Border League: AZ non-senior standouts
October 23-25 I attended the Border League at various gyms in Gilbert, AZ. The event had 80 top West Coast programs of prep schools and high schools plus some top out of area talent. Here are some of the juniors I…
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Continue ReadingOctober 23-25 I attended the Border League at various gyms in Gilbert, AZ.
The event had 80 top West Coast programs of prep schools and high schools plus some top out of area talent.
Here are some of the juniors I viewed that shined:
Adrame Diongue Adrame Diongue 6'11" | C AZ Compass Prep | 2022 State #202 Nation AZ AZ Compass Prep (Pictured)
-A big time shot blocker moves really well in space. He gobbles every rebound up and challenges every shot. His offensive game is small hook shots and rim runs. He can explode up to dunk the ball and he is a very fluid athlete. He is on the leaner side but his rim protection is one of the best in the entire state and his ability to defend in space is top-notch.
Elijah Saunders Elijah Saunders 6'8" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ Sunnyslope
-Big bodied forward scores it a variety of ways. He can hit the 3 plus rip through and score in traffic with good body control. He is a quick second jumper to rebound and once he is in rhythm, he is hard to stop. His combination of skill, athleticism and strength are impressive.
Patrick Chew Patrick Chew 6'4" | SG Brophy | 2022 State AZ Brophy Prep
-A sturdy framed true combo guard keeps performing on all platforms. He is one of the more consistent players in this class locally. He makes the correct pass/play look easy. He drives and kicks, blows by his defender and finds the open man. He hits catch-3’s, which has become a weapon, and when he drives in traffic, he can score it with either hand. He defends multiple positions from the 1-3 and he is just as tough as any guard in the AIA. His shooting, IQ and feel for the game are his strengths.
Garrison Phelps Garrison Phelps 6'6" | SG Saint Marys Catholic | 2022 State AZ St Mary’s
-A long defensive wing can defend anyone on the perimeter using his natural gifts with his speed and lateral quickness. He has an impressive build/frame and gets out on the break with the best of them and plays above the rim. He likes driving it into the lane and can pull-up from mid-range.
Ringo Aguek Ringo Aguek 6'7" | SF Ironwood | 2022 State AZ Ironwood
-The long and taller wing had his 3-ball looking more and more consistent. He rebounds at a nice clip with his live body, length and athleticism. He is a versatile defender in the post and on the wing and is fun to watch on the break.
Devontes Cobbs Devontes Cobbs 6'3" | CG Overtime Elite | 2022 GA Eduprize
-A wildly athletic guard plays with a lot of energy and he has a real motor. He is a show on the break with his supreme athleticism and hangs in the air with his impressive body control. He has made strides with his perimeter shooting and is active on defense. He guards the 1-4 and brings his effort each possession.
Oakland Fort Oakland Fort 5'9" | PG Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ Sunnyslope
-The electric PG had a good weekend. He uses his athleticism and speed to accomplish most of his work but his skill is quickly improving. He has a big time first step and then can drop it off to a post player. He moves well without the ball and his 3-ball was clicking. He has a quick release and is ready to fire away. His on-ball defense is always top notch with his quick hands and feet, lateral quicks and toughness.
Jeremiah Cherry Jeremiah Cherry 6'9" | C St. Mary's | 2022 State AZ St. Mary’s
-Bear probably had his best weekend that I have seen of him thus far in his young career. He dominated the glass vs top-tier teams and was more active then I have ever seen of him. He has incredible hands to snatch rebounds in traffic and was highly effective and efficient inside scoring the ball using his skill, strength, length and natural size with hook shots, floaters and layups off the glass.
2023
Tru Washington Tru Washington 6'3" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2023 State #61 Nation AZ Mountain Pointe
-The strong lefty can hit the 3 plus can uses his body well to score inside to go along with his handle getting through traffic. Defensively he is very versatile. He can defend PG’s plus battle with bigger forwards. He impressively ripped Milos Uzan and uses his strong hands to snatch rebounds in traffic using a quick second jump.
Jason Fontenet Jr Jason Fontenet Jr 6'6" | CG Bella Vista Prep | 2023 State #255 Nation AZ St. Mary’s
-A highly skilled bigger guard can score it and make plays. His mid-range pull-up is tough to defend and his catch-3 keeps improving. He uses his thicker body/frame to score it inside and he can defend the 1-3. His mid-range game will be his weapon of choice in big games.
2024
Styles Phipps Styles Phipps 6'1" | PG St Mary's | 2024 State #182 Nation AZ St. Mary’s
-A crafty pure PG is already getting minutes on a loaded Knights team. He has a tight handle and plays like an old vet. He handles pressure easily and makes plays for others but he is a natural scorer. He can hit from mid to the 3 off the dribble and challenges his opponents on defense.