3A Region Preview: East
The East region features some of the top teams in the state from the past season; however, there are many key players who have graduated from those programs. Although there are some favorites, this region could easily be up for…
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Continue ReadingThe East region features some of the top teams in the state from the past season; however, there are many key players who have graduated from those programs. Although there are some favorites, this region could easily be up for grabs.
East Top 3
Winslow High School – Returning 2017 Rory Billie and 2017 Nathan Hollins look to continue to lead a 20 win team from last season to another successful season. This region is full of teams that had good seasons last year, but lost many key contributors. At this point, Winslow has to be the favorite to win the east with these solid players and a couple of other key returners. Look for Winslow to have a solid year in 3A East.
Blue Ridge High School – Despite only winning 11 games last season, Blue Ridge returns two of its top players in Mason Berges and Darrien Burnette. Berges, despite only being a sophomore, managed to average a little over 16 points per game. He might be the best scorer in this East region and Burnette is more than a quality counterpart. It would not be a surprise to me to see this 11 win team from the previous year improve that record to the point that they are making state and contending for the East region title.
Snowflake High School – Life without their 3 seniors from last year, with Kurt Wood being the biggest loss, has began. Despite winning 30 games last season, there are some huge holes in this roster with their departures. However, Snowflake plays a smart and physical brand of basketball that enables them to be in any game that play. While it might take them time to figure out the new roles and placements, Snowflake will surprise many people this year and follow up that 30 win season with a solid year.
East Best of the Rest
Holbrook – Much like Snowflake, Holbrook lost some key senior leadership and will need new faces to fill big spaces immediately in order to maintain their successful ways. Look for Elliot Pete and Hayden Kinlichee to step up and play premier spots for this team.
East Players to Watch
Rory Billie 6’0 PG/SG 2017 Winslow
Nathan Hollins 5’11 PG/SG 2017 Winslow
Mason Berges 6’3 SG 2018 Blue Ridge
Darrien Burnette 5’11 PG 2019 Blue Ridge
Dallien Chapman 5’11 PG 2017 Snowflake
Trey Schneider 6’4 C 2017 Snowflake
Elliot Pete 6’3 F 2017 Holbrook
Hayden Kinlichee 5’11 PG/SG 2017 Holbrook