2A-3A Standouts this year
Some of the smaller Conferences may not have the overall talent as 6A or 5A but there are many standouts in 2A and 3A that I viewed during the season. Let’s look back and revisit those players. I am only…
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Continue ReadingSome of the smaller Conferences may not have the overall talent as 6A or 5A but there are many standouts in 2A and 3A that I viewed during the season. Let’s look back and revisit those players.
I am only mentioning players I viewed.
3A:
Dyson Lighthall Dyson Lighthall 6'8" | C American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek | 2020 State AZ (American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek)
-The strongest and tougher match-up problems from inside and out. Very good hands, skill from the 3pt line and a high IQ. He was named Region POY.
Devon Brooke Devon Brooke 6'7" | SF American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek | 2020 State AZ (American Leadership Academy-Queen Creek)
-A unique player with great size and passes the ball like a point forward. Shoots 3’s with range and was named Region Offensive POY.
Logan Phillips Logan Phillips 6'7" | SF Valley Christian | 2020 State AZ (Valley Christian)
-The Purdue-Northwest commit had an amazing 2-year run for the Trojans. A nice blend of shooting, athleticism and ball handling at almost 6’8.
Jackson Risi Jackson Risi 6'1" | SG AZ (Valley Christian)
-Top-notch shooter has volleyball line range and a super quick release. Can now take the ball to the basket or pull-up from mid-range.
Jerry Iliya Jerry Iliya 6'5" | SF Paradise Honors | 2020 State #491 Nation AZ (Paradise Honors)
-A downhill athletic terror had a productive year for the Panthers. The “Nigerian Nightmare” was a fun watch and was Region POY.
Blessing Nwotite Blessing Nwotite 6'2" | SG Paradise Honors | 2022 State AZ (Paradise Honors)
-Uber athletic scoring guard defends just about everyone on court from power forwards to PG’s. An invaluable asset to have for Coach Hettel.
Scott, Pickens and Bell will terrorize 4A next year!Jalen Scott Jalen Scott 6'3" | PG Paradise Honors | 2021 State AZ (Paradise Honors)
-The best passer in the AIA coming back next year will be Scott! Finds players in traffic and is starting to make shots from the perimeter. His defense is also next level.
Nate Pickens Nate Pickens 6'3" | CG Az Compass | 2022 State AZ (Paradise Honors)
-A true shot maker can create for himself and others. Just a “bucket”.
Wyatt Bell Wyatt Bell 6'2" | CG Paradise Honors | 2021 State AZ (Paradise Honors)
-Knock down shooter committed to his dream school Air Force. He will have a big year next year.
2A
Hunter Ruck Hunter Ruck 6'9" | PF Rancho Solano Prep | 2020 State #484 Nation AZ (Rancho Solano Prep)
-The UC Irvine commit had an impressive 4-year career and topped it off with Conference POY. He gobbled up every rebound and his right hand hook is automatic.
Tyson Legner Tyson Legner 6'2" | SG Rancho Solano Prep | 2020 State AZ (Rancho Solano Prep)
-A strong combo guard can shoot it with range and is just a winner. A 2-time state Champ.
Jake Taylor (Trivium Prep)
-The senior standout for the runner-up Crimson Knights has a lot of skill. My first time viewing him was at the state finals and came away impressed. He scores the ball easy with his shooting and comes with a high IQ and great feel for the game.
Matthew Fan Matthew Fan 5'11" | PG Scottsdale Christian Academy | 2021 State AZ (Scottsdale Christian Academy)
-A rare pure PG who has improved every year. He guided his team to the final-4 with his IQ, scoring and facilitating.