Region Realignment: 6A Southwest
The 6A Southwest Region might have the most interesting realignment of any region as they lose their region champ, La Joya, but one of the best team’s in the state, Sunnyslope. La Joya ran this region as they went 10-0…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A Southwest Region might have the most interesting realignment of any region as they lose their region champ, La Joya, but one of the best team’s in the state, Sunnyslope. La Joya ran this region as they went 10-0 in the region. While it is hard to say that a region will get better when a team like that leaves, this region did exactly that as Sunnyslope is the real deal. Further, many of the teams in this region were led by youthful talent last year. This region will be an extremely competitive region.
Teams Out: La Joya (2019-2020 Record: 22-4, 10-0)
Teams In: Sunnyslope (2019-2020 Record: 23-6, 9-3)
Copper Canyon (2019-2020 Record: 4-24, 0-10)
Jerome Jackson and Didier Iradukunda have the most returning experience of any of the prospects on the roster. Both of these guys played valuable roles for the team last season. Jackson shot the basketball at an extremely high level as he hit nearly two a game at almost 40%. The team returns multiple role players as well which should aid them with being improved next season.
Shadow Ridge (2019-2020 Record: 14-12, 7-3)
Shadow Ridge took second place in this region last year. However, they have the most turnover of any of the teams in this region. Luke Arington Luke Arington 6'3" | SG Shadow Ridge | 2022 State AZ had the biggest role of any of the returners. With that said, he played a reserve role in comparison. This group will have to replace its five leading scorers as well as its leaders in assists, rebounds, and steals. This is no short task in a region where many teams are bringing back established prospects and Sunnyslope is on the horizon.
Sunnyslope
In addition to being the favorite to win this reigon, Sunnyslope is in the conversation for being the favorite to win the 6A state championship. This team will have a good blend of speed and size as well as physical play.
Carson Basham Carson Basham 6'10" | C AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State AZ led the team last year and recently committed to Pepperdine. He will man the middle once again and provide the team with inside scoring as well as a rim protector. Oakland Fort Oakland Fort 5'9" | PG Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ uses his blazing speed and athleticism to create for himself as well as his teammates. Malcolm Olexa provides the team with another speedy and skilled guard while Grady Lewis Grady Lewis 6'7" | PF Sunnyslope | 2021 State AZ and Elijah Saunders Elijah Saunders 6'8" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ aid the team with more size and scoring on the block. This team is really well built and will be tough to beat by anyone in this region or in the state.
Tolleson (2019-2020 Record: 8-17, 2-8)
After finishing second to last in this region last year, this team looks poised to compete at a higher level. As noted earlier, it will not be easy due to the amount of returning talent. However, they do have the pieces to compete at a higher level.
Michael Parris led the team in scoring as well as assists last year. His ability to create for himself as well as his teammates made a 1st Team All-Region prospect last year. He will look to improve upon that performance and push Tolleson to a higher level. In addition to Parris, the team has Vari Hogan. Hogan steps into his sophomore year after gaining a lot of needed experience on the varsity level. This team will be much more competitive.
Valley Vista (2019-2020 Record: 13-15, 6-4)
Like Tolleson, Valley Vista brings back a good portion of their talent. Unlike Tolleson, this team finished 3rd in the region and already demonstrated that they can have success in this region. With the amount of talent that Shadow Ridge lost, Valley Vista should believe that they are the next man up in terms of competing with Sunnyslope.
Dwight McKnight Dwight McKnight 6'1" | PG Valley Vista | 2021 State AZ , Aadem Isai Aadem Isai 6'1" | PG Valley Vista | 2023 State AZ , and Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'5" | SF Skyline Prep | 2022 AZ had a lot of success for this team last season.Thomas provides the team with good length and athleticism as well as shooting from the wing. Further, McKnight and Isai provide the team with guards who can connect from three and touch paint. This team will be extremely competitive, not just in this region. Look for them to make some noise in the state tournament.
Westview (2019-2020 Record: 13-13, 5-5)
JJ McCain represented this team on 1st Team All-Region. While leading the team in scoring, he demonstrated that he is a capable creator for his teammates and that he can get after it on the glass. McCain is the heart of this team. As he goes, this team will go next season.
Reama Brownlee also demonstrated that he is a capable role player last year. He led the team in rebounding despite only being 6’3. This team will be in the mix once again, but they will have obstacles as the region is improved from top to bottom.