Prep Hoops AIA Player of the Year Candidates

We had an exciting season completed and we look back at an always fun award of the AIA Player of the Year. 

Here were the incredible candidates: 

Nathan Calmese Nathan Calmese 6'2" | PG Mesquite | 2022 State AZ Gilbert Mesquite (Featured image)

The do everything guard led Mesquite to the 4A state title this season. Despite garnering the bulk of attention from opposing defenses Nate still averaged 31.4 ppg 5.5 rpg 4.7 apg 2.6 spg.

Elijah Saunders Elijah Saunders 6'8" | PF Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ Phoenix Sunnyslope

The San Diego State signee led the Vikings to the Final 4 of the 6A Playoffs. Elijah faced as many double teams as anyone and still averaged 22.3 ppg 8.4 rpg 2.4 apg.

Caleb Shaw Caleb Shaw 6'5" | CG Valley Christian | 2022 State AZ Chandler Valley Christian

The senior guard led Valley to the 3A state championship while averaging 26.4 ppg 7.2 rpg and 2.4 spg including a 53 point game during the season. He will be heading to Northern Colorado. 

Cody Williams Cody Williams 6'8" | SF Perry | 2023 State #25 Nation AZ Gilbert Perry

The do it all guard led his team in scoring and assists while leading the Pumas to the 6A state championship. He also slowed down most of his opponents. 

Ahamed Mohamed Ahamed Mohamed 6'0" | PG Apollo | 2022 State AZ Glendale Apollo

The lightning quick guard averaged 26.4 ppg 5.8 rpg 2.4 spg for Apollo. He had a school all time high of 61 points to top off his incredible season.

Quincy Adams Quincy Adams 6'5" | SF Hamilton | 2022 State AZ Chandler Hamilton

The lefty guard led the Huskies in scoring while also leading them to a 6A runner up finish.

Arman Madi Arman Madi 6'6" | SF Brophy Prep | 2023 State AZ Phoenix Brophy College Preparatory

The junior wing averaged 18 ppg 6 rpg 3.5 apg and 2 spg for a 25 win team that was one possession from being in the Championship game.

Jake Lifgren Jake Lifgren 6'1" | CG Centennial | 2022 State AZ Peoria Centennial

The top tier shooter averaged 20.4 ppg 4.6 rpg 2.8 apg including 90% from the line for the 5A state champions. He will be heading to Point Loma.

Tru Washington Tru Washington 6'3" | CG AZ Compass Prep | 2023 State #61 Nation AZ Phoenix Mountain Pointe

The junior guard averaged 21.4 ppg 7.6 rpg 3.3 bpg while shooting 57% from the field for a Pride team that battled injuries all season.

Oakland Fort Oakland Fort 5'9" | PG Sunnyslope | 2022 State AZ Phoenix Sunnyslope

The NAU signee averaged 17.0 ppg 5.0 rpg 4.1 apg 1.7 spg for the Vikings who won 25 games and went undefeated in league play.

Prep Hoops Arizona AIA Player Of The Year

Nathan Calmese Nathan Calmese 6'2" | PG Mesquite | 2022 State AZ Gilbert Mesquite

Nathan had a fantastic season from start to finish. He capped off it off by leading Mesquite to its first state title in basketball by knocking off the #1 and #2 seeds along the way. Like the experts say winning counts and Mesquite did just that with Calmese doing whatever his team needed game in and game out.