Seliga's Summer Underclassmen Standouts - Pt. 1

<p>June has come and gone and with it goes arguably the most important and valuable time on the recruiting calendar for college coaches and high school prospects alike. Arizona has become a recruiting hot bed during June with events such as Section 7, but other events such as the yearly Best In Basketball Summer Invitational in Gilbert or out of state events such as Nevada Live attract the top teams and players alike.</p>   <p>However often overlooked is how impactful June is for underclassmen prospects who don't really pick up offers but rather get on the radar of colleges and media. Most are stepping into new roles whether it's their first year of starting or taking over as the star for their program.</p>   <p>Throughout the next couple of weeks, I will be releasing the top underclassmen performers I observed during the June live period.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2953190' first='Valentino' last='Barnes'] - Desert Edge</h2>   <p>One of the best shooters in the state already and the best incoming freshman shooter in the 2030 class, Barnes holds all the keys to helping take his Desert Edge team to the next level. The biggest thing missing for the Scorpions this past year was having a true threat on the perimeter and that's exactly what Barnes is. He has a strap that can knock down tough three-point shots from all over the floor and a quick release whether it's catch and shoot or off the dribble. He shows an all-around scoring ability as he gets downhill to the rim and finish as well. Barnes could be one of the leading scorers in the 5A conference as a freshman and already shows signs of being a good 1-2 combo with [player_tooltip player_id='2533594' first='CJ' last='Johnson'].</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2251690' first='Innocent' last='Onwo'] - Mesa</h2>   <p>There is no doubt after June, [player_tooltip player_id='2251690' first='Innocent' last='Onwo'] is ready to take the jump and be the leader of his Mesa squad. Following the transfer of [player_tooltip player_id='1651788' first='Jakyi' last='Miles'] to AZ Compass Prep, there was questions as to whether or not Onwo would stay at Mesa. Well, he stayed and he could be a breakout star in the 6A conference this season. As a scorer, Onwo is prolific at attacking opposing teams in different ways whether its at the rim or on the perimeter and will make defenses pay if they're lazy while guarding him. He uses a good handle to be able to attack the rim or get to his spot in the midrange and pull up. He's due for a big year for a Mesa team hoping to make a run in the open division.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='3574605' first='Isaiah' last='King'] - Basha</h2>   <p>It seems every year, Basha has an impact young star on its roster ready to make a difference at the varsity level right away. In the 2030 class, that player appears to be [player_tooltip player_id='3574605' first='Isaiah' last='King'] who has come into the program and earned minutes and looks to be a strong bench piece right away. King plays with a strength and speed that isn't normal for an incoming freshman. He understands when and how to attack the competition and uses it to his advantage. As a rebounder, he's already gifted for the position at his age and as he continues to become more athletic he could be a force in the future.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2947347' first='Braylon' last='Hartley'] - Verrado</h2>   <p>A transfer that is relishing in his new role is Hartley who joins the Verrado program and has already made an impact in a short time. He's constantly putting pressure on the rim whether he is looking to finish through or around contact and will blow by most defenders with ease. However, what he uses to his advantage is his shooting stroke from deep which puts pressure on defenses as they can't leave him or else he can make them pay inside and out. His motor is high and he's always looking to impact the play on both ends of the court. In his new role, Hartley should breakout and he could be an under-the-radar star in the 5A conference this year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2759167' first='Taylan' last='Owens'] - Canyon View</h2>   <p>One of the best point guards in Arizona regardless of class, [player_tooltip player_id='2759167' first='Taylan' last='Owens'] looks poised to become one of the top stars in Arizona in the coming years. The Canyon View lead guard has the ability to dominate the game in different ways whether it's crisp passing setting up teammates or scoring in bunches. His quick shooting form from deep coupled with a tight handle makes him a threat at all levels as he can create out of the post after driving down low or in a traditional sense from the top of the key. He can breakdown opposing defenders and defenses with an advanced basketball IQ for his class and he could be the breakout star of the year regardless of conference.</p>   <p></p>

June has come and gone and with it goes arguably the most important and valuable time on the recruiting calendar for college coaches and high school prospects alike. Arizona has become a recruiting hot bed during June with events such as Section 7, but other events such as the yearly Best In Basketball Summer Invitational in Gilbert or out of state events such as Nevada Live attract the top teams and players alike.