Arizona Preps Boys Fall Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On October 8th I attended the <strong>24th Annual Arizona Preps Boys Fall Showcase</strong> at Willow Canyon in Surprise. The field contained some of the better AIA and CAA teams in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some of the standout players that I was able to observe. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1328024' first='Jahki' last='Gupton'] Eduprize</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An extremely long wing who was a terror in transition. He showed improvements on his outside shots. On the defensive end he wiped away shots that looked to be easy layups. Whatever college gets him will be extremely happy because his upside is gigantic.<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='994006' first='Styles' last='Phipps'] St Mary's </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ultra crafty point guard showed why he is among the top guards in the country from his class. He showed his tight handle and craftiness which is second to none in the state. He faced numerous double teams which he will see all season. He was able to get any shot that he wanted to no matter who was guarding him.<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1162452' first='Grant' last='Woods'] Valley Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the one game I saw, the Gilbert Christian transfer hit numerous big shots to keep the opponent at bay. Grant shot the 3 ball with confidence the whole game. He fit right in with his new teammates playing with toughness and basketball smarts. <br><br>[player_tooltip player_id='1036000' first='Khalon' last='Johnson'] <strong>Eduprize</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior guard was like the energizer bunny for the Eagles. He attacked the basket aggressively and often led the break resulting in dunks. He showed a nice offensive package to go along with being a good defensive force. I look forward to a good junior season from KJ.<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='831118' first='Emery' last='Young'] Centennial</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior guard showed his all around game on this day. Good handles, tough, and high IQ were just some of the skills that he displayed. As his perimeter shot becomes more consistent, he'll be even more of a tough cover. He's one who I feel has his best basketball ahead of him.<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297427' first='AJ' last='Thomas'] Eduprize</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was the first time in awhile that I had seen AJ and I came away impressed. He handled the ball confidently, held off smaller defenders with his strong frame and hit cutting teammates. He will be a big key for Eduprize this season.<br><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1152187' first='Luke' last='Shaw'] Valley Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The crafty guard led his team to the victory in the game that I saw. Luke showed an array of offensive moves and wasn't fazed by the pressure defense of the opponent. He showed a nice pull up jumper from the mid range and hit a few deep 3's. He will lead the Trojans far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->