Fresh faces: 5-6A playoff newbies to watch
The round of 16 in the AIA 5A and 6A playoffs begins Wednesday, February 13. There will be teams full of veteran players making their last runs, as well as newcomers looking to crash the party. Some teams rely heavily…
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Continue ReadingThe round of 16 in the AIA 5A and 6A playoffs begins Wednesday, February 13. There will be teams full of veteran players making their last runs, as well as newcomers looking to crash the party.
Some teams rely heavily on freshmen, who will experience the big-school playoffs for the first time this week. Here are a few names to watch
Isaac Garcia: Cholla
Cholla is a 10-seed in the upcoming tournament, leading his team to a play-in win over University/Rincon with 22 points and five rebounds. His inclusion in the article is based solely on numbers that would be impressive for any player, any age, much less a freshman in 5A. He averages 18.4 points and 8 rebounds per game. He has shown ability to score from everywhere, and uses his size well to secure boards and play defense near the basket. With more growth, both in height and muscle mass, he could become a force for years to come.
Andrew King: Desert Vista
Desert Vista looked to be in a rebuilding stage, after making consecutive semifinal appearances in the state’s highest level. King is one of many players making an impact in their first season of varsity with the new-look squad. He can shoot from all parts of the floor, dribble well to run the offense, and plays incredibly well off of captain Isaiah Wilson and stud big Osasere Ighadaro. He is the highest-scoring freshman in 6A, averaging 8.2 points per game.
Dominic Capriotti: Skyline
Skyline has surprised much of the state with its play this season, earning a spot in the final 16 after years of turmoil. There are many young players to look to, but Capriotti has been a contributor to the success. He is already one of the best three-point shooters I’ve seen this season, and he’s shown the rest of his offensive game will come to him with work as well. His shots keep defenders close to him, allowing his talented teammates to work inside and from the perimeter themselves. He averages 8 points per game.
Ahamed Mohamed: Apollo
There are a few other 5A players that have scored more and tallied better numbers than Mohamed, but most of them do not contribute heavily to teams seriously contending for state titles. Mohamed is a key piece of an Apollo team that has looked incredible all season, taking a back seat to other talented older players, but shooting and getting lay ups when he has the chance. He also locks in on defense, playing with a lot of effort.