Top-140 most impactful in AIA: 15-21
The next in the ’Top-140 most impactful in AIA’ countdown, we look at numbers 15-21. Remember, these are not player rankings but how much they impact their team along with the talent they go against during the season. A lot…
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Continue ReadingThe next in the ’Top-140 most impactful in AIA’ countdown, we look at numbers 15-21.
Remember, these are not player rankings but how much they impact their team along with the talent they go against during the season.
A lot of these players in the end can be put in different rankings for the final-36, but now I am looking for players who are putting up stats while winning games. Not an easy task to do. Most will have one or the other.
Here are the next seven:
Trenton McLaughlin Trenton McLaughlin 6'5" | SF Basha | 2021 State AZ (Basha) (Pictured)
-Of the top shooters in the state will have even a bigger workload without Landon Schumaker Landon Schumaker 6'6" | PF AZ Compass Prep | 2023 AZ . Trenton averaged 18.2 points 3.6 rebounds 1.9 assists and 1 steal per game. He is a big game scorer and will need it all next season to go deep in the playoffs. The Bears were the #9 seed this season.
Nathan Calmese Nathan Calmese 6'2" | PG Mesquite | 2022 State AZ (Mesquite)
-One of the top scorers in the state last season and he will be one of the top scorers coming back in 4A. The smooth guard makes the game look easy. He averaged 22.1 points 2.5 assists 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He was on an almost all senior team with the #6 seed in 4A last year and he will have to carry the Wildcats many games. Don’t be surprised to see him lead the state in scoring.
Will Menaugh Will Menaugh 6'10" | C Catalina Foothills | 2021 State AZ (Catalina Foothills)
-‘Big Will’ is starting to turn the corner and demand respect down in Tucson with his size and strength. He averaged 14 points 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per game in only about half of the game since they had so many blowouts last season. They are moving up to 5A and will be challenged more. The Falcons were the #3 seed in 4A last year and lost a tight game to eventual state champs Salpointe Catholic in the Final-4. (SC only loss of the regular season was to Catalina Foothills.)
Isaiah Freeney Isaiah Freeney 6'0" | PG South Mountain | 2021 State AZ (South Mountain)
-The scoring two-way guard was one of the top guards in 5A last year. He averaged 15.6 points 3.8 assists 5.3 rebounds and an impressive 3.3 steals per game. They are moving up to 6A and will be one of the top teams. The Jaguars were the #4 seed in 5A last year.
Nate Pickens Nate Pickens 6'3" | CG Az Compass | 2022 State AZ (Paradise Honors)
-One of the top 3A teams are moving up to 4A next year and are ready for the higher competition led by many top guards. Pickens averaged 16.4 points 2.1 assists 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. The guard is just a bucket after he was eligible from his transfer. The Panthers were the #4 seed in 3A last year.
Carson Kelly Carson Kelly 5'8" | PG Chandler | 2021 State AZ (Chandler)
-The slick scoring guard had a huge season. He averaged 19.3 points 5 assists 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. When Kelly is playing well, it is hard to beat the Wolves. They were the #7 seed in 6A this season and look to be a top-5 team.
Isaiah Broady Isaiah Broady 6'8" | PF AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State AZ (Chandler)
-Kelly and Broady will be a tough tandem to handle in 6A next season. He averaged 10.5 points 4.3 rebounds 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. His versatility to play the 2-4 is very valuable for the Wolves for a possible deep playoff 6A run.