Southwest Basketball Camp: Top AZ Seniors

Tuesday and Wednesday myself and Justin Vargas put on the 3rd annual Southwest Basketball Camp at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ. Many highly competitive games including the All-Star games.   Here were some of the standout seniors from AZ: Logan Phillips SF 6’7 160 Valley Christian -He was balling out all 6 games played. He can play nearly any position but is probably best as a bigger small forward. He is still growing and hasn’t had the chance to start filling in his body. Outside of that, he affects the game in so many ways. He handles the ball like a guard and can break a man down when he gets the right matchup he wants. He is mostly an all-left scorer but is effective with it. He shoots it from anywhere effortlessly and sees the court well. Despite his thinner frame he can get into traffic and rebound the ball plus the long lefty can throw it down above the rim. Devon Brooke F 6’7 200 American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek -Easily the most unique player in attendance and one of the most in the state. He plays essentially as a big point forward with a great frame/build. He was my best passer at the camp and just understands little nuances like a PG to get players open. He gets by his defender with a decent burst but changes speeds and once in the lane, he can make anyone better. He also has NBA 3pt shooting range. He has a high release, he could get it off a little faster, but when he is aggressive with it, he is consistent. He does play conservatively at times and want him to be more aggressive but it’s his nature to play in the team flow and make others look good. He is probably a better defender closer to the basket then in space but seemed to get better as the two days went on. His best skill is taking the ball off the glass and then pushing it to make a play. He will be one of the reasons that ALA has a chance to win state this year. Tanner Poeschl PF 6’6 185 Skyline -Long, fluid and athletic forward made a name for himself. His transition game is incredible and can dunk anything near the basket. He moves like a wing with great length. He has a lot to offer. He closes out to shooters well, rebounds in and out of his area and can block shots at a good rate. He can make a catch-3 and rip through and finish above the rim. At only 185 is thin but once he fills in, he is another talented player. (Pictured) Anthony Garza PF 6’7 185 Shadow Ridge -High motored forward has nice upside. He is starting to face-up more consistently from the perimeter. The best part of his game is his ability to defend many positions and rebound at a high level. His relentless pursuit to get the ball and keep plays alive make his game. He can switch on a ball screen and doesn’t need the ball or need to run plays for him to score. Terrence Green PF 6’6 185 Carl Hayden -Another athletic forward. He caught many alley-oops during the 2 days and runs like a guard. His transition game and ability to defend many positions makes him valuable. He won’t create a lot of offense for himself outside of ripping through with his right hand but he showed signs of making catch mid-range jumpers. He looked good doing it and comfortable. He will rebound out of area and if he can stay consistent with his jumper, he will be a nice get. Trent Hudgens PG 6’1 163 Moon Valley -Skilled and fast shooter. He defends his position with elite lateral quickness and he can rattle off deep 3’s. He also can get into the lane and finish with left or right hand. He will have to be more consistent but he had some big games and is capable of running your team. Dyson Lighthall C 6’8 235 American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek -Post player had the best hands in the camp. He is highly skilled and strong. He is very hard to move in the post. He can face-up to the 3pt line and in. He has a polished hook shot and drop step moves to score it in the post. He outlets the ball well after he corrals the rebound. Caleb Alonso SF 6’6 175 Desert Ridge -Another top-tier shooter. The lefty has a consistent stroke and gets hot quickly. He uses his long strides and length to drive it to the hoop and score it. He rebounds the ball well in his area and creates some offense for himself off the dribble. He is probably best off the catch and will need to fill in his body moving forward. Jackson Risi SG 6’1 177 Valley Christian -Lights out shooter will be a specialist wherever he goes. He has become stronger in the last year and more athletic. He gets his shot off maybe faster than anyone in the class and from well behind the 3pt line. He squares up quickly and lets it fly. He can do the 1-dribble pull-up but is best off the catch. He is also improving his defense and ball handling plus court awareness. He will be taken by a college clearly for his shooting. Anthony Giliberto PF 6’7 215 Paradise Valley -Another very good shooter. He easily had the quickest shooting release at the camp from all the forwards. He is good from mid to the 3pt line. He is mostly a face-up scorer and lacks strength in his base to fight more deep in the paint currently. He plays a smart game and rebounds well in his area. He can dunk the ball and the long shooter has nice upside as he has improved leaps and bounds in the last two years. Zeke Thompkins SF/PG 6’5 190 Apollo -Super active and long defensive wing. He loves attacking gaps in the defense and has long strides to get in the lane and finish through contact. He can defend many positions from the 1-4 and is a very good passer. A true play-making point forward type who handles the ball well. He doesn’t shoot the ball well and the lefty has a lower release and really needs to make strides but he clearly makes up for it on defense and play-making.