6A Rankings: 1.0
With November in the books and the vast majority of December games done, excluding tournaments, below are the first rankings of the year for Prep Hoops for 6A. 6A Rankings: Top 5 1. Mountain Pointe Mountain Pointe’s convincing win…
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Continue ReadingWith November in the books and the vast majority of December games done, excluding tournaments, below are the first rankings of the year for Prep Hoops for 6A.
6A Rankings: Top 5
1. Mountain Pointe
Mountain Pointe’s convincing win over Pinnacle is largely what puts them at this spot despite some struggles as of late. While everyone anticipated that Mountain Pointe would be a top 5 team due to the returning talent of Jalen Graham, who recently committed to ASU, and Khalid Price, few thought they would be legitimate state championship contenders. Which begs the question, what has pushed them to #1?
One of the biggest reasons is the improved play of Dre Henry. Henry has improved substantially over past couple of seasons and is in better shape than ever. His consistent play has been vital to the team’s success and made Mountain Pointe extremely tough to guard.
In addition to Henry, J’saan Strover, who has been quite the journeyman, has made a huge impact. His transfer into the program has provided Mountain Pointe with yet another prospect who can dominate a game. This team has plenty of options and is tough to stop.
2. Pinnacle
While it was determined awhile back that Spencer Rattler would not play due to football, the lose of him and the injury to Jordan Mains left Pinnacle short of two players who would most likely start and play meaningful roles for the team.
With that said, the group is starting to find their own stride a little bit. Nico Mannion is scoring the basketball at a high level to make up for the lose of those two prospects. Further, he is creating opportunities for others with his 5.4 APG.
In addition to Mannion, Trent Brown is back to letting it fly at a high level from deep while Tosh Baker is getting more and more productive. Further, Marcus Libman has proven to be an elite on-ball defender who can score the basketball when needed.
While Pinnacle might not have as much depth and weapons as originally anticipated with Mains out, this team still has plenty of talent and is a serious contender to win the state title.
3. Cesar Chavez
TyTy Washington is not messing around. Plain and simple, he might have been the top guard in the state over last half of the month of december which resulted in Cesar Chavez knocking off Mountain Pointe and being on a 4 game winning streak.
In addition to Washington, Chavez has plenty of talent with skilled backcourt teammate Ricardo Washington providing a key portion of the duo. Moreover, BJ Bryant had a lot of success at the 1A level with NFL Yet and was frequently seen ripping down the rim at Inspire courts for his first three years of high school. Bryant adds another dynamic to this team as well.
Further, Nyjeir Andrews Nyjeir Andrews 6'5" | PF Cesar Chavez | 2020 State AZ gives the team more athleticism and size. Chavez has as much talent and athleticism as anyone in 6A and could make a run to the state title.
4. Perry
Perry stumbled out of the gates but they are looking strong and more and more like the team that everyone expected them to be. Further, the group has been aided by the return of Jalen Williams, who sat out briefly with an injury, and Kyle Patterson, who was out due to football.
With these two prospects back in the mix, Perry is finally at full strength. This group is extremely dangerous with Dylan Anderson Dylan Anderson 7'0" | C Perry | 2022 State #88 Nation AZ and Carter Van Hammond Carter Van Hammond 6'9" | C Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ providing the team with plenty of length as well.
This team has the skill and length needed to win a state championship at this level. As the season continues to progress, expect Perry to get better and better. They will be in the mix for the state title once the season is all said and done.
5. Chandler
Chandler has been one of the most surprising teams in the state thus far. This is a solid team who have found a way to win tough games early on. They have key wins against Liberty, Cesar Chavez, Hamilton, Skyline, and Mountain Pointe.
The group has a good mixture of youth and veteran leadership. Vean Simon and Isaiah Somers have played meaningful roles as seniors. Without their production, Chandler is not in this spot.
With that said, two underclassmen who have been solid for Chandler are Carson Kelly Carson Kelly 5'8" | PG Chandler | 2021 State AZ and Mekhi Mason Mekhi Mason 6'4" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2022 State AZ . Kelly is the 2nd leading scorer for the team while averaging 4.3 assists per game. Mason is not having as much success, but the freshman is productive and competing for the group.
While Chandler has more work to do in order to win a state championship, this group has shown that they can play with anyone in the state.