Pinnacle Pioneers: Next Up
To say that Corona Del Sol has been the Gold Standard of Arizona high school basketball programs lately would be an understatement. Winners of four of the last five state titles, the one playoff loss came in the quarterfinal in…
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Continue ReadingTo say that Corona Del Sol has been the Gold Standard of Arizona high school basketball programs lately would be an understatement. Winners of four of the last five state titles, the one playoff loss came in the quarterfinal in last year’s playoffs without star guard and first team All-Division 1 selectee Saben Lee. Among the favorites to win this year’s 6A state championship, their excellence continues. However, as in all good things, this too will come to an end. Losing Casey Benson is OK when Dane Kuiper takes over. The following year, his graduation left the program in good hands with Tyrell Henderson as the senior captain. What happens when the confetti clears, win or lose, this year? Alex Barcello will depart to Tucson where he will compete for playing time as a freshman at Arizona. Saben Lee will be at Vanderbilt, where he will have the chance to showcase what a dynamic player he is. Freshmen Dalen Terry and Eric Blackwell have potential and promise, but are not ready to step in immediately and fill the void left by arguably the two best players currently competing in the AIA. Waiting in the wings is a program that has been consistently good, but ready to be great.
Next Up
The Pinnacle Pioneers are in a great position, as they have a team that is young, shoots the ball exceptionally well, and plays modern basketball. This past weekend, they took on a talented Findlay Prep (NV) team. Findlay is led by Kentucky signee and ESPN’s number 14 prospect in the nation P.J. Washington. Many were expecting the Pioneers to be outmatched as they gave up a ton of size and athleticism. The great equalizer proved to be the three point line, as Pinnacle remained within striking distance until the closing minutes. The backcourt of Nico Mannion and Trent Brown combined for 11 3’s on the way to 52 points. Still a young team, Pinnacle showed why they have a shot at the title this year if the young backcourt can continue that level of production.
Backcourt
Nico Mannion is a name that everyone has heard, and when you watch him play, it is obvious why. The talent is there, as he has an excellent handle and can shoot with range. What often gets overlooked is his poise and control of the game. He sees the game at the same level of a college guard already, and is very unselfish, despite his talent. Trent Brown is a player that many in the Valley have watched play since his younger days playing club ball with Monsoon. He is an absolute marksman from deep, understands angles, and has a high basketball IQ. There is no coincidence that both of these players bring a great understanding of the game. Being the sons of fathers that played at a high level, with Pace Mannion playing at Utah before six years in the NBA and Mark Brown playing at Michigan State definitely shows. Only a freshman and sophomore respectively, Mannion and Brown are likely candidates for the title of “best backcourt in the state” once Corona and Apollo graduate their decorated duos this year.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast for Coach Charles Wilde is impressive as well. Junior Mason Johnson is a very productive 6’7” interior player that operates well 15 feet and in. He appears to be a high D2 prospect. Phenom QB Spencer Rattler provides athleticism on both ends and, should he continue basketball, will be a valuable piece over the next couple of years. Another sophomore, Jordan Mains is a versatile player that provides shooting, rebounding, and defensive length. Freshman Tosh Baker is a promising prospect, as he has an impressive frame and provided solid minutes against the aforementioned Findlay Prep.
Future Outlook
Currently sitting at number 4 in the AIA 6A rankings, Pinnacle is ahead of schedule in terms of how well they are performing. Looking around the state, there are many talented players in the class of 2017 that will graduate this season and clear a path for Pinnacle to take over control of the state. Yet, these young guys are showing that they can clear their own path, and they don’t appear too interested in waiting to do so.