AZ Top-250 EXPO: AZ Senior Newcomers
On October 11th I attended the Arizona Top-250 EXPO at Inspire Courts in Gilbert, AZ.
There were around 110-115 players who attended the event divided into 12 different teams.
Players were from Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington.
Each team played 3 full games and the games were very competitive.
Here were some of the new faces in the senior class:
Joseph Davis Joseph Davis 6'8" | C Agua Fria | 2021 State AZ (Agua Fria)
-A fluid big man who has grown 3 inches in the last year. He has a big body and he is strong. He can drop step and can face-up from mid-range. He handles the ball decently and he can be a shot blocker and big rebounder for the Owls this year.
Malik Payton
Malik
Payton
6'1" | SG
Florence | 2021
State
AZ
(Florence)
-An active on-ball defender has quick hands. He can block shots and rebound. He is sneaky athletic and is a good passer. He also can score the ball from all 3 levels. He averaged 18 points last year with almost 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 block per game making him a real sleeper.
Carter John
Carter
John
6'1" | CG
Hillcrest Prep Post Grad | 2022
State
AZ
(Bradshaw Mountain)
-An athletic wing flies on the break and seems to hang in the air to dunk the ball. He has a stronger upper body and can take the contact and score it. He is a capable perimeter shooter but prefers to get into the lane to score with his frame and handle.
Jayden Ontiveros
Jayden
Ontiveros
6'1" | SF
Higley | 2021
AZ
(Higley) (Pictured)
-A thick wing who just arrived from Chicago Kenwood HS is hard to defend inside. He has a tighter handle and is a good passer. His strong frame allows him to rebound well for a guard and he loves getting downhill. He is a capable shooter but gets into the lane best and will either score or make a play.
Jediah Jones Jediah Jones 6'8" | C Higley | 2021 State AZ (Higley)
-A long post player also just moved in from Chicago Dyett HS. He is a natural shot blocker with his immense length and he boxes out to grab rebounds. He moves well in space but can get stronger and improve his motor and effort. He has nice upside.
Jason Reitz
Jason
Reitz
5'9" | PG
Kingman | 2021
State
AZ
(Kingman)
-An undersized PG with a good feel for the game. He is a smart passer and changes speeds often keeping the defense off balance. He smartly cuts to the basket and has good footwork scoring the ball. He should breakout this year for the Bulldogs.
Derek Sult
Derek
Sult
6'7" | C
Campo Verde | 2021
State
AZ
(Campo Verde)
-A longer forward who is an out of area rebounder using his frame, motor and length. He can score it inside with multiple post moves. He has a decent FT touch and he can block shots in his area. He grew two inches since last year.
James Aschenbrener
James
Aschenbrener
5'8" | PG
Campo Verde | 2021
State
AZ
(Campo Verde)
-A diminutive PG is very quick. He is a good passer with a tight handle and can make catch 3’s. He can finish layups with his left or right hand. He may be small but he is tough and scrappy.
