2029 Standouts: Glimpse into the Future

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday, February 1st I attended the <strong>Grind Session</strong> at AZ Compass Prep. In the middle of some high level high school games from teams around the country, they slid in a high level 2029 game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game featured <strong>CHI Prep</strong> from Illinois and <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='2271105' first='Arizona' last='Unity EYBL']</strong> players battling it out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a fast paced game and there was a lot of talent on the court, but the Arizona team, coached by Corey Boswell and JR Rider, got the win <strong>82-69</strong>. It was truly a showcase of talent and a glimpse into the future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As crazy as it sounds, these players are only 4-5 months away from competing in June ball and possibly Section-7 if they are good enough to go straight to varsity. Some will go the prep route but we may see many of these players in the AIA. Typically after the AAU Memorial Weekend tournaments, HS teams start playing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here were 10 of the Arizona standouts (Including 5 PG's)-Most of the players are undecided. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2639549' first='Issa' last='Mamadou Sow'] <strong>Bella Vista Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big man is a load to deal with for his class. He is probably the top post player that I am aware of currently. He simply put is an elite rebounder with two-hands. Not many have his size and he leaps up quickly with a second and third jump. He will also block shots easily. He will score on put backs and hook shots.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194474' first='Isaiah' last='Rider IV'] N/A&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The current top guard in the class that I have seen is the son of former NBA player Isaiah Rider. He scores it very easily with great pace to his game. He has step back threes, mid-range pull-ups and will get to the basket. He will drive&nbsp;and kick it and he is a very good passer off the pick and roll game.&nbsp;He was one of the leading scorers in the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194805' first='Marquice' last='Pless'] AZ Compass</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top wing forwards in the class is a Swiss Army Knife. He seemingly can play and defend every position. He is a natural slasher with long strides but he can also hit the three and pull-up from mid-range. He was one of the leading scorers in the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2251690' first='Innocent' last='Onwo'] Phhoenix Prep</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top combo scoring guards in the class is Onwo. He has that thicker football frame that most wish they had. He gets downhill with his dominant left hand using his build to score. He will hit the three off the catch and has a super polished floater game. He was one of the leading scorers in the game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2533594' first='CJ' last='Johnson'] N/A&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arguably the top 'pure' point guard in the class currently is CJ. He made multiple next level passes with unbelievable court vision that many seniors struggle making. His timing is nearly flawless with it and he can score. He will create his own offense with tough shots in traffic and he will jump stop and rise up or get himself to the free throw line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2759173' first='Jordan' last='Cruz'] N/A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the faster ball handlers is a pure point guard. He will jet past his defenders using his speed and his yo-yo handle. The lefty can outrace most on the break and will score plus facilitate.&nbsp;He has one of those handles you feel confident that he will lead your team. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2734358' first='Cruz' last='Kazmierski'] N/A (Pictured)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A good sized wing forward with skill and a big IQ. He knows what to do on the court and he can score. He has a super polished mid-range pull-up with one of those strokes that look good coming off his hands. He also will move without the ball and plays from the neck up.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2759176' first='Trevin' last='Davis'] N/A&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A power forward with great size at six-foot four already and real skill. He can hit the three off the catch and scores on put backs. He fights hard on the glass and brings a motor to the court.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2759169' first='Khaleal' last='Brown'] N/A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A quick on quick two-way point guard with some speed with the ball and a tighter handle. He will score with blow bys thru some contact with a quick initial step and he is a great on ball defender with quick hands and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2759167' first='Taylon' last='Owen'] N/A</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pure point guard with tighter handle and speed. He will facilitate and thinks pass first. He will drive and kick it and thread the needle. He can also score it plus shoot it from the perimeter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->