Top juniors in 6A Region: Central
We are all still hopeful for the HS season will happen. If it does take place in the fall or maybe even the spring, I want to take a look at the top players in each region plus make some…
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Continue ReadingWe are all still hopeful for the HS season will happen. If it does take place in the fall or maybe even the spring, I want to take a look at the top players in each region plus make some way too early rankings.
This region also lost a lot of talent but still have some of the top AIA players in the state! The two 6A finalists from last year will battle again in Ahwatukee. The next two of Hawks and Jaguars will be in the mix all year long. The Aztecs are probably a year away with a younger core and the Bulldogs may have some breakthrough games.
Let’s more over to the 6A Central region predictions followed by the top players:
1. Mountain Pointe
-Coach Price has one of the more talented rosters in state. They did lose two good senior guards but have size and a slew of top-tier guards.
2. Desert Vista
-Coach Crump lost arguably the best AIA player in the state to graduation plus multiple younger players transferred to preps. He still has good guard depth and talent. They may add a couple out of state transfers, but I will just comment on their current roster.
3. Highland
-Coach Fazio surprised many with an incredible season. He has a deep guard pool with shooters. Always a good combination.
4. Desert Ridge
-Coach Ream had one of the older teams last year but still had a lot of juniors and they are ready to make their own stamp on next season as seniors.
5. Queen Creek
-Coach Bobik unfortunately lost rising senior Preston Thompson and maybe even lost Calvin Gustafson Calvin Gustafson 6'7" | PF Mountain View | 2021 State UT to transfer out of state but still have some good players left plus added two talented transfers.
6. Corona del Sol
-Coach MacDonald lost two of the better AIA guards to graduation and have a very young core with depth.
Top juniors:
Anthony Jaramillo Anthony Jaramillo 5'10" | CG Mountain Pointe | 2022 State AZ (Mountain Pointe)
-A skilled guard who can shoot it and makes plays for others. He will be factor to take pressure off of Kimbrough Jr and the soph guards.
Dasean Lecque Dasean Lecque 6'0" | CG Bella Vista Prep | 2022 State #207 Nation AZ (Desert Vista)
-One of the most gifted scorers in the region and AIA. He is a walking bucket from all 3 levels. He may have an even bigger workload without their star graduate and a couple who transferred to different schools.
Tayan Thompson Tayan Thompson 6'4" | PF Desert Vista | 2022 AZ (Desert Vista)
-A strong power forward who loves facing up to the 3pt line. He can hit the mid-range jumper and uses his wider shoulders and length to rebound the ball.
Daylyn Martin Daylyn Martin 6'2" | PG Desert Vista | 2022 State AZ (Desert Vista)
-A quick scoring lead guard was a stud on JV last season with their deep roster of talent. After some transfers and graduations, Martin will need to step up and provide much needed depth. It wouldn’t shock me for him to come off the bench and be a top-3 scorer as a super-sub.
Terrance Dixon Terrance Dixon 6'8" | PF Bella Vista Prep | 2022 State AZ (Desert Vista)
-A freaky long and uber athletic forward. He was another JV player and has some of the highest upsides on the team. He is a touch the top box type of athlete and flies in transition. A true rim runner who is just scratching the surface. With the possible loss of Solomon, he may be inserted into the line-up and see how he does.
Isaiah Velez PG 5’8 (Desert Vista)
-A pure PG with a tight handle. He can survey a court and find the open man. He has good speed with the ball and pushes the rock in transition. He can score it from inside and out.
AJ Riggs AJ Riggs 6'2" | SG Highland | 2022 State AZ (Highland)
-One of the top shooters in the region and in the AIA. He was my top rising junior shooter and will stretch the floor to open up space for his teammates to drive. He has a super quick release and is very consistent with it. He may lead them in scoring next season.
Mason Knollmiller Mason Knollmiller 6'2" | SG Highland | 2022 State AZ (Highland)
-Another talented rising junior for the Hawks can score it as well. He is more of the athletic driver then the pure shooter. He can defend his man and compliments Riggs perfectly.
Matix Arnett Matix Arnett 6'1" | PG Highland | 2022 State AZ (Highland)
-We have the shooter, the driver and now the pure PG. Arnett transferred over from MTV but will sit 9 games. He is consistently making plays for others and can score it getting to the rack.
Quinn Thorne Quinn Thorne 6'0" | PG Corona Del Sol | 2022 State AZ (CDS)
-A cerebral pure PG who can really shoot it. He does not get sped up and puts the ball on the floor with confidence. He always seems to make the correct read and has an easy 3pt stroke.
Peyton Beauer Peyton Beauer 6'5" | PF Corona del Sol | 2022 State AZ (CDS)
-Super bouncy forward who springs up quickly. He rebounds well in his area and will block shots out of his area. He is just starting to improve his offensive skill.
Brandon Lee Brandon Lee 6'0" | CG Corona Del Sol | 2022 State AZ (CDS)
-A sturdy framed guard who is very physical. He shoots it well but loves getting into the lane to draw contact and scoring through it with his strength. He is more of a natural driver/slasher. He will also make intelligent plays for others.
Raydon Thorson Raydon Thorson 5'11" | PG Phhoenix Prep | 2023 State AZ (Queen Creek)
-Arguably the top junior passer in the region and one of the top in all of the AIA. He makes next level reads with ease. He has a quicker burst, a super tight handle and his shooting keeps getting better. His pull-up off the dribble is turning into a weapon and he can shoot the 3.
Keegan Bunker Keegan Bunker 6'0" | PG Queen Creek | 2022 State AZ (Queen Creek)
-Another pure PG for the Bulldogs. Bunker can take pressure off of Thorson and be that secondary ball handler and facilitator. He can also score the ball.