Arizona 4A All-Tournament Team
The 4A state tournament was exciting like always and featured a number of candidates who stepped up and were deserving of being on the 4A All-Tournament Team. With that said, Shadow Mountain did what everyone expected – win. They were crowned the state champion for the 2 second time in 3 seasons. In addition to having a former NBA player as their coach, Mike Bibby, they have plenty of talent as well. Below is our list of standouts from the 4A state tournament.
4A All-Tournament Team
MVP
Marcus Shaver 6’3 PG/SG 2017 Shadow Mountain – Shaver, who transferred to Shadow Mountain after a year of prep school basketball, was a huge part of the historic run that Shadow Mountain had. He brought another threat and dynamic to the team due to his ability to score the basketball at an alarming rate. He is one of the best players in the state at pulling up off of the dribble. Moreover, at times, it feels as though he does not have a “range”. He can flat out shoot the basketball from anywhere. His ability to make plays and shoot the basketball at a high percentage made this Shadow Mountain that much more dangerous.
1st Team All-Tournament
Jaelen House 6’1 PG 2019 Shadow Mountain – House’s ability to impact the game in a number of ways continued to be on display in the state tournament. Furthermore, he is one of the best, if not the best, players in the state at anticipating on the defensive end. His ability to create plays on that end of the floor usually translates to him getting a bucket or an assist in transition. His high basketball IQ as well as skill set make him a dangerous player, especially considering he is only a sophomore.
Jovan Blacksher 6’1 PG 2019 Shadow Mountain – Yet another incredible sophomore for Shadow Mountain. Blacksher’s basketball IQ is off of the charts. His ability to create for himself as well as others is incredible. He does not get rattled when he puts his head down and attacks the rim. He keeps his head up and finds where the help side has come from. His decision making is incredible. Moreover, Blacksher will continue to be a top tier name and player for the rest of his high school experience.
Majok Deng 6’5 SG/SF 2019 Salpointe Catholic – This 1st team group adds yet another sophomore to the mix as Majok Deng was outstanding for the majority of the state tournament. Despite a difficult state championship game against Shadow Mountain, Deng was crucial to the advancement of Salpointe to the state championship. In fact, in this run to the state title game, Salpointe had to beat fellow region foe Catalina Foothills despite losing to them twice earlier in the season. Deng’s athleticism and balanced attack on the offensive end make him a nightmare for opposing teams.
Cameron Miller 6’1 PG 2017 Salpointe Catholic – Although Deng had a difficult time against Shadow Mountain, Miller did his best to keep the team in the game. He always seemed to make a big time play down the stretch for Salpointe throughout the tournament. He has a solid handle, good change of pace, and shoots the basketball at an exceptional level.
Trevor Thompson 6’3 PG/SG 2017 Moon Valley – Many felt as though Moon Valley would not be able to make it past St. Mary’s. Insert Trevor Thompson – the young man had a phenomenal tournament as he did all that he could to help his team make it to the final four. Thompson is a well balanced scorer who can hurt defenses in an array of ways. He is going to be a handful at the next level.
Honorable Mention
Sam Beskind 6’2 PG 2018 Catalina Foothills
Jok Jok 6’9 PF/C 2018 Moon Valley
Mason Stark 6’2 PG/SG 2017 Marcos De Niza
KJ Hymes 6’10 PF/C 2018 St. Mary’s
Darion Spottsville 6’3 SF/PF 2017 Shadow Mountain