A Quartet Shines in Northern Arizona Quarterfinals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two games were held on Friday February 25th in the Prescott, AZ area. The first match-up featured Mesquite High School of Gilbert versus the home team of Prescott High School. Mesquite ran away with the game, 78 to 61 behind the stellar play of guards, [player_tooltip player_id='814517' first='Cohen' last='J Gonzales'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1216999' first='Jaylen' last='Wollangk']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='814517' first='Cohen' last='J Gonzales'], 5'8, GUARD, MESQUITE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The speed and shot-making ability of [player_tooltip player_id='814517' first='Cohen' last='J Gonzales'] was remarkable. He scored from the three point-line, the paint, the midrange and the free throw line, shredding the Prescott High defense with ease. In the first half he tallied 23 points, setting the tone early. Cohen J does not allow his height to define his game, and his elite vertical jump of 42 inches more than makes up for any lingering doubts about his stature.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1216999' first='Jaylen' last='Wollangk'], 6'2, POINT GUARD, MESQUITE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>His running mate, [player_tooltip player_id='1216999' first='Jaylen' last='Wollangk'] ran the point like a seasoned pro, never in a hurry and always finding the open man for an easy lay-up. Jaylen at 6'2 has great court vision and his defensive acumen sets him apart from most other high school Point Guards who are often more interested in flashy plays or statistics. He plays the point like an old school guard from New York. His ability to run the Pick and Roll, especially in the second half, led to easy buckets for Mesquite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2711816' first='Cooper' last='Magnett'], 6'0 COMBO GUARD, PRESCOTT HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The main standout for Prescott High School is a relative unknown sophomore 6'0 combo-guard [player_tooltip player_id='2711816' first='Cooper' last='Magnett'] who put up 14 points in a losing effort. He drained a couple of threes and brought energy and tenacity to his team. He beat the Mesquite defenders off the bounce and displayed good finishing ability around the rim. Playing with a mask protecting his twice broken nose, Cooper definitely has the toughness and skill to be a major force as a junior and senior. Although Cooper is not on anyone's basketball radar, he will be noticed by everyone next year. He is a perfect complement to the duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1336443' first='Uriah' last='Tenette'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1336442' first='Zane' last='Gaul'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>About 10 miles from Prescott, Bradshaw Mountain High School faced off against Cactus in a real nail-biter. Bradshaw took the victory 51-50 behind the amazing play of [player_tooltip player_id='999018' first='Ben' last='Wilder']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='999018' first='Ben' last='Wilder'], 6'5 COMBO GUARD, BRADSHAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the game, the 6'5 [player_tooltip player_id='999018' first='Ben' last='Wilder']'s energy and ability carried the Bears of Bradshaw. In the first half, Ben took off down the lane and dunked over the Cactus seven foot big man bringing the crowd to its feet and a little celebration from [player_tooltip player_id='999018' first='Ben' last='Wilder'] as he tapped his head repeatedly to show he just dunked on the famed seven footer. [player_tooltip player_id='999018' first='Ben' last='Wilder'] also has the ability to score from three, the midrange and in the paint. His defense is exceptional as well--he won the Grand Canyon defensive player of the year. He helped seal the victory with a clutch baseline dunk with a minute remaining in the game. [player_tooltip player_id='999018' first='Ben' last='Wilder']'s exceptional athleticism, and all-around play make him a very intriguing prospect. He has the handles to run the point, and the basketball IQ to play off the ball efficiently as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->