Top-140 most impactful in AIA: 45-52
The next in the ’Top-140 most impactful in AIA’ countdown, we look at numbers 45-52. Remember, these are not player rankings but how much they impact their team along with the talent they go against during the season. As…
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Continue ReadingThe next in the ’Top-140 most impactful in AIA’ countdown, we look at numbers 45-52.
Remember, these are not player rankings but how much they impact their team along with the talent they go against during the season.
As we head into the Top-50, notice that there are:
33 2021 players
13 2022 players
and only 4 2023 players
These four sophs-to-be are obviously very impactful for their age. Two of them are listed below.
Here are the next eight:
Ringo Aguek Ringo Aguek 6'7" | SF Ironwood | 2022 State AZ (Ironwood)
-We talked about some of the breakout candidates in 5A and Aguek may be the favorite. He is freaky long and skilled and seems to grow by the month. He’ll fill some of the void left over from Dominic Gonzalez Dominic Gonzalez 6'3" | SG Ironwood | 2020 State AZ , Trent Hudgens Trent Hudgens 6'0" | PG Ironwood | 2020 State AZ , David Teibo David Teibo 6'4" | PF Ironwood | 2020 State AZ and Jaden Glass Jaden Glass 6'6" | PF Ironwood | 2020 State AZ graduations.
Damarion Pouncil Damarion Pouncil 6'7" | PF South Mountain | 2022 CA-S (South Mountain)
-One of the top shot blockers in the AIA will be moving up to 6A. He affects games without scoring. He avg 5.4 points 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.
Kota Benson Kota Benson 6'0" | PG Mesa | 2023 State AZ (Baboquivari)
-One of the aforementioned freshman had a monster season. He was arguably already the best player in 1A with some gaudy stats of 21.4 points 7.2 assists 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game. He carried his team to the Final-4 this year.
Andrew Camacho Andrew Camacho 6'1" | CG Peoria | 2023 State AZ (Peoria) (Pictured)
-One of the other freshman is already the heart and soul of the team. He led the state in charges plus 14.7 points 2.5 assists 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He has that inner toughness that his teammates follow suit with advanced skill.
Garrison Phelps Garrison Phelps 6'6" | SG Saint Marys Catholic | 2022 State AZ (St. Mary’s)
-The two-way high flyer keeps showing you glimpses why some believe he has some of the most upside in his class. He is long and athletic with an improving jumper. There are a lot of mouths to feed on this team, but Phelps will definitely get his share.
Joe Kelsey Joe Kelsey 5'10" | PG Desert Ridge | 2021 State AZ (Desert Ridge)
-The sharp shooter will take on the brunt of the offense with four starting seniors graduating with Brennan Armijo Brennan Armijo 6'4" | SF Desert Ridge | 2020 State AZ Caleb Alonso Caleb Alonso 6'5" | SF Phhoenix Prep Post Grad | 2021 State AZ , Devon Windham and Ryan El-Awar. Kelsey avg 13.5 points 2.7 assists 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals.
Elijah Thomas Elijah Thomas 6'5" | SF Skyline Prep | 2022 AZ (Valley Vista)
-Another one of my breakout players for 6A. He just keeps evolving his game every season. He avg 10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds and look for him to possibly double his points and rebounds totals.
Tampa Scott Tampa Scott 5'10" | PG Gilbert | 2021 State AZ (Gilbert)
-Another breakout candidate in 5A could be Scott. A slew of stud seniors graduate with Griffin Lamb Griffin Lamb 6'8" | PF Gilbert | 2020 State AZ , Brycen Long Brycen Long 6'2" | CG Gilbert | 2020 State AZ , Paul Maldonado Paul Maldonado 6'0" | CG Phhoenix Prep Post Grad | 2021 State AZ and Jaqwuan Myles Jaqwuan Myles 6'0" | PG Gilbert | 2020 State AZ . Tampa avg 7.7 points 1.9 assists and 1.25 steals with 56% from the 3pt line. With more opportunity comes more of an impact next season.