Region Preview: 4A Skyline
As 4A regions go, the Skyline region has arguably the best collection of individual talent in the state. With the defending state champions back and retooled to try to defend the title and some teams ready to dethrone them, this…
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Continue ReadingAs 4A regions go, the Skyline region has arguably the best collection of individual talent in the state. With the defending state champions back and retooled to try to defend the title and some teams ready to dethrone them, this is a region to keep a close eye on. Here are the projected top 3.
Shadow Mountain – The backcourt trio of Jovan Blacksher, Jaelen House, and Marcus Shaver, who has returned to Arizona, will lead this squad as they try to repeat a state title performance. The difference from last year, the losses of Michael Bibby and JJ Rhymes, the team’s go to players from the past couple of years. While losing such talent would be a step back for most teams, for Shadow Mountain, it is just the beginning of a new era. Blacksher and House are two of the top players in the 2019 class and they have something that no other team possesses in Mike Bibby as a coach. Arguably the greatest Arizona high school player of all time, a University of Arizona legend, and a longtime NBA veteran, Bibby has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he can pass down to his young guards.
St. Mary’s – KJ Hymes will have a mismatch every night. When you can start with that, you are in good shape as a team. Outside of Hymes, they return the bulk of their team from last season that went 17-12 and only graduated one senior. Always well coached, the Knights are capable of knocking anybody off on a given night.
Cactus Shadows – While they lose Nick Potthoff, their leading scorer, they return Dannon Docktor and a host of supporting players that are ready to fill a bigger role.
Saguaro and Thunderbird round out the teams in the 4A Skyline region
Projected Region Champion: Shadow Mountain
Projected Player of the Year: Jaelen House (Shadow Mountain)
Notes: Jared Martin should have a breakout season for a Saguaro team that loses a lot from last season and might struggle.