AZ Monstarz: Fundamental Club Basketball

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On August 19th and 20th I was in Phoenix, AZ to watch Legacy Youth Sports “Rock the Rim” Varsity tournament.&nbsp; There was some very good basketball played but nobody played better than the AZ Monstarz varsity team.&nbsp; They play such a fundamental and selfless brand of basketball.&nbsp; Although they lost in the semis to a talented AZ Warriors team, the AZ Monstarz displayed a very memorable style of ball.&nbsp; The following players stood out:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1150901' first='John' last='Mattingly'] is the primary Point Guard, and he plays the position exceptionally well.&nbsp; In fact, he is one of the best high school Point Guards I have seen. Although not as athletic or tall (he's 5'11) as some of the more well known Phoenix Point Guards, Mattingly more than makes up for it with his intelligence, feel for the game, and uncanny court vision.&nbsp; But Mattingly also has the speed and quickness to score almost at will off the bounce with a plethora of moves and can finish with either hand.&nbsp; His mid-range game is exceptional as is his three-point shooting.&nbsp; He also shoots a high percentage from the free-throw line.&nbsp; He does not take bad shots and can score with ease from virtually anywhere on the court. And last but certainly not least, Mattingly plays tenacious defense both on and off the ball.&nbsp; He will often guard the best player regardless of size.&nbsp; He is not afraid to D-up in the post either.&nbsp; Look for him to lead a ridiculously stacked Sunnyslope team deep into the Arizona Open playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1873639' first='Grant' last='Mattingly'], class of 2028 , is the younger brother of John. He is a 6'0 combo guard and has tremendous talent and upside.  Although not quite as refined as his brother, he is still a great prospect especially when you consider his youth.  He plays bigger than his size and is a very capable slasher and driver.  He has a decent jumpshot which will no doubt improve with more experience.  Like his brother, Grant has a very high basketball IQ and is a willing passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1759332' first='Dom' last='Rojas'] plays with a ferocity and tenacity that you would not expect given his height. (He is 5'6).&nbsp; An intense competitor [player_tooltip player_id='1759332' first='Dom' last='Rojas'] would make any team better.&nbsp; He is fearless driving to the basket and is a very capable shooter from three.&nbsp; He can finish with relative ease regardless of the size of the defender.&nbsp; And his toughness is off the charts.&nbsp; For example, he twisted his ankle on one play and had to come out of the game.&nbsp; He proceeded to change shoes and returned to the game playing the next 25 minutes in fairly obvious pain but his performance did not suffer. One of the toughest players I've seen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2223458' first='Anthony' last='Maciel'], a 6'5 forward who plays for St. Mary's, is a vital role player who is also capable of scoring when needed.&nbsp; He can make an open three and can score on cuts at the rim.&nbsp; He is very vocal on defense and is a very good on-ball defender.&nbsp; He can guard anybody from the 1 all the way up to the 5.&nbsp; He has a great attitude and is a good rebounder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->