5A Region Preview: Northeast Valley
The Northeast Valley Region should be quite competitive with an Arcadia team that is only one year removed from playing for a state title and has many returners back, a Paradise Valley team that made it to the semifinals, and…
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Continue ReadingThe Northeast Valley Region should be quite competitive with an Arcadia team that is only one year removed from playing for a state title and has many returners back, a Paradise Valley team that made it to the semifinals, and one of the state’s top projected teams in Chaparral. This should be a great group to keep your eye on as a prep hoops fan as there are a number of college bound prospects.
Northeast Valley Top 3
Chaparral High School
All that needs to be said about a Chaparral team that was loaded with talented juniors who will be returning for their senior campaigns – loaded. The group will be led by talented guards JT Thoman and Colten Kresl. These two are certainly up there in the top backcourt category in the entire state. In addition, add some of their talented shooters and role players to the mix with Trey Checkett and Jalen Foster, it is easy to see why this team is the immediate favorite to have a good season and win the Northeast Valley Region. Moreover, look for SF/PF Kai Fletcher to round out the lineup and provide a much needed physical presence in the paint and on the glass. If this team is able to come together, they should have a very strong season as they have all of the necessary pieces to make a deep run this season.
Arcadia High School
Two years ago, a talented Arcadia team was able to make it to the state championship. Last year, the talented group did not go quite as far; however, they did have a successful 18 win season. Much like Chaparral, the team returns the vast majority of their pieces. One of the most talented guards in the state, Max Moses, hopes to lead this team to another good year. Moreover, he will have the help of returning versatile forwards Aiden Weber and Matt Burton. In addition to this talent group of three, Arcadia returns many of its essential role players from last year. These guys are completely capable of winning the Northeast Valley region and making a deep run in the state tournament. Keep an eye on this group as they are disciplined and their mistake free basketball can cause havoc for opposing teams.
Paradise Valley High School
Unlike Arcadia and Chaparral, Paradise Valley did lose many key players from last year. However, this is the type of program that does not rebuild, they regroup. If talented guards like Tashon Brown and Terriq Tshaka back to run the show, this team should be in a position to be successful. In addition, the team had a number of Sophomores who were able to make their way on to the Varsity court last year. They certainly have a lot of spots to fill due to their loses from last year. With that said, it is more so a matter of who steps up rather than if they will step up. Expect the leadership of their talented backcourt to lead them as others figure out their roles on the Varsity level.
Northeast Valley Best of the Rest
Notre Dame Prep – Look for Sophomore Griffin Bryant to make a lot of noise this coming season. In addition, Notre Dame plays physical and with a high basketball IQ. This group is capable of doing some damage in this tough league.
Northeast Valley Players to Watch
Terriq Tshaka 5’9 PG 2017 Paradise Valley
Tashon Brown 5’11 PG 2018 Paradise Valley
Max Moses 6’0 PG 2017 Arcadia
Aiden Weber 6’3 SF/PF 2018 Arcadia
Matt Burton 6’3 SF/PF 2018 Arcadia
Colten Kresl 6’2 PG 2017 Chaparral
JT Thoman 6’2 PG/SG 2017 Chaparral
Kai Fletcher 6’7 PF 2017 Chaparral
Jalen Foster 6’0 SG 2017 Chaparral
Trey Checkett 6’5 SG/SF 2017 Chaparral
Nathan Gorsuch 6’0 PG 2017 North Canyon
Austin Jackson 6’6 PF 2017 North Canyon
Griffin Bryant 6’6 SF/PF 2019 Notre Dame Prep