Region Breakdown: 5A Desert West
The 5A Desert West Region saw a lot of changes with Willow Canyon, Independence, and Goldwater moving to a different region. They were replaced with La Joya, Canyon View, and Lake Havasu. On paper, this region has a lot of…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A Desert West Region saw a lot of changes with Willow Canyon, Independence, and Goldwater moving to a different region. They were replaced with La Joya, Canyon View, and Lake Havasu. On paper, this region has a lot of question marks. With that said, it looks like it has the potential to be more competitive and balanced than it has been previously due to the addition of La Joya as well as other teams bringing back key players. Millennium is still the favorite, but La Joya brings back some key prospects from a team that went 22-4.
Agua Fria
While Agua Fria’s record was not stellar in the 2019-2020 season, they bring back a large portion of that team which should aid them in being competitive in this region. Specifically, Durnell Trimble, who led the team in scoring despite only being a 2022, should give this team plenty of confidence. Jaden Green and Vont’e Trimble provided the team with solid contributions as well. With these young guys getting meaningful experience last year and a returning coaching staff, it is safe to say that this team will be more competitive than last year.
Canyon View
Canyon View has the most question marks out of anyone due to being a newer school. They have yet to participate at the varsity level as a school. However, last year, they showed success at the levels that they played at. It will be intriguing to watch who steps up for this program in as they enter the varsity ranks.
La Joya
Coach Lefebvre is one of the top coaches in the state and always finds a way to produce high performing teams in the west valley. He lost a number of key players from his 22 win season last year. However, La Joya reloads instead of rebuilds. They will compete for the region title with Keon Joubert leading the way. After that, there are a number of question marks. Willie Fragher and Teontrae Cowen played meaningful minutes. In fact, Cowen distributed the ball at a high level and was active in the passing lanes. This group will be ready to compete at a high level.
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu is making a huge leap to this 5A region from 4A. Unfortunately, they will have to do it without a lot of proven prospects. Gerald Bolden Jr. is the most proven of the prospects returning to this team. Bolden provided the team with nearly 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.
Millennium
While Millennium will have a number of questions to answer, they are still a title contender who is the favorite to win this region. Justin Shorts Justin Shorts 6'3" | SF Glenview Prep | 2022 State AZ and Coleman Fields Coleman Fields 6'4" | SG Millennium | 2021 State AZ all bring varsity experience to the group. Further, they have added a transfer from Hillcrest Prep in 6’8 2023 Isaac Hymes Isaac Hymes 6'9" | PF Phhoenix Prep | 2023 State AZ . While the departure of numerous key seniors, DaRon Holmes, and Justus Jackson Justus Jackson 6'0" | PG Eduprize | 2021 State AZ will hurt the team considerably, Fields and shorts have been varsity contributors for the past two years while Hymes is considered to be a D1 prospect. This group is extremely well-coached and will have a chip on their shoulder as well.
Verrado
Verrado struggled in this region last year and lose a large portion of their team as well as have a coaching change. The group does have a proven prospect returning in Jake Sant, who had a solid season despite only being a 2022. Sant figures to be the go to prospect for Verrado this upcoming season. He will need to have a huge season in order for Verrado to see success.