The basketball season is officially in full swing as this week saw the last of the teams that hadn’t played a game yet get their first taste of action. Statements have been made already with Millennium going out of state and defeating multiple powers and St Mary’s proving their own strength after defeating Basha. With the top programs looking to prove their worth comes programs that weren’t preseason darlings shining their light as well. Highland was rated highly by both Gregg Rosenberg and Jacob Seliga entering the season but stunned many when they defeated Sandra Day O’Connor and doubled down with nearly defeating nationally ranked Seven Lakes (TX) in the process as well.

But for all the talk about the top programs, what else is going on that people need to be in the loop about? That’s where The Hoop Report comes in.

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G.R: Westview: I liked them this year for the playoffs and they’ve already pulled an “upset “ on 6A West Point. They beat 6A Red Mountain and took Cactus Shadows down to the wire in a 4 point game.

G.R: How quickly the young 4A Prescott HS underclassmen have grown up almost overnight. 6’8” Drew Jolley and 6’6” Caden Lozen both 2028’s have stood out. They will definitely take their lumps this year but may be more competitive than people realize and will breakout fully next season. The Badgers have already played 3 of the best teams in 4A after facing St. Mary’s, Deer Valley, and Arcadia back to back to back.

J.S: The start by Mountain Pointe is eye opening. Entering the season, the Pride appeared to be just outside that top tier of 5A conference contenders, but their 6-0 shows why they’re near the top. A tough win over a challenging Tucson team as well as a road win at Carl Hayden highlight a young group that has appeared to taken another step following their championship game appearance last season. With region play opening up against Chaparral and Campo Verde before Winter Break and a trip to Tournament of Champions, the Pride have a chance to solidify their position as one of the top dogs in 5A.

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J.S: No contending programs have taken as big of a step back than both Basha and Sandra Day O’Connor in the early part of the season. For the Bears, their struggles against Tucson appear to more indicative of what their ceiling may be especially after back to back losses to both St Mary’s and Mesa. Meanwhile O’Connor has suffered blowout losses to both Millennium and Sunnyslope as well as a double digit loss to Chandler at Fear the Hop. Both teams entered the year as top five contenders for the Open Division but have struggled against competition considered at or above their level. This alarming trend is something that needs to be corrected sooner rather than later if either team wants to be a contender for an Open Division championship.

Players To Watch

G.R: 6’6” Forward, Tyrell Curry, West Point, Senior

Lighter on his toes, Has leaned out and looks to be a force in the paint all year. 

G. R: 6’9” Center, Kyle Bogart, Highland, Senior

I liked him last year and missed all summer with an injury but has started the season in fine fashion. Blocking or altering every shot and being a rim runner anchoring the Hawks defense in the middle.

J.S: 6’1” Guard, C.J. Johnson, Desert Edge, Freshman

The purest bucket getter possibly in the 2029 class. He attacks the rim with force finishing through contact and shows a gifted slashing ability for his size. Has continued to improve his outside game and his jumpshot as a whole and looks to the be the ultimate microwave for the Scorpions.

Games To Watch

Saturday: St Mary’s @ Sunnyslope, 5 PM

Thursday: Ironwood @ Chaparral, 7 PM

Friday: Highland @ Basha, 7 PM

Friday: Verrado @ Desert Edge, 7 PM