Rankings Update: 6A
The 6A season is almost at its conclusion. The picture for the state tournament is becoming more and more clear. Below are the top 5 teams in 6A at this point in the season. 1. Pinnacle While Pinnacle suffered an…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A season is almost at its conclusion. The picture for the state tournament is becoming more and more clear. Below are the top 5 teams in 6A at this point in the season.
1. Pinnacle
While Pinnacle suffered an early lose this season to Mountain Pointe, they have largely been the most consistent team in 6A. At this point, everyone is more than aware of what Arizona signee Nico Mannion can do. While Mannion has played at the high level that was expected of him, the play of the other prospects around him has been monumental to Pinnacle getting back to the top of 6A and looking like the top team in the state.
Unfortunately, the group took a huge hit when Jordan Mains was unable to finish the season, but the others picked up the slack. Trent Brown has been one of the most consistent performers in that regard. His ability to shoot the basketball from deep has been vital to the team’s success.
Further, Tosh Baker has provided the team with a consistent big man presence on the block while Marcus Libman has added another knockdown shooter who has a high basketball IQ and is a stout on ball defender. This team has everything needed to make a big run and get a second ring.
2. Mountain Pointe
Mountain Pointe has had to deal with their own adversity this season. However, adversity allows others to rise to the challenge and impress. That is exactly what Khalid Price has done. He has been talked about by many within the Arizona basketball community as being one of the most underrated prospects in the state.
In addition to Price, DeAndre Henry has performed at an extremely high level for the team. The big man has turned into a versatile double double machine who is still a handful on the block. His potential is through the roof, and he is still growing.
Further, Senior transfer J’Saan Strover has provided the team with consistent scoring. The team has needed this added scoring threat and looks like they have their rhythm back after beating Chaparral at Chaparral.
3. Chandler
Chandler has had plenty of talent the past couple of years and they look like they are reaching their peak with this group. They have a balanced scoring attack that makes it hard for opposing teams to guard them.
Carson Kelly’s strong play has been vital to the team’s success to this point. In addition to leading the team in scoring, despite only being a sophomore, he is also finding ways to make impact plays for his teammates. When he gets into the paint, he makes great reads and puts his teammates in spots where they can have success.
Further, Vean Simon and Isaiah Somers have provided the team with production as well as senior leadership. Chandler looks poised to make some noise in the post season.
4. Cesar Chavez
TyTy Washington is the primary reason why the team is in this spot. He is scoring the basketball at an extremely high level. He is unafraid of anyone and demonstrating that he is capable of scoring the basketball against anyone.
In addition to Washington, Cesar Chavez has plenty of talent. One of the other talented players on this roster is Ricardo Sarmiento. Sarmiento is one of the top defenders in 6A and a capable shooter from deep. Further, he has a high IQ and makes those around him better.
As if Washington and Sarmiento are not enough of a duo, Chavez has a number of skilled and athletic prospects in the front court who will make them dangerous in the state tournament. This team will be a top out in the one and done format.
5. Chaparral
Chaparral has had a huge season and put the state on notice. After last year, in which they squeaked into the 5A state tournament, the group has moved into 6A and had far more success.
Alem Huseinovic led the group in scoring last year and has done the same this year. He is a versatile scorer who is capable of putting up numbers using multiple spots on the floor. In addition to Huseinovic, Alec Bryan, Jordan Josephs, and Blaise Threatt have played huge roles for the team.
All three prospects are averaging over 10 points per game. However, they all provide more than scoring. Threatt is a more than capable defender. Josephs is a double-double machine who aids the team in controlling the rebounding battle. Lastly, Bryan is a do it all. He scores the basketball, passes it well, and contributes on the glass.
This group has multiple guys capable of making a huge impact.