Introducing the Arizona Class of 2019

It is way too early to tell at this point but early signs are pointing at a talented group for the 2019 class.

Right now there seem to be four names that have stood out among the rest early on: Jovan Blackshear, Antavion Cullom, Jaelen House, and Josh Green (alphabetical order).

Green, the brother of former Hillcrest Academy and current Mountain Ridge senior Jay Green, is a 6'4″ combo guard. Like his older brother he attends Mountain Ridge High School and is expected to be among their key players in his first campaign. Josh is lengthy with a good skill level and feel for the game. He can shoot it from the perimeter, get to the paint, and is also good at making plays for his teammates.

Blackshear, Cullom, and House are all attending Shadow Mountain High School. House, who has had the most attention thus far, is the son of former ASU and NBA sharpshooter Eddie House. Though only 5'9″ Jaelen is a feisty and aggressive competitor who's known for putting up points on the board. He shoots it with range and has an array of finishes from the mid range area. Blackshear has long been considered one of the best true point guards on the westcoast regarding middle schoolers in recent years. The East Oakland native is a skilled ball handler and passer that plays with great poise and toughness. He is also a scrappy defender. Collum is a recent import from Memphis, Tennessee. The 6'5″ wing played travel ball with Team Texas who was one of the top 14U teams in all of the United States. He is a physical player that is very good in transition. He puts the ball on the floor well and gets to the rim where he finishes through contact.

Another wing to keep an eye on is 6'4″ Salpointe Catholic small forward Majok Deng. Deng is a lengthy and athletic player with a high motor. He plays hard 100% of the time, is an aggressive defender, and looks to finish above the rim in transition.

Currently 6'7″ Ethan Spry has stood out among the interior players in this class. The Scottsdale Christian post moves well for his size, has improving footwork, and isn't afraid of contact. He competed with Arizona Stars 2018 on the travel circuit and was their key presence on the inside.

Some other early names to keep an eye on include 6'0″ Aidyn Albright (Horizon), 5'9″ Trent Brown (Pinnacle), 5'11″ Reed Myers (Scottsdale Christian), 6'2″ Veal Simon (Gilbert Christian), and 5'10″ Blaise Threatt (Chaparral).

This should be a fun class to watch develop.