Team Preview: Blue Chip Nation 17U
Blue Chip Nation is in its first year as a program in Arizona, and they have made a lot of noise. They have teams at almost every age level and have found a way to be competitive. The 17U group participated in the Pangos Sweet 16 last weekend and had a lot of success. This weekend they are off. However, they will be taking the team to the Fab 48 for the last live period.
This group has a lot of length. In addition,they are a balanced team who has a solid back court, skilled wings, and solid bigs. Although Brenden Van Dyke will be moving on soon, he is a huge part of this team. His activity and ability to make game changing plays assists this team greatly. I would not be surprised to see this group have success in their last live period tournament this July.
Blue Chip Nation 17U Roster
Cole Murphy Paradise Valley 6’2″ SG 2018
Carter Coray Highland 6’6″ PF 2018
Christian Diaz Westview 6’5″ SF 2018
Darius Pearson Tolleson Union 5’10” PG 2018
Enzo Silvestro Horizon 6’3″ SF 2018
Hayden Peters Desert Mountain 6’5″ PF 2018
Kody Jones Prescott 6’4″ PF 2018
Michael Anderson Chandler 6’1″ SG 2018
Colton Patterson 6’0 PG Camelback 2019
Brenden Van Dyke 6’8 PF Westview 2017
Alonso Cortes 5’6 PG Central 2018
Blue Chip Nation 17U Watch List
Brenden Van Dyke
Van Dyke is playing as a means of getting more reps prior to leaving for his next destination. After coming off of a solid senior year in which he averaged a little under 15 points and 7 rebounds per game, Van Dyke is picking up right where he left off. He has improved his motor and provides great length on the offensive and defensive end. He has worked hard to transition to a true 4/5 on the offensive end. Van Dyke has impressed me considerably and looks ready to compete at the next level.
Christian Diaz
His coaches have raved about his defense and toughness. Diaz, who also plays at Westview, has been extremely well coached by Coach McEvoy and it shows on the court. He makes good decisions and does all of the little things that are necessary to be successful. He is a great role player who does whatever it takes to win. I love his competitive mentality.
Cole Murphy
Murphy is a skilled guard who is hoping to have a breakout senior campaign on a Paradise Valley team that brings back the majority of its players from last season. Murphy has worked to improve his consistency from deep. Moreover, I have been impressed with his commitment to the defensive end. If he continues to grow in his ability to extend the court from the 3, he will end up being a solid college basketball prospect.