4A Region Preview: Gila
A number of the teams from the Gila region lost a good portion of their team; thus the region could be wide open depending on how the new role players step up. For the most part, teams in this region…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingA number of the teams from the Gila region lost a good portion of their team; thus the region could be wide open depending on how the new role players step up. For the most part, teams in this region finished in the .500 category last year and should come out with a lot to prove this upcoming season.
Gila Top 3
Pueblo High School – Look for this 19 win team to continue their winning ways as they return some talented prospects who were crucial to last year’s success. Robert Taylor was second in scoring and led the team in steals and assists last year. Taylor anticipates the passing lanes well and does a In addition to Taylor, Cedric Cotton will be responsible for scoring down low, cleaning up the glass, and securing the paint for this group. There are a number of teams that can contend with Pueblo for the Gila region title; however, at this point, they are the favorite due to their solid guard and forward combination.
Rio Rico High School – Rio Rico should have a very talented team this upcoming season as they have a plethora of talent returning and they will receive the services of some talented transfers. Alex Arizpe is a skilled player who can shoot the basketball at an extremely high rate. In addition, he is the leader of this team and he finds ways to contribute in an array of ways. He led the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds and will look to much of the same this upcoming season despite having plenty of assistance. Moreover, Erick Mendivil will add more length to this backcourt and an ability to attack off of the dribble. I would not be the least surprised to see Rio Rico win the Gila region, but they will have to figure out their roles early on.
Palo Verde High School – Despite losing a senior heavy roster, Palo Verde should be able to compete in this region. 2018 Solomon Fernander will be responsible for making up for many of the missing pieces. The former 3rd team selection by All Sports Tucson will have a lot of weight on his shoulders with only four returners on the varsity roster. Fernadners aggressiveness and well balanced game should assist him greatly in this new role. For Palo Verde to do more in this region, they are going to need players to step in and fill in gaps immediately.
Gila Best of the Rest
Amphitheater High School – A number of players were able to see the varsity court for this team last year, and Kerry Wilson and Kairee Doty will look to return as leaders for this group and assist them in having a successful season.
Gila Players to Watch
Robert Taylor 5’7 PG 2018 Pueblo
Cedric Cotton 6’5 F/C 2017 Pueblo
Alex Arizpe 6’3 F 2017 Rio Rico
Erick Mendivil 6’2 SG 2017 Rio Rico
Solomon Fernander 6’2 F 2018 Palo Verde
Kerry Wilson 6’2 SF/PF 2017 Amphitheater
Kairee Doty 5’11 PG 2017 Amphitheater
Jesus Lujan 6’1 SG/SF 2018 Douglas
Chris Galaz 5’10 PG 2018 Douglas