City Rankings in the AIA: Power Forwards/Centers
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We have now released all four classes from 2023-2026. We are going to try something new. Look at the whole city in the AIA for position. NOT EASY TO DO, but why not. We finish it off with the power…
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Continue ReadingWe have now released all four classes from 2023-2026. We are going to try something new. Look at the whole city in the AIA for position. NOT EASY TO DO, but why not.
We finish it off with the power forwards and centers. A good group of bigs who will be very important to their teams success for next season. If you took off some of these players, their teams may even struggle to make the playoffs. Those are the players I am looking for here, as they are both top-end prospects and difference makers for their teams.
Here are the Top-10 most impactful power forwards/centers in the AIA for this next season:
Noah Amenhauser Noah Amenhauser 7'0" | C Estrella Foothills | 2023 State #270 Nation AZ Estrella Foothills
The biggest player in the AIA is a load to deal with. He has a sweet shooting touch to the three point line and is nearly impossible to stop once he has the ball deep in the paint. He passes well out of the high post, and when he is on the court, the team has a good chance to make a deep playoff run.
Bradey Henige Bradey Henige 7'0" | C Cactus | 2024 State #192 Nation AZ Cactus
Another massive player with real post footwork, incredible passing skills and a nice touch from the perimeter. The lefty is extremely efficient in the paint and makes the players around him better.
Jai Anthoni Bearden Jai Anthoni Bearden 6'6" | SF Sunnyslope | 2024 State AZ Sunnyslope
A long and athletic forward plays nearly every position on defense and will play the 3-5 for the young Vikings. He can play above the rim on the break, rip through to score in traffic and shoot it from the perimeter.
Zaveion Bineyard Zaveion Bineyard 6'7" | PF Verrado | 2023 State AZ Verrado
A face-up four-man with good length and skill. He can flush it down and will make the three point shot in rhythm at a good rate. He will clean the glass and when he sees double teams coming, he can make a play.
Caden Hunter Caden Hunter 6'5" | PF Liberty | 2023 State AZ Liberty
One of the hardest working players in the AIA regardless of class. He is super effective in the paint and can extend it out to the three point line. His motor allows him to grab rebounds in and out of his area.
Ring Nyeri Ring Nyeri 6'8" | PF Liberty | 2024 State #256 Nation AZ Liberty
Hunter’s teammate should be the breakout player of the year of 6A. He has been unfortunate with multiple injuries each season but is finally healthy and looks to make his mark on the team. He will rebound, block shots, score inside on hook shots and shoot it.
Bradley Curtis Bradley Curtis 6'6" | PF Thatcher | 2023 State AZ Thatcher (Pictured)
One of the top forwards in the entire 3A, may not be well known but the conference sure knows who he is. He scores on drop steps, spin moves and will cross his man over to get to the cup. He rebounds well in his area and will block shots.
Oliver Hinder Oliver Hinder 6'8" | C Corona del Sol | 2023 State AZ CDS
Arguably the top shot blocker in 6A along with Nyeri. He covers a lot of ground on defense and moves well in space. He can keep extra possessions alive for his Aztecs and score it inside the painted area.
Noah Williams Noah Williams 6'8" | C Ironwood Ridge | 2023 State AZ Ironwood Ridge
Easily the top shot blocker in 5A and Southern Arizona. He has legit size and fluidity and a motor to rebound the ball. He will score on put backs and hook shots.
Royce Ramos Royce Ramos 6'5" | PF Rancho Solano Prep | 2023 State AZ Rancho Solano Prep
A versatile power forward with real skill and strength. He can shoot it to the three point line plus post up with advanced footwork. He rebounds well with his strength and girth and is very savvy to make plays for his teammates.
5 others who I seriously considered:
Zane Gaul Zane Gaul 6'10" | C Prescott | 2025 State AZ Prescott
The big man up north keeps getting better. He will be very impactful in 4A with his rebounding, shot blocking and scoring from inside and out.
Elijah Summers-Livingston Elijah Summers-Livingston 6'7" | PF Basha | 2026 State AZ Basha
A top freshman will provide some size to a 6A title contender. He uses his long wingspan and athleticism to rebound and block shots. He started to shoot it to the three and will score around rim.
Julius Williams Julius Williams 6'5" | PF Ironwood | 2023 State AZ Ironwood
A load down low for this strong power forward. They can give the ball to him and he will go to work with counter moves to score and they can play a little inside out action.
Caden Zurek Caden Zurek 6'7" | PF Casteel | 2023 State AZ Casteel
All arms and size for this power forward to rebound and block shots. He plays the game with a huge motor and scores it efficiently on put backs and hook shots.
Andrew Hoxie Andrew Hoxie 6'6" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2024 State AZ Maricopa
One of the top athletes that not many know about. He was a megastar on JV last year tearing down the rim on the break. He will get his chance to shine and I have a feeling he will breakout this season with his versatile play.