Top seniors 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 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 [player_tooltip player_id="959020" first="Calvin" last="Gustafson"] 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 seniors: [player_tooltip player_id="703811" first="Jason" last="Kimbrough Jr"] (Mountain Pointe) (Pictured) -The veteran guard of a good slew of guards is tough. He sets the tone of their identity they built last year, which is play fast and defend. He is a top-tier on-ball defender and he can shoot it from mid to the 3pt line. [player_tooltip player_id="809687" first="Zereoue" last="Williams"] (Mountain Pointe) (Pictured) -Another Pride stud on defense. He has a big wingspan with wider shoulders and strong hands. He is a big time rebounder and shot blocker. The burly forward is good around the hoop and runs well. He is a true anchor in their defense. Latrell Barker C 6’8 (Mountain Pointe) -A huge post player with girth. He didn’t get the opportunity to play many minutes last year with their depth but is very talented. He will push players around deep in the paint for position and rebound. He is also a STUD football prospect at 260 lbs. Casey Combs PF 6’8 (Mountain Pointe) -The long and lean forward can score it near the basket. He is another that didn’t play heavy minutes last year but will help the Pride upfront scoring and defending. Donaven Ocasio PG 5’11 (Mountain Pointe) -A transfer by way of Corona del Sol will serve as a backup to Kimbrough Jr and Brown. He is a pure PG always trying to make plays for others. He is an above average shooter and is very scrappy on defense. They will like how hard he plays for all the 50-50 balls. [player_tooltip player_id="809691" first="Marcus" last="Wady"] (Desert Vista) -One of the top passers in the region and in the AIA. He has a video game like handle and has next level court vision. He has improved his shooting from deep and gets into the lane with his handle and burst to score or set up his teammates. [player_tooltip player_id="809686" first="Paris" last="Woods"] (Desert Vista) -A transfer by way of Apollo will be a breathe of fresh air for Coach Crump. He is super long, fast and athletic in the open court to run with Lecque, Mack and Wady plus he can defend multiple positions. He may be eligible immediately with personal hardships. [player_tooltip player_id="837896" first="John" last="Solomon"] (Desert Vista) -The long forward has his window of opportunity to shine. The top player left up front and Solomon will fill that void. He can shoot it from the perimeter and rebound inside. He will be needed to produce for the Thunder to win it all again. He unfortunately may be going back to Florida for his senior season. [player_tooltip player_id="809714" first="Malik" last="Mack"] (Desert Vista) -If Kimbrough Jr isn’t the top on-ball defender in the region, its Mack. He has elite lateral quickness with fast hands and feet. He can hit shots from the perimeter but uses his speed to get into the lane and score it. [player_tooltip player_id="809703" first="Derick" last="Kaps"] (Highland) -One of the most athletic lead guards in the state will make some noise in Gilbert. He moved over from MTV and took the reigns for the Hawks. He is very good on the ball defensively and can play above the rim on the break and had his best shooting year in his career. Jake Sticher F 6’1 (Highland) -Despite only being 6’1 he plays a physical brand of ball and will do most of his work in the paint. He may lead the team in rebounds and set picks for their talented guards. [player_tooltip player_id="809698" first="Joe" last="Kelsey"] (Desert Ridge) -A top-notch senior shooter will have a bigger workload this next season. They lost some important seniors who could score it easily and he will get even more touches. He may get close to 18 ppg plus 5 assists as he avg near 14 with 3 assists last year. [player_tooltip player_id="959682" first="Kaden" last="Kennedy"] (Desert Ridge) -A stronger forward who can shoot it from deep. He poses a threat from inside as well carving up space with a stronger frame and a nice touch. He rebounds well in area. Matt Haltorp SG 5’9 (Desert Ridge) -Another top-tier shooter has breakout written all over him. He had 18 points vs Chavez last season and was hitting his stride last season but injured his back and didn’t fully recover to find his groove back. He will most likely be second leading scorer next year. Gavin Bray SG 5’10 (Desert Ridge) -Another shooter in their arsenal is more of a 3pt specialist. He plays extremely hard and is one of the players who does anything it takes to win a game. He is tough as nails and will provide some scoring relief from Kelsey, Kennedy and Haltrop. Jared Nichols 6’2 SF (Desert Ridge) -Nichols is their defensive stopper with that football mentality you can’t teach. He defends nearly every position on the court and is very aggressive. He is another that was out for almost a month last year and never got back to form. He can also shoot it from the 3. RJ Richey PF 6’4 (Corona del Sol) -A 6’4 lefty who moved in from IL last season. He is a strong finisher around the hoop and an active rebounder. He has a live body and is very intelligent. Roberto Yellowman PG 5’9 (Corona del Sol) -He is a true PG who is quick with the ball. He is very shifty and it is very hard to press him. He shoots the 3 well and has a high IQ. Jaxton Bobik PF 6’7 (Queen Creek) -The son of the head coach can shoot it from deep and plays hard. He rebounds well in his area and had a breakout 24 point outing vs Desert Vista last year showing off his upside. Ryan Grande SG 6’2 (Queen Creek) -One of the two talented transfers the Bulldogs got. He can really shoot the ball and moved in from CA. He will take a lot of pressure off of Thorson and Bobik.