UAA Circuit/AZ Live: AZ 17U Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>April 21st-23rd I attended the <strong>Under Armour Circuit </strong>at Bell Bank Park in Mesa/AZ and headed over to <strong>AZ Live</strong> at Eastmark HS in Mesa/AZ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I watched many of the local teams and noticed a few AZ players from out of state teams as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here were the 17U AZ Standouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1498372' first='Vyctorius' last='Miller'] AZ Compass Prep (West Coast Elite <strong>UAA</strong>)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the better guards viewed this weekend. He makes it look easy scoring from all levels. He plays the lead guard role and works off of ball screens, can do his one on one play and score and will drive and whip a pass to a teammate. His pull-up off the dribble is legit and can hit the three off the catch or pull. He slithers in the lane to get to the basket and will flush it down and uses his length in the passing lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1180583' first='Marsai' last='Mason'] Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select</strong> <strong>UAA</strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top defenders on the perimeter and inside.&nbsp;He has unusually long arms and moves his hips fluidly and gracefully. He will block shots in the paint then defend a point guard on the next play. He will rip thru, hit the occasional three and throw it down way above the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1673611' first='Alpha' last='Chibambe']</strong> <strong>Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select <strong>UAA</strong></strong>)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A freak athlete is a fun watch. On the break he made a rare full windmill showing off his bunnies. Other teams started watching him since he dunks it so often. He defends every position literally from the 1-5 and will make a three off the catch, albeit at low attempts. His strength allows him to defend inside and he moves well. He is built like a linebacker and plays hard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1938494' first='Wilfred' last='Kamukama'] AZ Compass Prep Black (Wisconsin Playmakers <strong>UAA</strong>)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He barely played unfortunately as he got knocked out of the game with a shot to the head and didn't play the rest of the weekend with a concussion. But he has a good strong base with long arms and runs the floor well. He rebounds and blocks shots in his area and holds his ground in the post. He is more of a defensive presence but can throw it down easily and shows upside. He is from Chicago.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1425099' first='Kaleel' last='Kelly'] Willow Canyon (AZ Factory 17)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger facilitating point guard is playing up and is improving as a scorer. He has floaters, mid-range pull-ups, threes off the catch and can drive it with his tight handle and score in the paint thru contact with his thicker frame. His passing and timing on his passes are next level with a high feel for the game. He should have a breakout season at Willow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1517384' first='Cooper' last='Campbell'] Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select UAA)</strong> <strong>(Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top shooters on the circuit. He averaged the fifth most points at 17.2 ppg. He hit six triples in one game and five in another. What stands out is the range he shoots the ball at. He will consistently fire away at the volleyball line, like it is a normal shot. He doesn't have that elite burst but knows how to change speeds and will get past his defender and score inside with his thicker frame. He makes smart reads with the ball and can make slip passes, drive and kicks and plays smartly off of pick and rolls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1216984' first='Caden' last='Hunter'] Liberty (AZ Factory) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong power forward is a tough cover. He can beat you inside with good post footwork and a strong base and frame. He can also step out and hit the three and handle it well to create his own offense. One of the better unsigned seniors with his versatility, skill and toughness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1275052' first='Noah' last='Sowunmi'] <strong>Paradise Valley</strong> <strong>(AZ Factory) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A bigger guard shared ball handling duties with Kelly. He is versatile to play on or off the ball. He can be a three level scorer with jumpers from mid to the three, drive the lane and throw it down on the break. He uses his size, length and athleticism to defend multiple positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->