Analysis: what should we expect from Marcos de Niza?
The Marcos de Niza Padres, as of December 13, had played to a 5-7 record. Though disappointing initially, there is a lot to look forward to for the Tempe-based squad. It has played a lot of close games against higher-conference teams, and has beaten most of the easier opponents. As the season rolls on, the Padres will have chances to avenge some losses, as well as prove themselves in conference play.
The 4A Desert Sky section will be one of the tougher ones in 4A, which means the Padres will have a bunch of close battles at the end of the regular season, as they attempt to make the playoffs after missing the postseason last winter.
Here are some players to keep an eye on for the rest of the season:
Torren Union:
Though he’s accepted a football scholarship after this season, Union is the undisputed leader of the squad. He is always talking, and does a good amount of the team’s ball-handling. Skill-wise, he is incredibly quick, seems to get to the rim at will, and can finish once he is there. He takes contact very well (hence the whole football thing) and can convert and-ones pretty well.
Ty Frazier:
Marcos de Niza runs the game through it’s guards, with Frazier lined up as Union’s counterpart. Frazier’s best skill on the court is his speed and quickness. In transition, teams have a hard time catching up if he even gets a single-step advantage. If he can shore up his finishing at the rim, he could become even more of a weapon for the Padres.
Tommy and Russ Lingruen:
If you were to ask, I’d guess these two guys would like to be recognized individually, but they have really similar styles on the court. Having played together on club teams, their chemistry passing the ball back-and-forth, as well as setting screens, is exactly what you’d expect from twins. Neither are entirely too tall, but start at the forward spots, where they have a size disadvantage on defense. However, some of that is made up with their hustle, and ability to wear opposing forwards out with movement on their offensive end and good shooting.
JJ Hill:
Hill is the one true big man of this group. Listed at 6-foot-5, he’s probably actually an inch or two taller. He is the team’s best rebounder, using his size to box out more than leaping up and crashing the boards. He also provides some good interior defense, as he is tough to move one-on-one in the post. His tendency to get in foul trouble, as well as lose his cool, sometimes gets him in trouble, but when he’s calm and collected he is a big asset.