4A Region Preview: Southwest
There are a couple of clear favorites in the Southwest region while their is plenty of opportunity for others to contend to be in the top 3 in this region. With 44 teams spread throughout the 8 regions in 4A…
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Continue ReadingThere are a couple of clear favorites in the Southwest region while their is plenty of opportunity for others to contend to be in the top 3 in this region. With 44 teams spread throughout the 8 regions in 4A and only 16 teams making the state tournament, teams will need to find a way to make it into the top 2 or 3 in their region if they are going to have any chance of making the state tournament.
Southwest Top 3
Estrella Foothills – Despite losing their two leading scorers from a team that won 29 games last season, Estrella should not miss a beat. This group has a number of high IQ players who play team first basketball. None of the returners will be more important than 2018 Grant Greabell. Greabell is one of the best shooters in the state, and he plays with a competitive fire that will be contagious to the rest of the team. His leadership and ability to fill it up will be the starting point for a team that should be contending for the 4A state title. In addition to Greabell, look for 2017 Ricky Robinson and Sammy Harris to play big roles in this teams success. One of the few concerns for this team is that they did not go very deep into their bench last season. If they can find some role players who make positive contributions, this team should make some noise this season. At this point, they are the favorite to win the Southwest region.
Buckeye Union – Buckeye had an extremely strong season last year, and they will return some of the key players from that group as well as have some talented incoming players. The first player on every opponents scouting report should be 2017 Jacob Jefferson. Jefferson is a talented player who possesses size, skill, and an ability to shoot the basketball. He plays aggressively on the offensive end and competes well on the glass. Moreover, look for contributes from a number of the returning role players from last years group like 2017 Elias Anderson. Also, 2020 Zay-ontay Boothman is one of the most talented freshman in the 2020 group, and he should have a strong year for this team. It will be interesting to watch as Estrella and Buckeye seem to be the top two contenders for the Southwest region.
Gila Ridge – Depth was one of the biggest strengths for this group last year. Even though they have graduated a couple of key contributors, it is hard to ignore the number of players who are returning and ready to play a role immediately. The spot for number three in this region feels a lot more open than one and two, with that said, the veteran leadership of Gila Ridge has them slighted to finish in the top half of the Southwest region. 2017 Cameron Scudder, Anthony Rodriguez, and Josh Rouse will need to continue and improve upon their strong play from last year in order for Gila Ridge to maintain their spot in this region.
Southwest Best of the Rest
Youngker – Look for Keandre Livingston, Marcos Mejia, and Dalvin Redhouse to make on impact with this group. Much like Gila Ridge, they will have the majority of their team back this upcoming season.
Southwest Players to Watch
Grant Greabell 6’3 PG/SG 2018 Estrella Foothills
Ricky Robinson 5’11 PG 2017 Estrella Foothills
Sammy Harris 6’0 SF 2017 Estrella Foothills
Jacob Jefferson 6’6 PF/C 2017 Buckeye Union
Elias Anderson 5’11 PG/SG 2017 Buckeye Union
Za-Ontay Boothman 6’0 PG/SG 2020 Buckeye Union
Cameron Scudder 6’5 PF 2017 Gila Ridge
Anthony Rodriguez 5’8 PG 2017 Gila Ridge
Josh Rouse 6’2 SF 2017 Gila Ridge
Damian Miller 6’2 SF 2018 Yuma
Erick Flores 5’9 PG 2019 Yuma
Keandre Livingston 6’3 SF 2017 Youngker
Marcos Mejia 5’10 PG 2017 Youngker
Dalvin Redhouse 5’10 PG/SG 2018 Youngker