Top sophs in 6A Region: Central
We are all still hopeful for the HS season will happen. If it does take place in the fall or maybe even the spring, I want to take a look at the top players in each region plus make some…
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Continue ReadingWe are all still hopeful for the HS season will happen. If it does take place in the fall or maybe even the spring, I want to take a look at the top players in each region plus make some way too early rankings.
This region also lost a lot of talent but still have some of the top AIA players in the state! The two 6A finalists from last year will battle again in Ahwatukee. The next two of Hawks and Jaguars will be in the mix all year long. The Aztecs are probably a year away with a younger core and the Bulldogs may have some breakthrough games.
Let’s more over to the 6A Central region predictions followed by the top players:
1. Mountain Pointe
-Coach Price has one of the more talented rosters in state. They did lose two good senior guards but have size and a slew of top-tier guards.
2. Desert Vista
-Coach Crump lost arguably the best AIA player in the state to graduation plus multiple younger players transferred to preps. He still has good guard depth and talent. They may add a couple out of state transfers, but I will just comment on their current roster.
3. Highland
-Coach Fazio surprised many with an incredible season. He has a deep guard pool with shooters. Always a good combination.
4. Desert Ridge
-Coach Ream had one of the older teams last year but still had a lot of juniors and they are ready to make their own stamp on next season as seniors.
5. Queen Creek
-Coach Bobik unfortunately lost rising senior Preston Thompson and maybe even lost Calvin Gustafson Calvin Gustafson 6'7" | PF Mountain View | 2021 State UT to transfer out of state but still have some good players left plus added two talented transfers.
6. Corona del Sol
-Coach MacDonald lost two of the better AIA guards to graduation and have a very young core with depth.
Top sophs:
Tru Washington Tru Washington 6'3" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2023 State #61 Nation AZ (Mountain Pointe)
-A stud transfer by way of Cesar Chavez will most likely sit 9 games but sure to make serious noise when he plays. He has grown a little and his skill has become more polished in the last few months. He will always get out on the break and throw it down. He also can defend the 1-4 in HS making this defensive minded team even better. A huge gain for the Pride moving forward.
Mark Brown Jr Mark Brown Jr 6'2" | PG Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State AZ (Mountain Pointe) (Pictured)
-A scoring lead guard may be given the reigns to the team next year and may even handle a lot of the duties this season next to star senior Kimbrough Jr. Either way, he will score it from all 3 levels and make plays for others. He is extremely strong and can get into the lane plus pull-up off the dribble from mid to the 3pt line. He is one of the tougher PG’s since Jovan Blacksher.
Brandon Trilli Brandon Trilli 6'5" | SF Munster | 2023 State IN (Desert Vista)
-A long forward was terrific on JV as a freshman last year and may be thrown into more varsity playing time next season with the loss of 3 forwards. He can shoot it to the 3 but is best around the hoop. He will be important off the bench.
Isaac Kaps Isaac Kaps 6'0" | PG Highland | 2023 State AZ (Highland)
-The younger brother of senior PG Derick will keep adding minutes each season. He is yet another top Hawks guard in their deep group. He is athletic like Derick and can defend his position plus shoot it from the perimeter.
Noah Peterson 6’2 F (Highland)
-A strong forward may provide important minutes up front where they are thin. He will grab rebounds and keep possessions alive.
Oliver Hinder Oliver Hinder 6'8" | C Corona del Sol | 2023 State AZ (CDS)
-The new era of hoops started at CDS with some talented youth. They had a few good classes in a row trying to recover from losing studs like E. Blackwell, A. Irvin and previously big guard D.Terry. Hinder is front and center with this group and he will be thrown into the line-up and try to do some damage. He is super thin and needs to get stronger, but he seems to grow by the month and has impeccable timing blocking shots and rebounding. He also has a nice touch around the hoop.
Brandon Turner PG 5’10 (Queen Creek)
-A stud transfer by way of NYC. He played where the NY legends played of Stephen Marbury and Sebastain Telfair at Lincoln HS/NY. He is their cousin and with new coach Ethan Telfair (Sebastian little brother) added to the fold, he gets to coach his little cousin. According to Queen Creek head coach, he has a talented handle and speed. High upside for the rising soph.