Team Preview: Canyon Springs Pioneers

<p>One of my favorite School stops along the preseason trail is Canyon Springs. It gives me a chance to catch up with former Rebel great and the #24 pick of the 1987 NBA draft, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Banks">Freddie Banks</a>. Despite his playing accolades, the coach makes it clear. "I work for you". The you of course, being the kids of Canyon Springs. "My job is to get them to the next level," says Banks. It’s easy to use the terms, "old school" or "throwback" when mentioning the coach, however, his best title may be Teacher. Banks is a molder of men, who as he puts it is simply looking for "good kids" This year those good kids look to compete in the newly formed 5A Divison. I went in with several questions but left with the impression that this team is going to exceed expectations. </p> <p><strong>HC:</strong> Freddie Banks 10th Season. </p> <p><strong>Division:</strong> 5A </p> <p><strong>2019-2020 Record:</strong> 15-13</p> <p><em>Key Returners:</em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859665" first="Jaylen" last="Pollard"] <em>6’6 PF 2022 (#41PHN 2022)</em> - Unfortunately Pollard wasn’t at the workout I watched, however, I heard nothing but good things about the returning forward. Perhaps the most exciting of which is his alleged growth spurt. Pollard was a contributor two seasons ago, so I expect at the very least for him to contribute some size, inside toughness, and rebounding. </p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Jacob-Berry.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1265421 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Jacob-Berry-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="259" height="194" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="859658" first="Jacob" last="Berry"] <em>6’5 PF 2022 (#78PHN 2022)</em> - People around the city are really going to love Berry. The high academic forward is a 4.0 student who displays a joy for the game. The banger big man also possesses a nice outside shot, allowing him to stretch the floor for the Falcons. He was crystal clear with me about what his expectations are for this team. "The goal is State" - says Berry. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Key Newcomers:</em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Lorenzo-Moore.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1265422 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Lorenzo-Moore-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="249" height="187" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="859656" first="Lorenzo" last="Moore"] 6’4 PF (#17PHN 2022) - Moore will get his first crack at Varsity action, after suiting up for JV his sophomore season. Toughness and rebounding are a given when talking about Moore, but now he’s working on his mid-range game and ball handling. Expect Moore to bring toughness and leadership to the team. You can also expect him to bring a high IQ to the floor, Like several of the Falcon players, Moore is a 4.0 student.  </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Aliyjah-Conway.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1265423 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Aliyjah-Conway-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="235" height="176" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1265400" first="Alijah" last="Conway"] <em>6’1 PG 2022</em> - Conway will be counted on to provide ballhandling and on-ball defense for the club. The slashing senior was pulled up to Varsity toward the end of his sophomore year, so his experience will also be key for the club. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Michael-Lambert.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1265425 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/Michael-Lambert-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="261" height="196" /></a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1265404" first="Michael" last="Lambert"] <em>5’9 PG 2023</em> - The little-known Lambert transferred over after spending his freshmen season at Bonanza. The jitterbug PG showed good quickness, a solid handle, and the ability to defeat defenders off the bounce. His best trait may be the most important for a Bank’s coached team, and that’s his on-ball defensive ability. Lambert is a pitbull on the defensive side of the ball, capable of causing havoc to potential ballhandlers. </p> <p><em>Sleeper: </em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1265401" first="Bryant" last="Largarady"] 6’8 SF 2022 - If Lagarady, suits up for CS this year, he could be the biggest sleeper in the state. At 6’8 he has true wing skills, including the ability to stretch the floor and create for his teammates. Largarady, who has yet to play a minute of Varsity, has a chance to  have an impact on the team, by the end of the season. </p> <p><em>Top Prospect: </em></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="928906" first="Jalen" last="Foy"] <em>6’5 SF 2022 (#12PHN 2022) (featured image)</em> - His senior year has the chance to be the culmination of 3 years of hard work. Foy has transformed his body, losing over 30 pounds in the last two years. The lean forward was always a capable shooter, now he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create for others. With his improved conditioning, skill, and 4.0 GPA, Foy could find himself staring at some college opportunities by the end of the year. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/7outzbballclub1">Follow Prep Hoops</a></p>