Eliav GabayPhoto Courtesy: Greg Stein
We caught up with the Prep Hoops expert Gregg Rosenberg at the Nike Tournament of Champions and HoopHall West.
The discussion included standout stars, schools to keep an eye on, colleges focusing on Arizona, and national tournaments continuing to be hosted in the Valley.
A few notes from matchups across the board:
Highland (W) vs Chandler
Chandler’s defense showed up but their offense produced low percentage takes & the times they did get the ball movement going, they missed a few bunnies. Their comeback bid was short-lived when Highland started raining treys on the Wolves’ parade.
While AIA schools may not have as much athleticism to go around as the prep schools, there were plenty of dunks from both teams.
Impressive players: Highland’s Kyle Bogart, Nick Reber, Ty Crandall, Grady Crandall.
Pinnacle (W) vs Higley
Well-matched rosters. There we so many three’s being made from both teams the PA announcer almost said “for three!” on a layup.
That also meant that when shots weren’t falling from downtown that the offenses became stagnant. Pinnacle eventually found their slashing lanes and Higley was too reliant on Marquice Pless to do it all. Higley’s defense kept them in it but multiple chance efforts served Pinnacle well. The Pioneers’ shots from downtown were timely down the stretch to deliver the win.
More impressive players: Pinnacle’s Brandon Morris, Cam Hurt, Kareem Alkhalifa…Higley’s Pless, Isaiah Rider IV, Michael McIntyre
Liberty (W) vs Arcadia
Liberty’s versatile group pulled ahead early, attacking from the perimeter, midrange & in the paint.
They move the ball up court with pace then hit you with the full court press so it’s constant pressure from one way or another from the Lions.
Titans’ talent jumps off the court for guys like Jacobi Thompson & Brock Knee, battling enough to keep them in it & the trey ball from the guys around them earned them back the lead.
When Arcadia’s defense had time to get set, they were disciplined & sharpshooting fired a run right back at Liberty…Ultimately, the Lions pulled through in this one.
More impressive players: Liberty’s Keegan Colter, TJ Harris, Milton Phinnessee III, Jacob Hunter.
AZ Compass Prep (W) vs Bella Vista Prep
Rosenberg: “[The matchup] lived up [to the hype]. Bella Vista was the ‘favorite’ but don’t tell the House twins that. They played their tales off. Didn’t back down. A little less size but the guard play was in AZ Compass Prep’s favor tonight.”
Sunnyslope (W) vs Wheeler
According to Rosenberg, if Sunnyslope was to beat Wheeler in the HoopHall West Championship, they’re arguably top five school in the country… They won by two behind Darius Wabbington’s 23 points.
The 16-1 Vikings proved, once again, that they’ll be the team to beat in the Open Division.
