Top 2024 Newcomers in the AIA viewed

Gregg Rosenberg February 23, 2023 @ 07:42 AM

As we head into all the final-4 in many of the conferences and OPEN playoffs, I wanted to look back at some of the top newcomers that I did not see last year. Many of them I mentioned along my trek around the state. Some of them will definitely break out for their respective teams next year!   <h2>Here are some top junior newcomers I viewed this season</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1757699' first='Paris' last='Strozier Jr'] Thunderbird   A long defensive guard is a play-maker. He may not be their top scorer but can get downhill, score in transition and hit perimeter jumpers. He defends almost every position with his length and athleticism but his passing and versatility makes him different then most.   [player_tooltip player_id='1594604' first='Keyan' last='Murphy'] Centennial   A bigger wing forward with skill. He has real nice ball rotation on his jumpers and is a plus rebounder in his area. He has some vertical pop and can defend multiple positions on the floor. He is best off the catch but can create a little.   [player_tooltip player_id='1757700' first='Damion' last='Miller-Coleman'] Moon Valley   A powerfully built scoring guard is a tough cover. He can shoot the three but is best getting to the rim. He uses his stronger upper body to score thru contact and his toughness shines through. He is a good rebounder and brings a motor to the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1570816' first='Payton' last='Lapping'] Desert Ridge (Pictured)   A versatile shooting guard is a three level scorer. He can shoot the three off the catch, he cuts to the basket for buckets and can score on floaters. He has a quick second jump and is a good facilitator. He plays with a high IQ and makes winning plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1674460' first='Zy' last='Fuentes'] Desert Ridge   A combo guard who has deep three point range. He has some speed with the ball in the open court to score and he is a very good passer. He can drive and kick it to his shooters and he will score thru contact with some toughness. He has made a few clutch plays throughout the year and he will defend. He has quicker hands and feet to keep his defender from scoring. He cuts to the basket and plays from the neck up.   [player_tooltip player_id='1681102' first='Blake' last='Carabio'] Ironwood   One of the players off the bench from the deep roster of talent. He is a 3 and D type and brings toughness like all Coach Augustine players. He hits the three and brings a motor on the defensive end of the court. His ability to change speeds makes him a tougher cover. He can get a step and use runners and will throw his nose in the paint to rebound.   [player_tooltip player_id='1633021' first='Braylen' last='Singleton'] Chandler   A two-way combo guard can score and defend. He can shoot it from the perimeter past the three point line and get to the rim with euros using a quicker burst. He uses his size and length for a guard to pester his opponents.   [player_tooltip player_id='1674459' first='Jaylon' last='Hooks'] Mesquite   A long wing seems to be a late bloomer. He is a long multi-positional defender who runs the court well. He has plus athleticism and takes very few strides to get to the rim. He can hit the catch three and he could be a possible breakout candidate for the Wildcats.   [player_tooltip player_id='1594727' first='Sam' last='Franklin'] Millennium   One of the rare non underclassmen for the Tigers. He is very athletic and can score. He can shoot it with the catch three or throw it down on the break. He plays off of their top scorers well and brings veteran leadership off the young bench.

As we head into all the final-4 in many of the conferences and OPEN playoffs, I wanted to look back at some of the top newcomers that I did not see last year. Many of them I mentioned along my trek around the state. Some of them will definitely break out for their respective teams next year!