that he is the best perimeter defender. His defensive game is super solid all-around and I was worried about his offensively, as he did not have a consistent shot. However, he has enjoyed multiple 20 point plus games this season, laying my worries to rest.
Zionn Sandoval (Palo Verde): Zionn won player of the year last season, in this region, and I think he could do it again. He is a scoring machine and much of what Palo Verde does is centered around him. Zionn and Ruai will go head to head competing for player of the year honors, for this region.
Jeff Thomas (Palo Verde): Very smart guard. Thomas is a bit undersized but has enough speed, strength, and bounce that it doesn’t really affect him as much as it should. He has a very nice game overall and a lethal mid-range jumper.
Projection
The two top dogs in this region are clearly Amphi and Palo Verde. Both of these two teams will battle all year to see who wins the region. I do think Pueblo is heading in the right direction, under new Head Coach Jimmie Nelson. They have the right coaching staff in place to turn in a winning season, just give them time to get the machine moving. As far as player of the year is concerned, I think Ruai will eventually edge out Sandoval but it will be very close.