Preseason Watch List: 5A District 1, Juniors to Watch

<p>As we get closer to the start of the season I want to give a preview of what I expect to happen during this year. My Preseason Watch List will go district by district highlighting players, teams, and games to watch when the season kicks off.</p> <p>District 1 is known to be the best district in the state producing numerous of champions and final four contenders in the past 5 years, and I expect that to continue. Here are the players in the Class of 2022 (Juniors) to watch this season.</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="1076682" first="Brady" last="Arrenius"], Cibola: Brady will enter the season as a three year starter. He stands at 6’7, and weighs about 240 lbs now. He is a skilled post player that can also put the ball on the floor to create his own shot. A solid shooter from range, he shot 56% on limited shots (9 3PT attempts), and has the ability to run the floor after rebounds with the ball in his hands, and without. He will be a force in the district again after averaging 10 points, 8 rebounds, and being selected to All-Metro Honorable Mention. Expect offers to come in sooner rather than later!</p> <p>CG [player_tooltip player_id="1076675" first="Jakwon" last="Hill"], Volcano Vista: Hill has been making an impact for Volcano for two years as an underclassmen averaging about 12 points, and will finally be thrown into the leading scorer role. He is one of the strongest guards in the state, standing at 6’0, and 185 lbs, and capable of scoring at all three levels as well as assist in the playmaking. He has received a lot of attention from low major division 1 schools, and I expect him to score his 1000th point this season, be an All-State selection and put himself in contention for Gatorade Player of the Year. </p> <p>SG [player_tooltip player_id="1128602" first="Jadon" last="Malone"], Volcano Vista: Malone provided solid minutes off of the bench last season. He has grown to about 6’2, and will be asked to do a lot more as a starter for Volcano. He can knock down long range jumpers with the best in the state, but will need to step up on the defensive side this season. He should receive a lot of open looks with Hill, and Valdez on his team.</p> <p>PG [player_tooltip player_id="1128605" first="Kaden" last="Valdez"], Volcano Visto: The injury to [player_tooltip player_id="1076675" first="Jakwon" last="Hill"] last season left a void in the Volcano Vista team. One of the players that stepped up in his absence was Kaden who ended the season selected to the All-Metro 3rd Team as a sophomore. Valdez is a lights out shooter who runs the team flawlessly for Greg Brown. He rarely turns the ball over, is a good defender, and will takeover the point guard position that was left open by Dion Battle.</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="1076691" first="Colby" last="Wade"], Atrisco Heritage: When you think of high flyers in the state of New Mexico, [player_tooltip player_id="1076691" first="Colby" last="Wade"] is one of the names that jumps out to almost everyone. The 6’4 forward can out jump just about anyone in the state and has improved his ball skills over the offseason, which should allow him to contribute offensively at a much higher rate than he did last season. Should become a better defender over the next year. Scouts should keep an eye out!</p>