Season Preview: 4A Sky League

New Look For The 4A Sky League - All New Teams   Silverado - 12-15 Overall - Moved Down From 5A   Foothill - 10-17 Overall - Moved Down From 5A   Basic Academy - 11-13 Overall - Moved From The 4A Mountain League   Pinecrest Cadence Academy - 5-23 Overall - Moved From The 4A Lake League   Pinecrest Sloan Canyon - 13-10 Overall - Moved Up From 3A   SLAM - 7-12 Overall - Moved Up From 3A   Basic Academy - 13-10 Overall - Moved From The 4A Mountain League   Green Valley - 17-10 Overall - Moved From the 4A Mountain League     Predictions   1. Foothill - The Foothill Falcons are my early favorite in the 4A Sky League. They're deep, balanced, and built with a strong mix of slashers, shooters, and size. Leading the charge will be [player_tooltip player_id='2877334' first='Clinton' last='Ezugha'], who was forced to play JV last season due to transfer rules. Now eligible, he's set to be one of the conference's best players and a matchup problem on both ends.   At point guard, Foothill has a steady hand in [player_tooltip player_id='2819215' first='Anthony' last='Martinez']. He performed at a high level all fall, using his speed to collapse defenses and create easy looks for the rest of the roster. Surrounding him is a trio of capable shooters—[player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'], [player_tooltip player_id='2877357' first='Reese' last='Velasco'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2675178' first='Mudd' last='Comtois']. All three can stretch the floor and hit multiple threes when they get in rhythm.   Inside, [player_tooltip player_id='2806932' first='Packer' last='Kelley'] will be their anchor. He brings toughness in the paint, rebounds well, protects the rim, and finishes around the basket. And the depth doesn't stop there. Kairey Sampioow and [player_tooltip player_id='2888778' first='Aaron' last='Garbutt'] give the Falcons two more athletic pieces who can attack the hoop or provide defensive intensity off the bench.   Top to bottom, Foothill has talent, versatility, and legitimate firepower. Look for them to make the playoffs, and from there anything can happen.   2. Green Valley - The Green Valley Gators have a real chance to put together another winning season, largely powered by their backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='2672487' first='Lamarcus' last='Carter'] returns as a two-way playmaker who should set the tone on offense and defense. The Gators also added [player_tooltip player_id='1965090' first='Brosnen' last='Gilmore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1965086' first='Ethan' last='Keith']. Two newcomers who have already started to gel with the rest of their teammates.   The Gators will lean on Forwards: [player_tooltip player_id='2672470' first='Oliver' last='Venable'], [player_tooltip player_id='1774527' first='Gasim' last='Yousif'], Justin Santa, and [player_tooltip player_id='2672442' first='Tyce' last='Carr'] to compete on the glass and provide toughness in the paint. Their rebounding and interior presence will be crucial if Green Valley want to stay competitive in the 4A Sky League.   There is sure to bumps along the way, but this team has the pieces to improve as the season goes on. If everything comes together, Green Valley should be able to make the playoffs.   3. Silverado - Silverado has made the move from 5A to 4A. Carnegie Mellon commit [player_tooltip player_id='1494682' first='Kayden' last='Goss'] will be the engine that drives them. But he's been sidelined this fall rehabbing an injury. It may take him some time to find his rhythm, but he's the type of player who can completely change a game with his shooting ability.   The loss of [player_tooltip player_id='2642329' first='Denali' last='Connelly'] to Utah Prep certainly hurts, however Silverado has several players ready to jump into larger roles. Ladainian Powell, Cam Martin, [player_tooltip player_id='1962959' first='Daelaun' last='Ross'], [player_tooltip player_id='2517145' first='Kai' last='Pointer'], [player_tooltip player_id='2920445' first='Haneef' last='Bahar'], [player_tooltip player_id='2909609' first='Jordan' last='Bailey'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2621160' first='Chase' last='Snyder'] all project as important contributors.   Powell is essentially a big guard who can get downhill, and his length and mobility give the Silverhawks defensive versatility. Martin is their outside shooter who can knock down shots from well beyond the arc. Ross, Pointer, Bahar, and Bailey are all shifty creators who can burn defenders who crowd them. While Snyder should earn minutes with his size, frame, and ability to make plays in the paint.   