5A Rankings: 1.0

<p>Below are the top teams in 5A rankings to this point in the season. 5A might have the most parity out of any classification in the state. With that said, Apollo has played like the favorite to this point.</p> <h2>5A Rankings: Top 5</h2> <h2> </h2> <h2>1. Apollo</h2> <p>While Apollo is not #1 in the Maxpreps or the AIA rankings, they are the only undefeated team left in 5A when tournaments are included. The group has big wins over Sunnyslope, times 2, and Deer Valley. Further, they have been winning in convincing fashion over anyone that takes the court with them.</p> <p>This team might have the most depth in 5A with <strong>Emmanuel Taban </strong>and <strong>Paris Woods </strong>leading the way. While those two are the top dogs, <strong>Zeke Thompkins </strong>and <strong>Demetrius Edwards </strong>look much improved. Further, <strong>Tremaine Lee </strong>and <strong>Gabriel Nyawumenya </strong>bring the team leadership, experience, and toughness.</p> <p>Lastly, <strong>Ahamed Mohamed </strong>has played extremely well for the group despite his youth. He has demonstrated that he can score the basketball at a high level.</p> <p>This team has all of the pieces needed to make a deep run in the state tournament and come home with a state title.</p> <h2>2. Ironwood</h2> <p>Ironwood was a long shot to be in this spot by many people's estimations due to losing plenty of size from last year's team. However, at this point, it looks like a blessing as the group plays all guards which has made them extremely tough to slow down. In fact, the team is averaging nearly 79 points per game.</p> <p>All five starters for the Eagles are averaging over 10 points per game. Further, they are shooting the basketball extremely well from deep. <strong>Dominic Gonzalez </strong>is leading the team in scoring, which should be no surprise as he led the team in scoring as a sophomore.</p> <p><strong>Cassius Carmichael </strong>might be the most improved player in the state as he is averaging nearly a double double and <strong>Malik Smith </strong>is providing the team with another physical and athletic presence who can score the basketball from all 3 levels.</p> <p>While those three provide the team with much needed leadership, <strong>JJ White </strong>and <strong>Bailon Black </strong>are playing huge minutes for the group despite their youth. Black is a knockdown shooter who is leading the team in assists while White is shooting the ball well from deep, guarding the best player from the opposing team, and leading the team in steals.</p> <p>Off of the bench, <strong>Jordan Kafoa </strong>has been key to the team's success due to his ability to compete on the glass and win 50/50 balls while <strong>Aaron Rice </strong>has made really good decisions with the basketball and shot it at a high level.</p> <p>This team might lack size, but they have grit and shooting to make up for it.</p> <h2>3. Gilbert</h2> <p>Gilbert might have the most impressive wins when looking only at AIA games. They have taken down Sunnyslope and Millennium. This team is not afraid to go toe to toe with the top tier teams as they have plenty of skill and length. Further, the team is well-coached and absolutely solid on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>Doc Self </strong>is the leader for the team in an array of ways. He pressures the basketball well while keeping it in front. Offensively, he gets the team into their sets and creates for himself and others while shooting the basketball at a high level.</p> <p>Self has plenty of help though as <strong>Carson Towt </strong>and <strong>Griffin Lamb </strong>provide the team with good size, length, rebounding, and scoring. </p> <p>This is one of the most well put together teams in 5A and could continue the tradition of the top defensive team in 5A winning the state title, as Sunnyslope accomplished that task the past two years.</p> <h2>4. Millennium</h2> <p>Millennium is loaded and has plenty of talent as well. They are without a doubt a contender for the title as <strong>Da'Ron Holmes </strong>might be the most versatile prospect in the entire class and one of the most in the entire state. Holmes is capable of playing on the block and on the perimeter. With that said, he looked more comfortable on the wing vs. Sunnyslope in which he hit a couple of 3s.</p> <p>In addition to Holmes, <strong>Justus Jackson </strong>is able to get into the paint at will. Jackson's ability to get paint touches mixed with the shooters that Millennium has makes them quite dangerous.</p> <p><strong>Cameron Wilder, Zach Foster, </strong>and <strong>Coleman Fields </strong>play their roles as they are knockdown shooters who lock up on the defensive end. The most impressive part of this team is their youth. They have the potential to win multiple state titles.</p> <h2>5. McClintock</h2> <p>McClintock might have the most efficient scorer in all of 5A in <strong>Josh Baker</strong>. Baker makes plays that few in the state can. His playmaking ability gives McClintock a chance in every game that they play.</p> <p>In addition to Baker, <strong>Jalen Calvert </strong>is finally healthy. His ability to protect the rim aids McClintock defensively greatly. Moreover, <strong>Armani Williams </strong>is a capable scorer who bullies his way to the rim at will.</p> <p>Further, McClintock will be aided by <strong>Chance Garland</strong>, who had to sit the first 9 games of the season due to transferring. Garland brings the team a very skilled athlete who will make this team even better.</p> <p>Lastly, at the point, <strong>Mekhi Rodgers </strong>runs the show for the group. He puts the team in positions where they can be successful and gets them into their offense. </p> <h2>5A Rankings: Best of the Rest</h2> <h2>6. Sunnyslope</h2> <h2>7. Cactus Shadows</h2> <h2>8. Buena</h2> <h2>9. Casteel</h2> <h2>10. Desert Mountain</h2>