Prep Hoops Arizona Sweet 16: Bottom 8 Breakdown
The Prep Hoops Arizona Sweet 16 officially starts tomorrow. The bottom eight of the bracket will take place at Glendale Community College for the 1st and 2nd round. Below is a breakdown of the teams and their first round games.
Ironwood vs. Rio Rico 6:00 PM (GCC Court 1)
This will be a battle between two very scrappy teams. Ironwood does not have as much length as they have had in the past at the post position. However, they do have lengthy guards who can shoot the basketball.
Dominic Gonzalez is one of the top playmakers in 5A while JJ White and Bailon Black have demonstrated throughout the summer and fall that they are two of the top sophomores in the state. In addition, Malik Smith, Cassius Carmichael, and Jordan Kafoa provide the team with versatile SF-C who are mismatch nightmares on the offensive end.
As far as X-Factors are concerned, Aaron Rice has been one of the top players for the team throughout this off-season. He is a consistent shooter who has improved tremendously on the defensive end and more than willing to take charges. What this team likes in size, they make up with shooting and toughness.
Rio Rico, on the other hand, brings back some skilled youthful prospects as well. While the team last a lot of talented seniors, they bring back a number of 2020 prospects who played some varsity minutes last year. With that said, it is a 2019 prospect who will make the most noise for the team. Livan Ramos will be the top playmaker for the team. He will be responsible for a lot of the heavy lifting.
In addition to Ramos, Mario Alvarado is one of those skilled 2020 prospects who will look to make a big name for himself this season.
Verrado vs. Tolleson 6:00 PM (GCC Court 2)
Tolleson will be a little down due to Shemar Wilson playing football. However, Jimmy Causey will be ready to go and be the scorer for the team. The strong lefty will look to enforce his will and get into the paint whenever he wants to. He is strong and skilled and will need to make huge impact in order for Tolleson to move on to the 2nd round.
Verrado will be one of the more intriguing teams to watch as they are completely revamped. They have a new coach, Craig Marcus, and a young group filled with potential. Coach Marcus has noted his optimism about the group due to his high expectations for Marcell Galloway and Travis Hamilton.
This team is largely unproven. However, this team will play a unique style that will be hard to prepare for and the guys are buying in.
Williams Field vs. Hillcrest North 7:00 (GCC Court 1)
Williams Field lost some key prospects from last year’s team. However, the team brings back a number of prospects who played their roles, but are capable of Caleb Cochrane and Ti Cochrane will be a brother duo that will make a huge impact for the team this upcoming season.
In addition to these two, Williams Field has a host of underclassmen who will be ready to make an impact this weekend and this year. Tanner Crawford and Montez Taylor are the two young guys who will make some noise. Moreover, Jaden Bailey is another veteran prospect who will aid in keeping this team afloat.
Do not expect Williams Field to take a step back this season. However, they have landed a tough and intriguing first round match-up with Hillcrest North. Hillcrest North will feature Stephan Gabriel, Connor Jackson, and Payton Dickerson.
All three of these prospects have NCAA D1 offers while Gabriel has committed to Bradley. Gabriel is a long and strong guard who can get to wherever he wants to get to on the floor. Jackson, on the other hand, is a quick and crafty guard who will try to use his speed to create.
Further, Dickerson is one of the top shooters in the event. He is a knockdown shooter who can let it fly with the best of them. This has the ability to be the top match-up of the Prep Hoops Arizona Sweet 16 1st round at Glendale Community College.
Taylor Made Prep vs. Ironwood Ridge 7:00 (GCC Court 2)
Taylor Made Prep comes into this game with a mixture of high school and post-grad prospects. Recently, Taylor Made Prep went toe to toe with NAIA D1 Arizona Christian University’s Prospect team.
Taylor Made has a couple of big name prospects from the west valley. Specifically, Ajang Aguek and Cedric Bridges. Aguek was solid in his first college outing after being a stud for Factory AZ this summer. Aguek has one NCAA D1 offer with a lot of interest due to his length, motor, and toughness. Bridges complements Aguek nicely as he is a physical SF/PF. He finishes extremely well around the rim. Moreover, between these two, Taylor Made Prep will control the glass in the vast majority of their games.
As far as guard play is concerned, Tyrese Eugene played extremely well for Taylor Made. He was the top playmaker for the team as it felt like he was distributing or scoring on most possessions. Defensively, he was the top defender for the group as well.
Ironwood Ridge also comes into this game with a lot to prove. They have a new and intriguing young coach in Le’Sean Marks. Marks has brought a rejuvenated culture. The team seems hungry and ready to compete.
As far as talent is concerned, Marks is excited about the progression of 6’4 F Kolby Lathrop. He is a skilled prospect who is capable of playing huge minutes for the group. In addition to Lathrop, Trey Cox is a knockdown shooter who will extend the floor for the team.
These two will be the primary prospects for the team this weekend. They will be looked to heavily in this game in order for the team to be successful at the Prep Hoops Arizona Sweet 16.