Top juniors in 6A Region: Southwest

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 way too early rankings. This region like some others did lose some players but are still very top heavy with talent.   Let’s more over to the 6A Southwest region predictions followed by the top players: 1. Sunnyslope -Coach Portela did lose some stud seniors and two transferred out That being said he still has one of the better starting 5’s in the region and AIA. 2. Valley Vista -Coach Isai has a younger talented core coming up. He still has some nice seniors to mix in with his youth. 3. Tolleson -Coach Johnson just missed the playoffs last year and lost 9 seniors but played a deep group of freshman. Those rising sophs and one star rising senior will carry them. 4. Shadow Ridge -Coach Bohon had a good season last year and made the playoffs. They did unfortunately lose 10 seniors but have some a nice core of rising juniors who will carry them. 5. Westview -Coach Holmes is the brand new coach and comes into a situation where top scorer and region 1st team JJ McCain plus honorable mention R. Brownlee transferred and he lost 3 talented senior graduates. There are still players who have talent, but it is definitely a taller task. 6. Copper Canyon -Coach Murphy’s team struggled last year at 4-24 overall and 0-10 in the region plus lost 5 seniors. He did have a nice soph group who will be rising juniors to lead a young core. They are probably a year away from competing at the top of the region.   Top juniors: [player_tooltip player_id="826998" first="Elijah" last="Saunders"] (Sunnyslope) -One of the strongest forwards in the class locally and has nice skill from mid to the 3pt line. He is a top-notch rebounder and should make a big leap up in production. [player_tooltip player_id="827007" first="Oakland" last="Fort"] (Sunnyslope) -A super productive player his first two seasons for the Vikings. He is very explosive and can score, pass and defend as good as any AIA guard. He is one of the most important players for the Vikings. [player_tooltip player_id="936383" first="Quinn" last="Thompson"] (Sunnyslope) -A stud JV player should get his chance to get quality minutes next season on varsity. He will be valuable rebounding and blocking shots plus scoring it from inside. He can defend nearly any position on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="827040" first="Luke" last="Arington"] (Shadow Ridge) -One of the better shooters in the region has a real chance to lead the Stallions in scoring. He can also make plays for others and he will be needed to hit big shots the next two years. [player_tooltip player_id="1024907" first="Dominic" last="Garza"] (Shadow Ridge) -That rare pure PG that makes teams go. He has next level court vision and can score it from driving and/or shoot it from the perimeter. Jacob Vincelette SF 6’1 (Shadow Ridge) -A very athletic wing likes to attack the basket. He can shoot it from the perimeter plus is a true hustle player. Tyren Gibbs PG 5’7 (Shadow Ridge) -An undersized guard is crafty and can get into the paint. He has a knack of drawing fouls and getting to the FT line. He is not afraid to shoot the ball. Brendan Kohne PF 6’4 (Shadow Ridge) -The lone ’big’ in the junior group will need to clean the glass to give the Stallions extra possessions. He is active and can score it inside the paint. Braijon Taylor CG 5’8 (Westview) -Smaller guard who is terrific in transition scoring on layups. He can handle it well and be that secondary ball handler. Andre Norris F 6’4 (Westview) -A forward who is very active and is fairly athletic up the court. He is mostly under the rim but an effective player. Didier Iradukunda SF 6’3 (Copper Canyon) -An athletic wing who is extremely strong and can bang inside. He jumps up quickly and adds muscle and rebounding ability for the team plus inside scoring. Kaleb Felix G 6’0 (Copper Canyon) -The guard has a high knowledge of the game and works hard on defense as a multiple position defender and can score it as well. Chris Llamas G 5’10 (Copper Canyon) -Their top guard defender and plays hard. He can score it from inside and hit perimeter jumpers. Amarion Ware C 6’7 (Copper Canyon) -The biggest player on the team is also very raw. He is one of those players, like many, who really needed the summer time to improve his game. He will bring size and length to the team on defense and and slowly improve as the season goes on.