5 Takeaways: Week 1
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Week 1 is almost in the books. Here are 5 Takeaways from the first week of the season.
5 Takeaways: Week 1
1. Contenders and Pretenders
Deer Valley was listed in our Way Too Early Rankings. However, an upset in the round of 16 made many question whether or not this group was going to be able to connect the dots and do what they are capable of doing. This week, they showed exactly what they are capable of.
Deer Valley went undefeated this week after going through the gauntlet. In route to winning the Sunnyslope Hoopsgiving tournament, they beat Ironwood, Apollo, Liberty, and Sunnyslope. Needless to say, they had an incredible week. Bryce Davis and Deven Breckner will lead the show, but the role players are what sets this group apart.
2. Chavez Playing well with Youth
After two solid games in which Chavez demonstrated they can win with youth, they showed their youth against Paradise Valley. Chavez will have their up and downs due to their youth, but they have plenty of skill and talent. Ricardo Sarmiento Ricardo Sarmiento 5'11" | PG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ and Ty Ty Washington will be looked to greatly as freshman to lead this group. With two solid wins under their belt, Horizon and Fairfax, this group has already shown everyone that they will be just fine.
3. Stock Riser: Donovan Reagan
Despite starting the season 1-2, Reagan has done everything that he can possibly do in order to give this group a chance to win. He has scored over 20 points in all 3 games this season and is a monster on the glass. His relentless work ethic and commitment to success has been quite evident in the bulldog mentality that he brings to every game. Reagan is the real deal and competes at an extremely high level.
4. Apollo is Still Relevant
Apollo lost two NCAA D1 prospects who are competing at a high level. In a year where many thought that Apollo would take a serious step back, they look poised to do the exact opposite. Emmanuel Taban is much improved and is getting an opportunity to show what he can do with the extra touches. Further, this group is competing while still having a number of talented transfers sitting on the bench waiting their 9 games. This group will be a force in the state tournament.
5. Paradise Valley looks Stout
With the majority of their team returning, there was anticipation that Paradise Valley would be good. However, there were question marks due to the coaching change. All things added up: Paradise Valley looks good. They have started the season 3-0. Further, the most recent win being a 20 point win over Cesar Chavez. Tashon Brown has not had as much of a scoring role as he has in the past. He is playing more of a true point guard role and creating for others. Jordan Morris has been lights out in the early going as well.