Southern Arizona Region POY Watchlist 5A-6A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we get closer to the end of the Boys Basketball regular season and closer to the post season I wanted to take a second to highlight players whom I believe to be in the end of season region POY/DPOY/OPOY conversation. Below are players from the 6A South, 5A Sonoran and 5A Southern Regions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2404559"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56783"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malaki is arguably the top overall 2026 prospect in Southern Arizona. He has dominated the 6A South since his sophomore season where he won his first 6A South Player of the year award. He is looking to bring home what would be his third consecutive Region Player of the Year award. This year he is averaging 14.6 points, 2.4 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Hes a high impact player and has developed into one of the more electric players to watch in his time under Coach Langford. His great awareness a long with his skill and athleticism make him one of the top players and my favorite pick for the POY award in the 6A South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tavion Okougbo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tucson High","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56aa2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Okougbo is the heart and soul of the Badgers defense. You can't truly appreciate what he does and how elite his performance makes this Badgers team. He is a relentless on ball defender who is averaging 2.5 steals per game ( he is currently averaging 4 steals per game in region games) but forces many bad passes with his defensive pressure. He is one of the most impactful players without the ball and plays defense with passion. Okougbo is my favorite right now for the 6A South Defensive Player of the Year</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2630584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56b8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Flores is one the best shooters in the 6A South. He runs a very potent offense for the Badgers and seems to always come up big in clutch offensive possessions. He has 48 three pointers on the season while shooting 44 percent. and is shooting 46 percent from the field. He is currently averaging 3.0 assists per game. His vision and patience on the offensive end allows him to be a very effective point guard. He doesn't get rattled by defensive pressure and makes great passes. A very high IQ player. I expect Flores to be in the conversation for offensive player of the year in the 6A South Region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2990139"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56c71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anumba is a well rounded player and could be in consideration for any of the three year end region POY awards in my opinion. The athletic wing has great rebounding ability and just plays dominant in the post. Anumbas best game of the season was against Tanque Verde where he racked up 35 points and 20 rebounds. His best region game was against Catalina Foothills where he went for 17 points and 15 rebounds. Anumba has a long wingspan and definitely knows how to use it to his advantage. Daniel is a player I expect to be in the DPOY coversation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1839805"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56d46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams will be another candidate for defensive player of the year in the 5A Sonoran Region. A dual sport athlete who just announced his commitment to UNLV for football. A powerful force in the post but can impact the game from the perimeter as well. Williams brings in 17 points, 1.8 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. His presence alone makes his opponents second guess attacking the paint. A very well rounded player who plays every position for the Cougars and impacts the game in all areas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2834414"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56e15"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore just recently eclipsed 1000 career points before the end of his junior season and has the Cienega Bobcats in one of their best seasons in school history. Moore is my pick to get the 5A Southern Region Player of the Year award. He's arguably the best player in the region and you could argue he could win all three (POY, OPOY,DPOY) this season. Moore is the leader of a dangerous Bobcat offense and brings in 15.9 points, 6.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game. One of the top two way guards in Southern Arizona. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Thomas Welker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Buena","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d56fc2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I expect Welker to be in the OPOY conversation. An athletic wing who can score effectively at all three levels. Welker is currently averaging 16.4 points and 8 rebounds per game in region matchups. He spaces the floor really well with his effective perimeter shot. Tremendous post footwork and is dominant in the post in most matchups. Very effective in the pick and roll. His athleticism and wingspan give him a great advantage in any matchup. Welker has been vital for the Colts and currently has lead them to a 13-2 record and a top 10 5A conference ranking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2147243"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6976fb6d5716e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If I had to pick a player to start a team with based on their defensive play in 5A Southern Region it would be none other than [player_tooltip player_id='2147243' first='Jaden' last='Rodgers']. His defensive IQ is off the charts and his speed and athleticism make it easy for him to make plays and impact the game at a very high level. Rodgers is averaging 10.2 points, 4.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds, 4.9 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. He is on pace to surpass 100 steals and 50 blocks this season alone. My current favorite for Defensive Player of the Year in the 5A Southern</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nathan Schofield","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sunnyside High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698cd8cfd3897"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I expect Schofield to be in consideration for 6A South OPOY consideration and should be a first team selection. He plays with a very strong motor and doesn't shy away from the physicality of the game. He plays through and has been the most effective player for the Blue Devils this season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 1.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game this season. He's gone for 20+ points thirteen times this season including four times in region games putting up a season high 37 points vs Rincon. Listed as a Forward, Schofield plays and is more impactful when the ball is in his hands and he is able to create opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2386958"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698cdd4c85a01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gill has been a force on the offensive end for the Mountain Lions and leads a very explosive offense. A talented point guard with great vision and passing ability who is always getting his teammates involved. He uses his speed to blow by defenders in transition for the easy score. Gill is currently averaging 10 points, 3.6 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game. A terrific defender who is a ball hawk. His defensive IQ and ability to make reads is next to none in the region. Expect Gill in the conversation for in my opinion all three year end awards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->