Phoenix Phall Phace-Off: Soph standouts
September 18-20 I attended Justin Vargas Phoenix Phall Phace-Off. The AAU event had 15U-17U divisions with 4-5 teams in each division. The teams that competed in the event that I viewed were: AZ Firestorm 2023, 2022 and 2021 AZ Legends…
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Continue ReadingSeptember 18-20 I attended Justin Vargas Phoenix Phall Phace-Off.
The AAU event had 15U-17U divisions with 4-5 teams in each division.
The teams that competed in the event that I viewed were:
AZ Firestorm 2023, 2022 and 2021
AZ Legends 2022
AZ Prime 2022 and 2021
AZ Select 2023 UAA
AZ Supreme 2023 EYB
AZ Tucson Select 2022
NM D1 2023 UAA
PAL Elite 2021
The Show 2022 and 2021
Tucson Prospects 2021
Here were some of the soph standouts I viewed:
Donovan Black PF 6’5 Onate (NM) (New Mexico D1 2023 UAA) (Pictured)
-A super athletic and long forward. He is an above the rim athlete that stays active throughout a game. He blocks shots, he can rim run and is a quick second jump to corral rebounds. Most of his points come in the paint but he is starting to extend his range out to the perimeter. He could be a nice sleeper from New Mexico!
Cody Williams Cody Williams 6'8" | SF Perry | 2023 State #25 Nation AZ Perry (AZ Supreme 2023)
-A long and lean bigger guard is one of the better all-around defenders in the class. He can defend out on the perimeter and is incredible inside despite his thinner frame to blocking shots and rebounding in traffic. He made good reads and can hit the catch 3. Like a typical soph he can get stronger but he is getting better scoring in the lane with a good handle and using those go-go gadget arms to finish.
Jason Fontenet Jr Jason Fontenet Jr 6'6" | CG Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State #255 Nation AZ St. Mary’s (AZ Supreme 2023)
-A physical scoring PG has a great body and a sturdy frame. His skill keeps improving. His mid-range pull-up is probably his best skill currently but his range has extended and is now hitting his 3’s easily. He is a good rebounding guard and tough defender.
KJ Perry KJ Perry 6'2" | SG Hillcrest Prep | 2024 CA-S Gilbert (Firestorm 2023)
-An active and athletic guard who defends multiple positions and a stud in transition. He seems to glide in the air in traffic. He is one of those players who scores it in many ways without being an elite shooter. He does make shots from mid to the 3pt line but is best using his natural gifts of speed and athleticism to score the ball in the lane.
Seydou Tamboura Seydou Tamboura 6'7" | PF St. Mary's | 2023 State AZ St. Mary’s (AZ Supreme 2023)
-A defensive power forward who is super athletic and fluid. He is very active on defense and he is a way above rim athlete. He runs the floor like a wing and his skill isn’t too behind. He can definitely keep improving his face up game but he made one 3pt shot and his IQ is quickly growing.
Kota Benson Kota Benson 6'0" | PG Mesa | 2023 State AZ Baboquivari (AZ Tucson Select 2022)
-A true PG with a great feel for the game. He is a next level passer and the lefty is very crafty to score it with either hand. He is a streaky 3pt shooter but can rattle them off when he is on. He is a natural driver with his tight handle and will either finish or drives and kick it out to an open shooter, which he does often. His court vision, competitiveness and improved shooting makes him arguably the top soph from the Tucson area.