4A Rankings: 1.0

<p>While many seem to think that it is a foregone conclusion that Shadow Mountain will win the 4A state title, there are plenty of teams who adamantly disagree. In fact, 4A has some of the best teams in the state with a number of challengers who are capable of doing more than giving Shadow a run for their money. Our 4A rankings highlight some of the teams who could make some noise by season's end.</p> <h2>4A Rankings: Top 5</h2> <h2>1. Shadow Mountain</h2> <p>Shadow Mountain's only lose to this point is to Pinnacle. This group is as good as it gets. <strong>Jovan Blacksher </strong>and <strong>Jaelen House </strong>are household names at this point. While they have received their due attention, there are plenty of other prospects capable of getting the job done as well.</p> <p><strong>Shemar Morrow</strong>, <strong>Devontes Cobb</strong>, and <strong>Jalen Williams </strong>are all skilled enough that they could be the top prospects on many varsity rosters in AZ. Between these five, Shadow Mountain will be one of the toughest teams in the state and in the nation.</p> <p>Blacksher and House are two of the top guards in the state. Further, they have solid prospects to aid them in their journey back to the national championships.</p> <h2>2. Deer Valley</h2> <p>While it is unlikely that anyone will beat Shadow Mountain, Deer Valley is one of few teams that could give them a run for their money. <strong>Johnny Diaz </strong>is the leader of the group, and he plays with a confidence that is rare. He is not afraid to go toe to toe with anyone in the state. His leadership and ability to create for himself and his teammates makes him a huge asset to this group.</p> <p>Diaz is not alone on this journey as there are multiple other prospects who play vital roles to this group. <strong>Jackson Leyba </strong>aids in running the show for the team. He is a high IQ point guard who brings toughness and an ability to win 50/50 balls to the court. </p> <p><strong>Brandon Savage </strong>is once again quite improved. The lengthy and athletic big man provides the team with a post presence on both sides of the basketball.</p> <p>Further, <strong>Jaret Allen</strong>, <strong>Jalen Allen</strong>, and <strong>Malcolm Jackson </strong>provide the team with wings who are versatile offensively and defensively. This is one of the most well-built teams in the state. </p> <p>It might be an unpopular opinion as last year's Deer Valley team was stacked, this years group has the potential to be better.</p> <h2>3. Salpointe</h2> <p><strong>Majok Deng </strong>and <strong>Evan Nelson</strong> obviously run the show for the group. Deng is a stat sheet stuffer who has found a nice grove as an athletic 3 and D type prospect.</p> <p>Nelson, on the other hand, is the playmaker. He has improved his ability to let it fly from deep. Further, he can get into the paint at will and makes great decisions. He is also in an elite category of guards, which includes Blacksher, in terms of using on-ball screens.</p> <p>While these two are as potent of a duo that there is in 4A and in the state, the team has plenty of other weapons back from last year's state championship lose.</p> <p>At this point, <strong>Jordan Gainey </strong>and <strong>Grant Weitman </strong>have stepped up substantially for the group. This team has weapons and will be in the mix in February. </p> <h2>4. Buckeye</h2> <p>Buckeye might be the most dangerous team in 4A. They have plenty of skill and weapons. Further, they play with a fearless mentality. It is far from a foregone conclusion that Shadow Mountain will walk away with the 4A state title as Buckeye, Deer Valley, and Salpointe all play tough and are not afraid to play anyone.</p> <p><strong>Otis Frazier </strong>and <strong>Tay Boothman </strong>are the two prospects who get the most attention on this team. Both guys can fill it up in a hurry while Frazier is extremely versatile defensively as well.</p> <p>While these two get plenty of love, there are other guys on this roster who make the team special and scary. <strong>Adam Hamilton </strong>is one of the most under-rated big men in the state. He is a game changer for this team that provides Buckeye with a mismatch nightmare.</p> <p>Further, <b>Xavier Hall </b>is a work horse who is willing to do all of the little things needed to make Buckeye win. Lastly, <strong>Isaiah Marin </strong>is finally eligible and is one of the top 2019 point guards in the state. This group has a lot of talent and potential. It would not be surprising in the slightest to see them make a run for the 4A state title.</p> <h2>5. Catalina Foothills</h2> <p>Catalina Foothills is one of the best teams in the state. That does not necessarily mean the most talented. These guys play hard and do all of the little things that makes teams be successful. They are bought in to competing at a high level which will give them a chance in any game that they play.</p> <p>Further, <strong>Carson James </strong>is extremely skilled and demonstrated as much last year. He is back this year and performing at a high level once again. James will be the go to prospect for Foothills down the stretch. His ability to create will largely determine how much success this team has.</p> <p>James is not alone on this mission as Foothills plays solid team ball. It is also worth noting that <strong>Hayden Moser</strong> is back and aiding in leading the charge. While there does appear to be separation between the top four and everyone else, Foothills is far from being out of the conversation as potential David and Goliath stories.</p> <h2>4A Rankings: Best of the Rest</h2> <h2>6. Seton Catholic</h2> <h2>7. Amphitheater </h2> <h2>8. Peoria</h2> <h2>9. Estrella Foothills</h2> <h2>10. Dysart </h2>