King of AZ: Top Juniors
August 15th and 16th I attended Justin Vargas King of AZ tournament at Arizona Sports Complex in Phx, AZ. He had ages 15U-17U playing 4 games each in the two days. many of the top AZ AAU programs were involved plus one…
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Continue ReadingAugust 15th and 16th I attended Justin Vargas King of AZ tournament at Arizona Sports Complex in Phx, AZ.
He had ages 15U-17U playing 4 games each in the two days. many of the top AZ AAU programs were involved plus one mystery team with a lot of talent that played just for the weekend.
Here were some of the junior standouts:
Andrew King Andrew King 6'3" | CG Bella Vista Prep | 2022 State AZ Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select 16 UAA Rise)
-One of the top scoring guards in the class. He is tough to defend on the ball and rebounds well for position. He had a monster 30+ game last weekend and he’s one of those players who can carry a team. He hit a few deep 3’s from beyond the volleyball line. He can hesitate and go to the basket but is definitely best off the catch from deep.
Nathan Calmese Nathan Calmese 6'2" | PG Mesquite | 2022 State AZ Mesquite (AZ Select 16 UAA Rise)
-A smooth elite passing PG. He is big time athletic quick-twitch guard who rises up so quickly to dunk the ball. He seems to glide around the court. He blows by his defender on the norm and has great body control in the air. He makes 3’s and mid-range jumpers and he can be an extremely good defender when he is fully engaged, but he can hustle more back on defense. He plays the lanes well and can time his opponents to block their shots.
Nathaniel Knight Nathaniel Knight 6'6" | SF AZ Compass Prep | 2022 State AZ AZ Compass Prep (Firestorm 16 Gold)
-Makes it look easy when he is playing well. He can shoot it to the 3pt line then drive the lane and create his own shot and flush it down on the break. He has a quick second jump and a huge motor to rebound and keep the ball alive. He has an impressive first step for a forward and has good speed. He has a nice floater game as well.
Julian Roberts Julian Roberts 6'9" | C Bella Vista Prep | 2022 State AZ Glenview College Prep (Firestorm 16 Hunter)
-The long lefty shined again. He shoots the ball effortlessly from the perimeter with range. He never hesitates as he catches the ball and fires away. He has a real high IQ and make many subtle plays look easy. He rebounds well in his area and will block shots near him. He can put the ball on the floor some and create his own opportunities to score. He is probably best off the catch currently.
Luke Kearney Luke Kearney 6'7" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2022 State AZ Sandra Day O’Connor (Firestorm 16 Hunter)
-Another highly talented forward on the Hunter team. He is a true inside out threat. He can shoot the ball with an ultra quick release and he goes through stretches where he can’t miss. When he does work inside, he can score it with hook shots, play above the rim and on driving layups. He also is a smart passer and runs the floor well like a wing.
Chase Mayo Harmon Chase Mayo Harmon 6'2" | CG Phhoenix Prep | 2022 State AZ Deer Valley (PAL Elite 16/17)
-Yet another who backed up his strong performance at the camp. He is a consistent shooter off the catch with a very fast release and can also score it in a varsity of other ways. He rises quickly off the dribble in traffic to score and can get into the lane. He is a sneaky good passer and just seems to always play the right way and be in the right spots.
Nikko Pentelute Nikko Pentelute 6'1" | CG Gilbert | 2022 State AZ Gilbert (AZ Prime 16 Klaus)
-A tough and fearless guard keeps improving his skill and game. His pull-up from mid-range is at an all time high for him. He worked hard in the off season and it is clearly paying off. He makes 3’s and is still a physical driver using his thicker frame and build. He has become a little quicker with his handle and gets up the court faster. He is a good rebounder and a sneaky good passer.