Season Preview: Desert Pines

Desert Pines went 3-1 at The Border League. One of their wins came against a very talented Bishop Manogue team that had skilled players at every position.   Coaching Staff   Capri Uzan - Head Coach   Devon Colley - Assistant Coach   Mike Uzan - Assistant Coach   Last Season   11-10 Overall (6-5 In League Play)   Made the State Semifinals, but lost to Bishop Gorman 67-57   2025-2026 Season Preview   The Jaguars roster is very similar to last years. They graduated a couple of seniors (Prince Davis and Cash Jenkins) and [player_tooltip player_id='2468244' first='Jaden' last='Redding'] transferred to Democracy Prep, while Caleb Candelosas transferred to Civica Academy. But they return everyone else, including top 2028 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1965156' first='Mike' last='Taylor']. Along with their strong 2027s, [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'], [player_tooltip player_id='1965276' first='Quentin' last='Stewart'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2812155' first='Mason' last='Robles']. They will also have a couple of seniors on the roster, in[player_tooltip player_id='1707443' first='Chase' last='Robertson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2877330' first='Lavell' last='Lovelace'].   On paper, they have the size and shooting to compete with most teams in 5A. So it may come down to their rebounding and defense. But if their young core keeps developing at their current rate, they may be a dark horse to make a deep playoff run.     Taking A Closer Look At The Potential Roster    [player_tooltip player_id='2374347' first='Aaron' last='McMorran II'] has been generating a ton of buzz since the last year's state semifinals. He will have teams keying on him a bit more this season, but he is sure to still get to his spots. It wouldn't be surprising if he was the top scorer in the state, and more importantly he should be able to help lead the Jaguars to a winning season. Expect him to be wreak some havoc on defense as well. As he's a great shot blocker for being a guard thanks to his timing and anticipation skills.     [player_tooltip player_id='2111894' first='Tyler' last='Merto'] is now a junior and has a good amount of experience from his first couple years of high school. On offense, he's very well-rounded and has a quality shot off the dribble. He's also a threat in transition thanks to his athleticism and make plays on defense. Plus he can rebound. All in all there is a lot to like, and he'll look to take his game to new heights this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2812155' first='Mason' last='Robles'] is a solid 2 way player that can contribute in multiple ways. He drains 3's and positions himself to score in the paint. As a defender, he uses his wingspan and lateral quickness to keep his man in front of him.     [player_tooltip player_id='1707443' first='Chase' last='Robertson'] has joined the Desert Pines squad. He is a versatile player on both ends of the court. He has a combination of length, height, athleticism, which give him a number of advantages. With him in the mix, the Jaguars have another player who can gets to rim. But he also hits shot from the outside as well. As a defender, he applies good ball pressure and comes up with steals.     [player_tooltip player_id='2588076' first='Maleki' last='Sims'] is a shifty PG who looks to facilitate by drawing the attention of the defense. From there he can find his shooters or connect on shots from 3 point land himself. Defensively, Sims is always hustling and he can poke the ball away if his opponent gives him the opportunity.     [player_tooltip player_id='2634178' first='Kru' last='Brown'] is a very active player and brings some grit to the table for the Jaguars. On offense, he is fairly agile and can utilize his footwork and height to score inside. On defense, Brown gets physical when he needs to and battles for boards.     [player_tooltip player_id='2877330' first='Lavell' last='Lovelace'] utilizes his athleticism and instincts to get to the rack on offense. He also uses his vertical when he needs to and can make tough finishes. On defense, he has some speed and can push the ball if he or a teammate causes a turnover.     [player_tooltip player_id='1965276' first='Quentin' last='Stewart'] has the frame and size needed to play against some of the bigger interior players in 5A this season. He also sets picks and scores when he utilizes his spin moves or goes right up with it. As he can get his shot off over most defenders.   I also liked how he did in the Border League against Bishop Manogue. He was competing hard against their bigs on the inside on both offense and defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1965156' first='Mike' last='Taylor'] has been a star on the football field lately, but he's bound to make a big impact once he's back on the court. He is one of the more hard nosed players out there and he is a high level competitor. On offense, he scores by attacking the basket and he draws contact at a high rate.     The Desert Pines QB, [player_tooltip player_id='2819207' first='Jerome' last='Jackson Sequiera'], adds even more height and depth to this Desert Pines team. He is very capable of getting a bucket on the inside and he can snag rebounds.     [player_tooltip player_id='2267707' first='Darius' last='Mcgee'] has some after burners and can dust opponents if get out of position. He's also added 3 point shooting to his bag, which is is getting more consistent. On defense, Mcgee gives it his all and doesn't take possessions off.     [player_tooltip player_id='2877370' first='Mario' last='Fletcher'] is a speedster and can get up and down the court in no time. He is still refining some things, but he gets after while he's out there.

Desert Pines went 3-1 at The Border League. One of their wins came against a very talented Bishop Manogue team that had skilled players at every position.