Region Preview: 3A Central
The 3A Central region is loaded with Globe, Florence, and Coolidge leading the way. In addition to these three teams, American Leadership Academy may have lost their top prospect from last year. However, they will still be ready to compete. BJ Burries is the most likely candidate for player of the year and is one of the biggest regions why Globe is the favorite to win this region.
Region Preview: 3A Central
1. Globe
Globe has the advantage of bringing back the best player in the region and potentially in this entire classification. BJ Burries is a threat from everywhere on the floor. He is willing and able to pull it from anywhere past halfcourt. Further, he does a good job of getting into passing lanes to create turnovers and easy scoring opportunities for himself. When playing against Burries, it is not about how many points he will get. Rather, it is about how many shots he is forced to shoot in order to score. Burries will also have the assistance of
2. Florence
Florence and Coolidge are the most likely contenders to Globe for an opportunity to claim the 3A Central region title. Youth did not bother Florence last year and it will be one of the reasons why they have a lot of success in this upcoming season. Rarey Sommer is a double-double machine. In fact, he logged 15 of them last year. The 6’6 big man will be one of the only true posts in this region who has the height and size to potentially play a summer position at the college level. Sommer will also have the help of a number of talented returns. Jared Wood will be one of those prospects who Sommer’s relies heavily upon. Wood runs the show for the group and does a great job of getting Sommer involved on the block. Keep an eye on Nick Tucker and Aaron Chapple as well.
3. Coolidge
Coolidge returns one of the most dangerous scorers in the league in Jovann Thompson. Despite only being 6’2, he averaged nearly 19 points and 6 rebounds per game. Thompson gets his work done in the paint and provides a dangerous scoring threat for Coolidge. The 1st team All-Region prospect will be crucial to the success of Coolidge. Coolidge will also have Jordan Hinojos, who crashes the glass well and will aid in creating a physical culture for Coolidge against opponents. Coolidge might lack some outside shooting, but they are going to win the rebounding battle more often than not.
3A Central
4. American Leadership Academy
Key Contributors: Anthony Gonzalez and Bujon Boyd
5. Benjamin Franklin
Key Contributors: Cameron Bender and Adam Martin
6. Safford
Key Contributors: N/A