4A Breakout POY Candidates: AIA
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As the season starts this week with the Thanksgiving holiday tournaments, I want to give my conference breakout player of the year predictions for 4-6A. Either a player who is just coming into his own, getting more playing time, just moved…
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Continue ReadingAs the season starts this week with the Thanksgiving holiday tournaments, I want to give my conference breakout player of the year predictions for 4-6A. Either a player who is just coming into his own, getting more playing time, just moved into town or has been hampered by injuries.
Here are my breakout player of the year candidates for 4A:
Ryan Calcaterra Ryan Calcaterra 6'2" | PG Thunderbird | 2024 State AZ Thunderbird (Pictured)
He already had a few big games in the summer and fall and looks to carry his team into the playoffs. He is an easy scorer with longer arms. He plays with a high IQ, he can shoot it with range and has a good feel to make plays.
Isaiah Berg Isaiah Berg 6'7" | PF Mica Mountain | 2024 State AZ Mica Mountain
A burly power forward keeps growing his game and size. He is pushing six foot-seven and has impressive length and bounce. He runs the court, scores through contact, can shoot it plus controls the glass. He will also challenge his opponents to alter or block shots.
Jake Centner Jake Centner 6'5" | SF Flagstaff | 2024 State AZ Flagstaff
A recent breakout performance at the Top 250 EXPO ignited his season and his upside for the year. He can score it from all three levels but his shooting is one of the best in the class. He can make deep shots off the catch or pull with a fluid handle.
Hayden Turberville Hayden Turberville 6'7" | PF Moon Valley | 2024 State AZ Moon Valley
It is hard to get size in the AIA, insert Turberville. He will bring a physical presence to the court with his wider shoulders and sturdy frame. He can shoot it to the three, rip through and score through contact. He will board plus score on put backs.
Logan Martinez Logan Martinez 6'0" | PG Salpointe Catholic | 2024 State AZ Salpointe Catholic
A pure point guard who should have his coming out party this season. With a deep pool of talent at SC every year, some have to wait to shine. It should be Martinez year. He can thread the needle with his court vision and has a tight handle and skill to shoot it from mid to the three.
Brandon Walker Brandon Walker 6'7" | PF Coronado | 2023 State AZ Coronado
Another player with good size in the AIA. He is a fluid mover with long arms to rim run, rebounds and block shots. I think with another year under his belt, he will just naturally be a tougher player to handle and make some noise in 4A.
Owen Bell Owen Bell 6'6" | SF American Leadership Academy-Gilbert North | 2024 State AZ ALA-Gilbert North
Not really well known by some, but he has great size, skill and fluidity. He can step out and shoot it to the perimeter plus score inside with good hands. His interior defense helps the Eagles, as they are a little undersized, with blocks and rebounds. He can switch on a guard showing off his mobility.