Region Preview: 3A East
Although the 3A East region will be competitive, there is no arguing that the top two teams in this particular region are Blue Ridge and Winslow. Both teams shoot the basketball extremely well from deep and can score it with anyone in the state. Due to this, both teams will be legitimate contenders to win this region as well as the state title.
Region Preview: 3A East
1. Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge was one of the top teams in the state last year in the 3A classification. Largely, they were able to dictate the 3A East region as well. Bad news for the teams in this region is that this group that fell short of their expectations is back. They bring back the core of a team that feels as though they should have won the state championship last year. Much like Winslow, Blue Ridge is extremely difficult to play against as every player on the floor can shoot it from deep. Mason Berges will be their go to player and will lead the team in the vast majority of the statistical categories. In addition to Berges, the group returns two of the top shooters in the state in Darrien Burnette and Corey Endfield. Between these three prospects, Blue Ridge will be extremely dangerous this upcoming season.
2. Winslow
Winslow shoots the basketball from deep as well as anyone in the state. Their ability to play fast and stretch the floor makes them a match-up nightmare for anyone in the 3A East region as well as 3A as a whole. As far as personal is concerned, the two most predominant marksmen that opposing teams will need to look out for are Ricardo Villanueva and Darius James. Both prospects get after it on the defensive end and generate turnovers while shooting the basketball extremely well from deep. Although Blue Ridge has to be the favorite in this region, it would not be a surprise to see Winslow win this region and be a serious contender for the state championship.
3. Show Low
Despite the departures of both of their team captains and all-region honorees, Show Low will still be competitive in this upcoming season. The shift for them will focus to the production of Garrett Winn and Trent Williams. Winn, at 6’5, will provide the group with length offensively and defensively. His goals will be to protect the paint and aid Show Low in winning the rebound battle. In addition to Winn, Williams will provide them with a lengthier guard. This group might not have the same success that they had last year, but they should be a contender for the state tournament.
3A East: Other Key Contributors
4. Snowflake
Key Contributors: Garrett Wood and Dylan Kay
5. Payson
Key Contributors: Julian Parker and Race Mathews
6. Holbrook
Key Contributors: Tynen Thomas