6A Underclassmen POY Candidates: AIA
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As the regular season starts this week with the Thanksgiving holiday tournaments behind us, I want to give my conference underclassmen of the year predictions for 4-6A. What freshman or sophomore will impact their varsity team the most. Here are my…
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Continue ReadingAs the regular season starts this week with the Thanksgiving holiday tournaments behind us, I want to give my conference underclassmen of the year predictions for 4-6A. What freshman or sophomore will impact their varsity team the most.
Here are my underclassmen player of the year candidates for 6A:
Koa Peat Koa Peat 6'8" | PF Perry | 2025 State #6 Nation AZ Perry
He is going for the triple crown this year. Trying to win a ring, player of the year and underclassmen player of the year. The last player to do it off the top of my head was Marvin Bagley III. So, he is in elite company for sure. His size, skill, strength, IQ and toughness are obvious gifts to dominate games.
Mason Magee Mason Magee 6'0" | PG Basha | 2026 State AZ Basha
The top freshman pure point guard will have a strong case for himself. He will be given the ball immediately and guide his Bears possibly to the OPEN division. His speed, quicks with the ball, lateral quickness, athleticism, length, ability to break a man down to score or make a play are already next level traits.
Michael Simcoe Michael Simcoe 6'8" | PF Sandra Day O'Connor | 2025 State #217 Nation AZ SDO (Pictured)
A strong sophomore is not as well known as some of the others on the list but college coaches are already taking notice. He is skilled to the three, fluid, strong and athletic to clean the glass and he will score with his back to the basket. He may average a double-double this year.
Andrew Bhesania Andrew Bhesania 6'8" | PF Boulder Creek | 2025 State #348 Nation AZ Boulder Creek
A versatile soph wing forward who does many things well. He handles it like a point forward and makes plays. He can hit the three, rip through to score in traffic and defend multiple positions.
Rider Portela Rider Portela 6'5" | SG Sunnyslope | 2026 State AZ Sunnyslope
The talented incoming freshman will impact the Vikings on opening night. He will be one of their top scorers from all three levels. Shooting off the catch or pull from mid to the three and getting to the basket and playing above the rim. He can play many positions for his young team.
John Mattingly John Mattingly 6'0" | PG Sunnyslope | 2026 State AZ Sunnyslope
An incoming freshman who will be asked to guide one of the youngest 6A teams in the AIA. He is a throw back rare pure point guard always looking up to facilitate. He can score it on pull-ups, quick dribble drives and catch threes.
Daylen Sharper Daylen Sharper 6'4" | CG Brophy Prep | 2026 State AZ Brophy Prep
A bigger freshman lead guard will defend his position, make the correct reads and score. He will fit in nicely playing alongside star players Madi and Speed. He can get downhill to the basket with his size and handle plus shoot it from the three.
Lex Clontz Lex Clontz 6'3" | CG Cesar Chavez | 2025 State AZ Cesar Chavez
The Champion lost one of their best players who transferred and Clontz will be asked to step up even more then he already did his freshman year. He handles the lead guard duties and he also happens to lead them in points most games. He is a natural shooter from the perimeter and will rattle off triples. He has a high feel for the game and seems to find open teammates when he is not scoring.