Early Look: 4A Desert League Contenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 4A Desert League is shaping up to be very competitive once again. Below is a quick look at some of the teams that I think will be in line to make the playoffs. And there's a chance we see one of these teams in the 4A State Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Clark Chargers </em></strong><em>(2025-2026 Overall Record 22-5, 8-0 In Conference Play)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Clark Chargers have the chance to repeat, however they have lost a few of key members from last year's squad. Devon Christion is off at Akron, Amir Wright is playing at William Penn, while their other point guard CJ Edwards has transferred to Redondo Beach. They happen to be the leading scorers, leaving a decently big void to fill. Guys who will look to fill that void include: [player_tooltip player_id='2286675' first='Sir' last='Montgomery'], [player_tooltip player_id='2972429' first='Hudson' last='Lander'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2286677' first='Andrew' last='Yeung']. [player_tooltip player_id='2286675' first='Sir' last='Montgomery'] had an action packed summer, helping Prominent Elite win the NXT Pro Championship in Orlando, FL. If I had to guess, I'd say he'll more than likely be the Chargers new leading scorer. [player_tooltip player_id='2972429' first='Hudson' last='Lander'] is likely most well known for his ability to stretch the floor, and I anticipate that he'll turn into a starter. Then there is big man [player_tooltip player_id='2286677' first='Andrew' last='Yeung'], who should give Clark some presence in the paint. Plus he is a capable 3-point shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Palo Verde Panthers </em></strong><em>(2025-2026 Overall Record 18-8, 6-2 In Conference Play)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Palo Verde got knocked out of the playoffs last season by Clark. They will surely look to make it further this year, and they may have the roster to do so. Although they had notable seniors graduate (Ethan Inocencio and Crew Peery), they return some talented prospects. Fred Jones Jr., aka "Deuce," will be back, and he has made major strides this offseason. Assuming he plays like he did over the summer, I fully expect him to lead the way for the Panthers. Other guys who I believe will be significant contributors are [player_tooltip player_id='3675497' first='Dallin' last='Jensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2919445' first='Eli' last='Powell'], Cam Banks, [player_tooltip player_id='3558162' first='Xander' last='Hedin'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3558120' first='Dane' last='Duff']. I recently wrote about how I think [player_tooltip player_id='3675497' first='Dallin' last='Jensen'] is going to be a name to know for the upcoming season thanks to his shooting ability. I also think [player_tooltip player_id='2919445' first='Eli' last='Powell'] is ready for a big role thanks to his court vision and feel for the game. Cam Banks should be prepared for more on his plate too, as he has the skill and athleticism to be a playmaker on both ends. Hedin and Duff will most likely hold it down in the paint, and both guys have the height to make their opponents work to score around the cup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Durango Trailblazers</em></strong> <em>(2025-2026 Overall Record 19-7, 6-2 In Conference Play)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Durango was a team that made it further than some might have expected last season, earning the No. 2 seed in coach Devin Matthews' first year. Notable graduates include Fabian Gomez and Elijah Outlaw-McDaniel, meaning they'll need some new players to emerge. Names that come to mind are [player_tooltip player_id='3522826' first='RJ' last='Riley'], [player_tooltip player_id='3685002' first='Grayson' last='Stringer'] and Marshall Outlaw. Riley is a gritty player who has the ability to get downhill and put pressure on the defense. Stringer, who I recently wrote about in my Under the Radar article, is also strong at attacking the basket. Then there's Outlaw, their top sniper, who has the tools and skill to emerge as their primary option offensively. This team may experience some growing pains, just like any other team replacing key pieces. But I believe they'll be in contention for the first or second seed come playoff time.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Faith Lutheran Crusaders </em></strong> <em>(2025-2026 Overall Record 19-7, 6-2 In Conference Play)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Faith Lutheran Crusaders will look much different than they did last year. Just about their entire starting lineup and rotational players have graduated, and we will see plenty of new faces on this year's squad. Some of the guys who I expect to see out there are Neil Pomerantz, [player_tooltip player_id='3576687' first='Dylan' last='Swinn'], [player_tooltip player_id='2819431' first='Solomon' last='Anderson'], Julian Sabas [player_tooltip player_id='2520982' first='Reese' last='Riccio'], and [player_tooltip player_id='3558161' first='Nash' last='Burton']. Pomerantz likely has what it takes to score around 20 or more. Anderson is a new addition from Cimarron and should provide more inside scoring and rebounding. Sabas joins the Crusaders as well and gives them more firepower on offense. Swinn is a Swiss Army knife and will do whatever the team needs. Then there is Riccio and Burton, who will be tasked with handling the rock and facilitating. I believe that will be pretty much their core, and then they also have a couple of other guys to watch out for. Building cohesion will be very important for this team, and they will likely use the fall to get things rolling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->