BIBSI: Newcomers
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June 10-13 I attended the Best in Basketball Summer Invitational at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ. The 4-day event had 30 teams and I viewed almost all 30 over the 4-days. Over the next 5 reports I will talk about 43…
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Continue ReadingJune 10-13 I attended the Best in Basketball Summer Invitational at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ.
The 4-day event had 30 teams and I viewed almost all 30 over the 4-days.
Over the next 5 reports I will talk about 43 players who shined.
Stock Risers (7)
Under the Radar (8)
Newcomers (8)
Upperclassman Standouts (10)
Underclassman Standouts (10)
Next are the newcomers:
Josh McKinney Josh McKinney 6'2" | CG Heritage Mesa | 2022 State AZ Heritage Mesa
-A good sized lean combo guard is a natural scorer from the perimeter. He can pull-up from mid-range and to the 3pt line. He has a super quick release with real range. He likes it off the catch but he seems to always make himself open to shoot it. The CAA Div 3 POY proved his worth.
Landon Wride Landon Wride 6'0" | SG Heritage Mesa | 2022 State AZ Heritage Mesa
-A strong two-way scoring guard plays hard. He is very competitive on the defensive end and plays with a motor. He has a high IQ, he uses the floater game and can drive by his defender to score. He is a catch perimeter shooter to the 3 and comes with a stronger frame to absorb the contact.
John Wiltz John Wiltz 5'7" | CG Maricopa | 2022 State AZ Heritage Maricopa
Another two-way guard can score it and make plays. He is quick on the ball defensively and moves his feet well while using his long arms. He shoots it from the 3pt line off the catch and can get passed his defender with a burst and use the floater game.
Caden Hunter Caden Hunter 6'5" | PF Liberty | 2023 State AZ Liberty
-A sturdy framed forward can play some inside and out. He has a big motor to get on the glass and grabs out of area boards. He also can shoot it fairly consistently to the 3pt line. In their HS offense he is a perfect fit of playing defense and shooting 3’s. He should have a huge year.
Brandon Walker Brandon Walker 6'7" | PF Coronado | 2023 State AZ Coronado
-A long and somewhat raw post player. He is a fluid mover from end to end and tracks the ball decently to rebound and block shots. He can use his speed in the open court to get some easy layups and uses the floater. His FT stroke looked decent. He can improve his feel for the game but shows upside.
Sagith Vargas Sagith Vargas 5'10" | PG Rancho Solano Prep | 2024 State AZ Rancho Solano Prep
-A pure PG who can sling it all over the court. He can drive and kick it to a teammate and has a yo-yo type of handle to create separation. He has the floater game and can hit the 3 off the catch or pull. He can also get into the paint and take it to the chest of the defender and score, showing his toughness.
Dante “Te” Brooks Dante “Te” Brooks 6'5" | SF Skyline Prep | 2024 State AZ SoAZ Volz
-A strong lefty from Tucson is a big rebounder with nice post footwork. He plays with a high motor to rebound the ball and is crafty inside with ball fakes. He plays with high energy, runs the floor and compliments their guards.
Jaylen Wollangk Jaylen Wollangk 5'11" | PG Mesquite | 2024 State AZ Mesquite
-A strong pure PG is a tough two-way player. He defends his position well with great strength and quick hands and feet. He collects steals and can score it getting downhill using a tighter handle and strong build.