Way too Early Top 10: 4A
4A has a number of talented teams. However, it does feel as though there are four primary contenders followed by some very talented teams. In addition to having talented teams, 4A features some of the top individual talent in the state. Below are our far too early 4A Rankings.
4A Top 5
1. Shadow Mountain
Shadow Mountain lost some very talented prospects. Namely, the group loses Marcus Shaver to graduation. However, the team brings back to of the best guards in the entire state, Jovan Blacksher and Jalen House. These two guards are big time prospects due to their high basketball IQs. They both make their teammates better and have a knack for making game changing plays. Further, the group adds skilled transfer Shemar Morrow Shemar Morrow 6'4" | SF Shadow Mountain | 2020 State AZ . The youtube sensation, due in large part to his crazy dunking abilities, will bring a tremendous amount of athleticism to the group. One of the most under-rated prospects on the team who was crucial to the success of the team was Darion Spottsville. Morrow will most like have to fill in Spottsville’s versatile role if the team is able to maintain their #1 ranking. Despite the amount of skill and the top tier coaching and training of Coach Mike Bibby, this group will not have a clear shot to the 4A state title. This is a top heavy division with some other team’s who legitimately have their eyes on the prize.
2. Salpointe Catholic
Salpointe Catholic lost some key pieces. However, they bring back quite possibly the most versatile prospect in the entire state, Majok Deng. Deng has the potential to lead 4A in every major statistical category, points, steals, assists, rebounds, and blocks. Further, the team will receive the assistance of standout 2020 prospect Evan Nelson Evan Nelson 6'1" | PG Salpointe | 2020 State #184 Nation AZ . Nelson brings more length and a great feel for the game at the point guard position. His ability to manage the tempo of the game and put players in positions to be successful will benefit Deng greatly. If Salpointe is able to get their role players to perform at a high level, Nelson and Deng bring enough star power to win a state championship.
3. Estrella Foothills
Estrella Foothills was led last season by Grant Greabell. This top tier shooter has improved his game even more since last season. Although they will lose solid guard play, Nick Masi returns and has the ability to play a bigger role. Masi is a solid one-two punch with Greabell as far as knock down shooters are concerned. In addition, Foothills will benefit greatly from Shaun Walhstrom transferring into the program. Due to the elite level shooting, Walhstrom will be able to man the middle with reluctant double teams. His ability to score on the block and play on the wing makes him versatile and a huge addition to this team. Between these three prospects, teams will have an extremely difficult time guarding Foothills.
4. Catalina Foothills
Catalina Foothills is very much in the race for the 4A state title. One of the biggest reasons that they must be taken seriously is Sam Beskind. Beskind is one of the top point guards in the entire state. He is a highly skilled shooter who has a very balanced game. Further, his size makes him a match-up nightmare for opposing guards. In addition to Beskind, the group returns region award recipients Carson James and Phoenix Katz. James and Katz will only be juniors and will hope to keep Foothills relevent past this year. However, they will need to play big minutes this year in order for the team to reach their potential. In addition to three mentioned players, the group also returns All-Region II team honoree Spencer Lewis. There is definitely a case to be made that Catalina Foothills returns the most proven talent out of any team in the top 4 for 4A.
5. Walden Grove
This might surprise some people due to their 13-12 record. However, this group returns their top 8 players. If Catalina Foothills has the most returning talent in the top 4, Walden Grove has the most returning talent in all of 4A. In addition to bringing back the solid guard play of brothers Chase and Conner Verdugo, the team also has skilled wing Anthony Saunders. These 3 prospects accounted for almost 70% of the scoring last season. Moreover, many teams who return this much talent often times do not reach their potential due to egos. However, watching this group this summer, they play team basketball. They play extremely hard and are not afraid of anyone. The basketball does not stick to hands as they try to get everyone involved. This group could be the most surprising and improved team in all of 4A.
4A Best of the Rest
6. Buckeye
Players to Watch: Otis Frazier, Tay Boothman Tay Boothman 6'0" | PG Buckeye | 2020 State AZ , and Elias Anderson
7. Cactus Shadows
Players to Watch: CJ Nnorom and Jake Benci
8. Moon Valley
Players to Watch: Jok Jok and Gabe Lee
9. Higley
Players to Watch: Jason Harris Jason Harris 6'7" | PF Higley | 2020 State #242 Nation AZ and Nate Cundiff
10. Tempe
Players to Watch: Kameron Spivey-Johnson and Naseem Vigil