This season will likely be more challenging than last year given the roster turnover and Goss working back to full strength. Still, if he can rally the group and provide steady production, Silverado should remain competitive. Given the circumstances, I project the Silverhawks to finish around third.   4. Basic Academy - Basic Academy will look much different this season after losing several key players. Including [player_tooltip player_id='1490283' first='Amare' last='Oba'], Jamari Cottingham, and Hunter McGory. But they do return [player_tooltip player_id='2240785' first='Kenny' last='Williams'], who will be asked to score and facilitate night in and night out. But he appears ready for the responsibility. And he should deliver multiple big performances throughout the year.   Other players to keep an eye on include Hudson Yakubik (a transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2374929' first='Terrance' last='Edmond'], [player_tooltip player_id='2640714' first='Dax' last='Salem'], [player_tooltip player_id='2884024' first='Tristan' last='Hoskins'] (transfer) and [player_tooltip player_id='2329807' first='Saolotoga' last='Jefferson']. Yakubik, standing roughly 6'5/6'6, gives the Wolves a long, active defender who can disrupt passing lanes and contribute offensively when he picks up speed. Edmond missed last season due to injury, but when healthy he's a physical presence who can bully opponents in the paint with his linebacker-like frame. Salem is their primary three-point threat and a scrappy perimeter defender. Hoskins stands at 6'10 and he can make an impact if can continue to develop his touch around the rim. Jefferson brings more toughness on the defensive end and is very capable of generating turnovers (he'll just need to limit foul trouble to stay on the floor).   Basic's season will ultimately depend on how disciplined they can be.   With all of that said, I predict that they will in finish in fourth place in the 4A Sky League.   5. SECTA - The SECTA Roadrunners look primed to improve this season. Returning most of their core from last year. Point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2807201' first='Edward' last='Arellano'] should bump up his scoring, while continuing to create for others. They'll also rely on [player_tooltip player_id='2806802' first='Rikkie' last='Rodriguez'], [player_tooltip player_id='2973223' first='Marck' last='Marshall'], [player_tooltip player_id='2812157' first='Ricardo' last='Rodriguez'], Jaxson Grant, and Worthy Manumaleuna.   [player_tooltip player_id='2806802' first='Rikkie' last='Rodriguez'], at about 6'3", and can stretch the floor with his shooting. Marshall provides inside scoring with a serviceable jumper. While [player_tooltip player_id='2812157' first='Ricardo' last='Rodriguez'] and Grant will handle defense, rebounding, and getting buckets in the paint. Then there is Manumaleuna, who averaged 7.3 PPG last year.   All in all, SECTA seems like a team to watch out for. Playing together and taking smart shots will be key to turning that potential into wins.   6. SLAM - The SLAM Bulls are making the jump into 4A, and the competition will be tough right away. They did lose their top scorer from last season, [player_tooltip player_id='2461162' first='Alaijah' last='Young']. Who is now over at Mountain Valley Prep. But they return several key contributors who should keep them competitive.   [player_tooltip player_id='2695249' first='Jael' last='Cousett'] is back and will likely be their tone-setter. He plays with confidence, gets downhill, and can finish through contact. [player_tooltip player_id='2461756' first='Pablo' last='Cruz'] gives them size inside as a reliable interior scorer and shot blocker. Meanwhile, [player_tooltip player_id='2806436' first='Xavior' last='Ventura'] is their perimeter threat. He's a true sharpshooter who can heat up from 3 point land , and there's a good chance he ends up as the Bulls' leading scorer.   SLAM also has additional frontcourt help with Jamari Ross and Amin Kimbal. Two forwards who bring height, length, and energy off the bench or in spot starting roles.   For now, I predict that the Bulls will finish around sixth in the conference.   7. Pinecrest Sloan Canyon - Pinecrest Sloan Canyon found solid success last season, reaching the playoffs before falling to eventual 3A State Champion Mater East Academy.   [player_tooltip player_id='2723600' first='MJ' last='Tucker'] is set to be their primary offensive weapon once again, and the experience he gained last year should help with the jump to 4A. He's tough to stay in front of and consistently earns trips to the free-throw line, which gives the Pirates steady scoring when they need it.   