NAZ Soldiers and NAZ Thunder excel at Easter Tournament
On Easter weekend, two Northern Arizona teams on opposite ends of the age spectrum excelled. The Northern Arizona Soldiers won the Varsity division of the Showtime tournament in Avondale, AZ, while the newly former Northern Arizona Thunder took runner-up in…
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Continue ReadingOn Easter weekend, two Northern Arizona teams on opposite ends of the age spectrum excelled. The Northern Arizona Soldiers won the Varsity division of the Showtime tournament in Avondale, AZ, while the newly former Northern Arizona Thunder took runner-up in the 8th grade division, showing great potential in their first ever tournament. The following players stood out:
A 5’11 Point Guard for the NAZ Soldiers won tournament MVP displaying amazing ball-handling, an innate scoring talent in the paint and form distance, and an ability to raise his game to another level when required. At Holbrook high school he averaged over 15 points a game, and has the potential to play lead guard, or shooting guard at the next level if given the opportunity.
Tayden “Waydo” Arizona
Tayden “Waydo” Arizona
The 2023 Combo guard has an excellent feel for the game and is capable of scoring at any time and at any level. As a senior at Tuba City High School he averaged over 13 points a game. He had one of the best, most acrobatic plays in the entire tournament, scoring a crazy 360 degree lay-up. He has the potential to play at the college level if given the opportunity.
Conor Campbell
Conor Campbell
Conor Campbell garnered MVP honors as the runner-up in the 8th grade tournament. Conor has an exceptional motor and a competitive edge that is unmatched in the class of 2027. The 6’1 left–handed Post player fears nothing on the court, and is the heart-and-soul of the team. He got to the rim with ease, often finishing with and-ones. With an improved free-throw stroke, Conor will be able to average in double digits. As his skill level progresses he will be a gift to the Prescott High School team next year and beyond.
JT Schwartz
JT Schwartz
JT Schwartz led the NAZ Thunder in scoring this tournament. He scored in the paint, the midrange and from distance. His brother Korey played recently at Glendale Community college, and the 6’2 JT has definitely inherited his brother’s basketball skill and talent. He is a capable ball-handler despite playing in the Post most of the time. He has an old-school style and is a willing and capable passer. As his aggressiveness develops and his rebounding improves, he will have an immediate impact on the Bradshaw Mountain team next season.
Michael Crawford
Michael Crawford
Michael Crawford, a 2027 Point Guard, possesses the skill and basketball court vision to excel at Bradshaw Mountain High school and beyond. He wowed the crowd this weekend with his crossovers and ball-handling wizardry. He has a style and flair that is rare in Northern Arizona. Although his flashiness is obvious, Michael is a very good passer, a streaky three point shooter and can score in traffic and is not afraid of the big shot. He also has the leadership intangibles that are hard if not impossible to coach and teach. Bradshaw Mountain cannot wait to get Michael next year.
Dylan Patterson
Dylan Patterson
Dylan Patterson, a 2027 wing, possesses an all-around skill set. At 5’10 he can play in the post, at Shooting Guard, and in a pinch can play as a Point Guard. He excels in the midrange, hitting pull-up jumpers with ease. He has a smooth demeanor on the court, and is never in a hurry. He is the type of player that fills up the stat line with points, rebounds, and assists. Look for big things next year at Prescott High school.