Region Preview: 4A Skyline
Transfers have helped and hurt the 4A Skyline region significantly. Shadow Mountain received a talented transfer from Illinois in Antonio Reeves. Further, Cactus Shadows will hope that CJ Nnorom, a transfer from Pinnacle, can continue to produce at a high level like he did this summer. As far as players leaving the region due to transfers, Saguaro loses Jared Martin to Prolific Prep and St. Mary’s lost KJ Hymes to Hillcrest Prep.
Region Preview: 4A Skyline
1. Shadow Mountain
Jovan Blacksher Shadow MountainShadow Mountain is not only the favorite to win the 4A Skyline Region title. Rather, they are the favorite to win the whole thing. They bring back two of the best guards, and arguably the best backcourt in the state, in Jovan Blacksher and Jaelen House. In addition to House and Blacksher, Reeves will provide a solid shooting presence and length that will help this team compete at a high level. Although this group brings back some talented guards, they lose their depth at the wing and with the bigs. However, with the way they pressure the basketball, create turnovers, and make plays; Shadow Mountain will be the favorite in every game that they play this season.
2. Cactus Shadows
Shadows is going to surprise a lot of people this season. They bring back an extremely scrappy team full of shooters. Much like Shadow Mountain, the biggest downside to this team his length. However, their ability to shoot the basketball from deep is going to spread out the defense and create driving opportunities. Jake Benci brings back the most varsity experience despite being a 2019 prospect. He is skilled and will be heavily relied upon. In addition to Benci, Nnorom looks poised to have a big season. Over the summer, he demonstrated an ability to slash and shoot it from deep.
3. Saguaro
Saguaro loses their top returning prospect due to transferring. With that said, Antonio Cuevas is capable of dictating the tempo of the offense and putting teammates in a position to be successful. He will most likely need to play a bigger scoring role and continue to get his teammates involved. In addition to Cuevas, Derek Reed will have to step up. The 6’3 SF is capable of getting on the glass and doing little things that are needed to win games. This group will be intriguing to watch as they are losing over 40 points per game of scoring due to graduation and a transfer. A number of role players will need to fill in for them to have success.
4A Skyline: Other Key Contributors
4. St. Mary’s
Key Contributors: Erick Rivera
5. Thunderbird
Key Contributors: Clarence Bozeman