11/18 Scrimmage Takeaways

On November 18, 2021 I watched a four-team scrimmage involving Glendale Apollo, Peoria Liberty, Paradise Honors and Sandra Day O’Connor. There was no score being kept and each team played two 10 minute quarters against two different opponents.

Here are some of my takeaways from each team:
Apollo– This is a well coached team that will be led by the guard trio of Ahamed Mohamed Ahamed Mohamed 6'0" | PG Apollo | 2022 State AZ , Lashy Perez Lashy Perez 6'2" | PG Apollo | 2023 State AZ and Bobby Holcomb Bobby Holcomb 6'0" | PG Apollo | 2023 State AZ . They do not have a ton of height but they will beat many teams just with the skill of the guards. Mohamed calmly runs the show and locks up the opposing teams best guard.

Liberty – Coach Wood had them running at their traditional breakneck pace. With their substitution pattern you never know who will catch fire like in the first scrimmage. They had a rhythm going and 3’s were coming from every angle. Brennen Neal and Caden Hunter Caden Hunter 6'5" | PF Liberty | 2023 State AZ were leading the way with multiple 3’s from each of them. They were missing another one of their weapons in shooter Davis Hester Davis Hester 6'0" | SG Liberty | 2023 State AZ . They added transfer Ky Green Ky Green 6'6" | SF Liberty | 2023 State AZ who adds athleticism and scoring from the wing position.

Paradise Honors – This team picks up full court and attacks the opposing ball handlers once they pass half court. They were led by senior guard Blessing Nwotite Blessing Nwotite 6'3" | SG Paradise Honors | 2022 State AZ who keeps the team under control. Senior Luke Light Luke Light 6'6" | PF Paradise Honors | 2022 State AZ showed nice touch from 15 feet in. Junior guard Matthew Henry-Harrison Matthew Henry-Harrison 5'10" | CG AZ Compass Prep Black | 2023 State AZ was the leading scorer in the scrimmages. He sliced his way to the rim and also hit some nice outside shots. Jason Ernest Jason Ernest 6'7" | PF Paradise Honors | 2022 State AZ and River Bell River Bell 6'5" | PF Paradise Honors | 2023 State AZ provided that extra energy that they will need in their tougher games during the season.

Sandra Day O’Connor – This team played hard and were scrappy. They were led by senior Xavier Ali Xavier Ali 6'8" | PF Sandra Day O’Connor | 2022 State AZ who showed some promising offensive skills. Freshman big man Michael Simcoe Michael Simcoe 6'8" | SF Sandra Day O'Connor | 2025 State AZ will be one to watch as he gets comfortable playing at the varsity level.