King of AZ: Top Seniors

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 mystery team with a lot of talent that played just for the weekend.    Here were some of the senior standouts: Alden Applewhite Alden Applewhite 6'7" | SF AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State #126 Nation AZ AZ Compass Prep (Da Unknowns) (Pictured) -A long point forward who shoots it better then I thought. He has a comfortable step back 3 that looks crisp and he is super long to rebound and block shots. He can still make pin point passes but showed his ability to score it easily and plays above the rim on the break. His 3-ball was definitely clicking this weekend but his versatility to play and defend multiple positions makes him very attractive.   Isaiah Broady Isaiah Broady 6'8" | PF AZ Compass Prep | 2021 State AZ Chandler (Da Unknowns)  -Another strong weekend for Broady. He has volleyball line shooting range and makes it look easy. He has a nasty crossover creating separation from his defender then rising up to shoot it. He collects a lot of steals with his 7’0+ wingspan and is becoming a big time shot blocker. Kevin Kogbara Kevin Kogbara 6'6" | PF Skyline Prep | 2022 AZ Dream City Christian (Factory) -A skilled and powerful point forward type. He is wildly talented with his skill, strength, incredible passing ability and decent athleticism. He can hit the 3, post you up and thread the needle right in the shooting pocket of a teammate. He can improve his decision making at times.  Colin Carey Colin Carey 6'6" | SF Sunrise Mountain | 2021 State AZ Sunrise Mountain (Factory) -A bigger wing who can shoot it. He can handle the ball better and maneuver his way into the lane and score it through contact. He can spin off his defender and create his own shot off the dribble. He can power dribble and get to the cup and throw it down and jump up with impressive athleticism. He can also post up other wing forwards. Nicholas Riley Nicholas Riley 6'8" | C Phhoenix Prep | 2022 State AZ Chandler (AZ Prime Newey) -A low post beast is a turning into a load to handle deep inside. He has extremely strong hands and grabs rebounds in his area and his athleticism is slowly improving. He just does his job on the glass and is a super efficient scorer with his back to the basket. Most of his points are under the rim with hook shots and layups but he will surprise you with some powerful dunks. He is blocking shots at a higher rate then ever with his leaner body.  Trenton McLaughlin Trenton McLaughlin 6'5" | SF Basha | 2021 State AZ Basha (AZ Prime Bray) -A pure catch 3pt shooter with an ultra quick release. He can do the 1-2 dribble pull-up from the perimeter very cleanly and give hard ball fakes to get the defender off balance. He is improving as an athlete vertically with a big dunk this tourney.  Ricardo Sarmiento Ricardo Sarmiento 5'11" | PG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ Phhoenix Prep (Da Unknowns)  -The pull-up king was back. He was crisp from mid-range all weekend long and made a lot of plays for his teammates with multiple assists in each outing. He is definitely best from mid-range but was hitting the 3 off the catch as well. He gives a hard shot fake and can go by his defender. He is tough on the ball defensively and has a huge motor to compete.  Matthew Buechner Matthew Buechner 6'8" | C Chaparral | 2021 State AZ Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select Wilson) -Turning into a true post player who plays within himself with great strength and skill. He seals his man and goes to work with advanced post footwork. He is all under the rim currently, as he is still slowly coming back from his year long injury of tearing ligaments in his ankle. He can face-up from mid to the 3pt line with a high arcing shot. He holds his position well and stays up high contesting shots using his body and length without fouling any oncoming offensive players. He received an offer from Park University last weekend.