Team Previews: #9. Desert Vista
Head Coach: Tony Darden
Affiliation: AIA, Division 1, Section 1
Top Dog(s): Tarik Cool (6’1″, G, SR); Caleb Simmons (6’5″, G, JR)
Sleeper: Noah Baumann (6’4″, G, JR)
Notes: With the losses of their two go to players Brandon Clarke and Quincy Taylor the Thunder definitely took a hit. However they return two very important cogs from last year’s 2nd place team in Tarik Cool and Caleb Simmons. Cool is a 6’1″ guard that controlled the offense for DV last season. Simmons, a sizey wing, is a lockdown defender with the ability to make shots. One player that really developed his skillset over the off season is Noah Baumann, a 6’4″ junior who played a minimal role last season. His playmaking abilities in transition could prove to be a major factor for the Thunder’s success this year. On the interior a pair of sophomores — 6’9″ Steele Bennett and 6’6″ Christian Anigwe — will be counted on for steady minutes. Both have versatility as Bennett can knock down outside shots and Anigwe, a high major athlete, can put it on the floor and defend multiple positions. Desert Vista certainly reloads with talent and, though they may be a year away from their pinnacle, they certainly have a great shot at success this season.