6A Preview: Southwest Region
There are a number of talented players in the Southwest region. It should be a fun group to watch as a number of these players were impact players in 2016. Here is a cheat sheet for all you need to…
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Continue ReadingThere are a number of talented players in the Southwest region. It should be a fun group to watch as a number of these players were impact players in 2016. Here is a cheat sheet for all you need to know about the 2016-17 Southwest Region.
Southwest Top 3
La Joya High School
With four of their five leading scorers back from last season, La Joya looks poised for a big season. At point guard, they will feature long, athletic, and often under-rated Tre Mitchell. His basketball IQ, ability to dictate the tempo of the game, and versatility make him a threat at all times. In addition, look for 2017 Quincy Smith to follow up a 17 point junior season with another big year. This team plays solid defense, runs their sets well, set good screens, and play together. They have good mixture of a team that understands how to run an offense that will put defenders in bad positions and an offense that allows their play makers to make plays. This is prevalent in their top three returners shooting percentages as all four of these returners shot it over 50% last season from inside the 3. It will take a tough group who can force mistakes and capitalize on La Joya’s few mistakes to beat this group. This team is the early favorite to win the Southwest region.
Westview High School
Prior to last year, Westview touted some of the best team’s in the state. It is important to note the word team rather than talent. These young men play hard, play together, and do a lot of the little things that are necessary to be successful. Although their record did not look tremendous last season, the group lost 10 games by 10 points or less. Westview lost some key talent from last year; however, they had plenty of underclassmen talent and some key juniors returning. Specifically, look for 2019 D’maurian Williams, who is arguably the best underclassmen guard in the state, to have a break out season. He is shooting the basketball at a higher rate and making better decisions in key moments of basketball games. In addition, one man’s lose is another man’s gain as 2017 Brenden Van Dyke figures to be a key transfer for Westview as he brings size, length, and versatility to the group. This could be a very talented team, and I would not be surprised in the slightest to see them make a run for the Southwest region title.
Millennium High School
Do not look at last year’s record as any indication as to how talented this team will be this next year. This group featured primarily returners with only one Senior on the roster. Although there are a number of players whom other teams should have on their scouting report, look out for 2017 Habib Argoundade, 2017 Keeshawn Cobb, and 2017 Morningstar Takapu. Argundale was last year’s leading scorer and he features good quickness and change of pace as well as a solid jump shot; however, Takapu is the game changer for the team. He plays with a lot of energy and provides size that most teams cannot match. Despite his height, he gets up and down the court very well and crashes the glass regardless of his spot on the court. If Millennium’s talented guards find ways to get him touches frequently and in positions where he can be successful, this team has the talent to do more than just win the Southwest region.
Best of the Rest
Copper Canyon– Canyon will have a young team this year, but they have plenty of talent, and they will be led by talented 2017 Treyvon McCray.
Players to Watch
Tre Mitchell 6’3 PG 2017 La Joya
Quincy Smith 6’1 SG 2017 La Joya
Tyrese Stevenson 6’2 SG 2017 La Joya
Malique Mollette 5’9 PG/SG 2017 La Joya
D’Maurian Williams 6’3 G 2019 Westview
Josh Tafoya 5’10 PG 2017 Westview
Brenden Van Dyke 6’8 PF/C 2017 Westview
Habib Arogundade 5’9 PG 2017 Millennium
Keeshawn Cobb 6’1 SG 2017 Millennium
Morningstar Takapu 6’7 PF/C 2017 Millennium
Treyvon McCray 5’11 PG 2017 Copper Canyon
Trey Johnson 6’1 PG 2017 Tolleson