King of AZ: Top Juniors: Part-3

Gregg Rosenberg August 28, 2020 @ 10:46 AM

August 15th and 16th I attended Justin Vargas King of AZ tournament at Arizona Sports Complex in Phx, AZ. He had ages 15U-17U playing 4 games each in the two days. many of the top AZ AAU programs were involved plus one mystery team with a lot of talent that played just for the weekend.   Here were some more of the junior standouts: [player_tooltip player_id="827003" first="Micah" last="Pierce"] Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select 16 UAA Rise) -A high motored power forward is a quick second jumper. He is super active and makes plays off of hustle using his athletic gifts and motor. From rebounding, blocking shots, keeping plays alive and sheer hustle. His athleticism, hard work, length and improving skill makes him an intriguing prospect. [player_tooltip player_id="1030455" first="Cameron" last="Stokes"] Pinnacle (PAL Elite 16 & 17) -A freaky long face-up forward that just keeps looking better every showing. He is incredible on the glass and blocks shots and always seems to come away with the ball in pile of players with effort/motor. He has that wiry body and he seems like he can run for days. He somewhat of an unorthodox shot but makes 3’s at a good clip off the catch and made a couple impressively off the dribble. [player_tooltip player_id="827008" first="Isaac" last="Garcia"] Cholla (Firestorm 16 Gold) -A growing forward from Tucson is pushing 6’7. He has quick bounce and is very smart off of the pick and roll and can finish in traffic. He is a natural rebounder in his area and uses his athleticism. He can face-up from mid-range and rebounds well in area then can score it near the cup. He is a fluid forward who can put the ball on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="1035643" first="Cashuel" last="Scott"] Shadow Mountain (Firestorm 16 Gold) -A combo guard who scores it through contact. He has ain impressive hesi and go plus pull-up from mid-range. He is a naturally tough downhill player with good upper body strength. He is smart off the pick and roll and puts his foot in the ground and then bursts into the lane and scores it through contact. He is a physical defender and plays with great energy. [player_tooltip player_id="1035642" first="Jaleon" last="Israel"] Glenview College Prep (Firestorm 16 Gold) -A long and lean athletic guard can push the ball up the court. He can pull-up with range and is a good rebounder for a guard. He made some real nice passes over the event but is probably best off the ball currently He will play PG for his HS and should make a leap in confidence with the ball and decision making. My first time seeing Israel and he shows nice upside. [player_tooltip player_id="1030456" first="Derick" last="Bush"] Carl Hayden (PAL Elite 16) -A stronger downhill player brings a lot of activity to his game. He is a pest on the ball defensively and attacks with his stronger frame and makes tough layups in traffic. He is a very streaky perimeter shooter but one of the better downhill scorers with his speed and handle. He made many clutch plays down the stretch of some games. [player_tooltip player_id="706698" first="Reed" last="Shuey"] Gilbert (AZ Prime 16 Klaus) -A burly true power forward has grown a little in the last year and his skill is getting better. He has a nice shot from the FT line and in and is a warrior on the glass. He has long arms and he uses his girth and strength to battle inside. He runs the floor like a big should, competes at a high level, gives his team energy and is a pure team player.