Outside of Tucker, however, there are major question marks. The Pirates graduated six seniors, all of whom played significant roles. Evan King, who averaged 3.6 PPG last season, will likely be asked to step up on both ends.   Given the amount of turnover and the lack of proven production beyond Tucker. I predict Pinecrest Sloan Canyon to finish 7th in the conference.   8. Pinecrest Cadence Academy - Pinecrest Cadence Academy didn't have much go their way last season, finishing 5–20 overall and 0–10 in conference play. The good news is that their top scorer is returning. Martinique Brown averaged 9.9 PPG and should be ready to generate even more offense for the Cougars. Another player who could help carry the scoring load is Chase Guerrero, who put up 4.2 PPG and has the tools to increase that production.   While the Tigers undoubtedly have aspirations of winning more games, the path won't be easy. It will take consistency and sharp coaching to surprise some of the teams above.     Top Returning Scorers   [player_tooltip player_id='2723600' first='MJ' last='Tucker'] - 17.8 PPG - Pinecrest Sloan Canyon   [player_tooltip player_id='1494682' first='Kayden' last='Goss'] - 14.5 PPG - Silverado   [player_tooltip player_id='2675178' first='Mudd' last='Comtois'] - 12.0 PPG - Foothill   [player_tooltip player_id='2240785' first='Kenny' last='Williams'] - 13.9 PPG - Basic Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='2672487' first='Lamarcus' last='Carter'] - 10.6 PPG - Green Valley   Martinique Brown - 9.9 PPG - Pinecrest Cadence   [player_tooltip player_id='2807201' first='Edward' last='Arellano'] - 9.0 PPG - SECTA   Xavier Ventura - 7.7. PPG - SLAM   Worthy Manumaleuna - 7.3 PPG - SECTA   [player_tooltip player_id='2461756' first='Pablo' last='Cruz'] - 6.6 PPG - SLAM   [player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'] - 6.7 PPG - Foothill   Jaxson Grant - 6.4 PPG - SECTA   [player_tooltip player_id='2806802' first='Rikkie' last='Rodriguez'] - 5.9 PPG - SECTA   [player_tooltip player_id='2695249' first='Jael' last='Cousett'] - 5.5 PPG - SLAM   [player_tooltip player_id='2329807' first='Saolotoga' last='Jefferson'] - 5.2 PPG - Basic Academy   Zhyier Smith - 5.2 PPG - SECTA   [player_tooltip player_id='2806932' first='Packer' last='Kelley'] - 4.8 PPG - Foothill   [player_tooltip player_id='2672442' first='Tyce' last='Carr'] - 4.3 PPG - Green Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='2877357' first='Reese' last='Velasco'] - 4.2 PPG - Foothill   [player_tooltip player_id='1774527' first='Gasim' last='Yousif'] - 4.1 PPG - Green Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='2812157' first='Ricardo' last='Rodriguez'] - 3.9 PPG - SECTA   Jamari Ross - 3.8 PPG - SLAM   Cam Martin - 3.6 PPG - Silverado     All-Conference Team Projections   First Team   [player_tooltip player_id='2240785' first='Kenny' last='Williams'] - Basic Academy   [player_tooltip player_id='1965090' first='Brosnen' last='Gilmore'] - Green Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='1494682' first='Kayden' last='Goss'] - Silverado   [player_tooltip player_id='2877334' first='Clinton' last='Ezugha'] - Foothill   [player_tooltip player_id='2723600' first='MJ' last='Tucker'] - Pinecrest Sloan Canyon   Second Team   [player_tooltip player_id='2675178' first='Mudd' last='Comtois'] - Foothill   [player_tooltip player_id='2672487' first='Lamarcus' last='Carter'] - Green Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='1965086' first='Ethan' last='Keith'] - Green Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='2819215' first='Anthony' last='Martinez'] - Foothill   [player_tooltip player_id='2806932' first='Packer' last='Kelley'] - Foothill     Superlatives (While some prospects fit the bill for multiple superlatives, I am only putting them down for one)   Best Freshman - Kairey Sampiiow - Foothill   Best Sophomore - [player_tooltip player_id='2819215' first='Anthony' last='Martinez'] - Foothill   Best Defender - [player_tooltip player_id='2672487' first='Lamarcus' last='Carter'] - Green Valley   Best Scorer - [player_tooltip player_id='2723600' first='MJ' last='Tucker'] - Pinecrest Sloan Canyon   Best College Prospect - [player_tooltip player_id='2877334' first='Clinton' last='Ezugha'] - Foothill   Best 3-Point Shooter - [player_tooltip player_id='1494682' first='Kayden' last='Goss'] - Silverado   Best Rebounder - [player_tooltip player_id='2806932' first='Packer' last='Kelley'] - Foothill   Most Improved - [player_tooltip player_id='2352170' first='Cordet' last='Espinoza'] - Foothill

New Look For The 4A Sky League - All New Teams