The Mesa High Boys Basketball Program has created a new tradition to kick off the scholastic summer high school season. The event attracted ten teams from the Canyon Athletic Association and the Arizona Interscholastic Association to include Mesa, Eduprize, Desert Mountain, AZ Compass Prep, Pueblo, Palo Verde, Casa Grande, Dream City Christian, Horizon Honors and Ridgeline Academy. This event is refreshing to see, since most of the teams in this event do not see each other in the regular season. Here are a few thoughts from my observations . . .
Despite the tough loss in their first game, Mesa High School woke up to edge a solid AZ Compass team to end the night. One of the players who caught my attention was senior combo-guard Conway Cummard. Cummard flat out makes plays to impact the game. He does a good job in reading the opposition to attack the rim or hit big-time shots. The Jackrabbits had solid contributions from seniors AJ Seumanu, Daniel Arnett and junior guard Jarren Galarza. After last season’s disappointing losses to their crosstown rival, the Jackrabbits are hungry to reclaim the 6A East Valley Region Title, and are my favorite to do so.
AZ Compass Prep has built a National Powerhouse with their National Team. Do not overlook or sleep on their second national team coached by Erik Hood. Coach Hood has laid a solid foundation and is continuing to level up in his third year at helm. One thing I can say is he gets his kids off the board and on to the next level. A few of his kids that caught my attention include senior point guard Dilen Miller, senior wings Ryan Jackson and Jaevyn Yancy. All three prospects pass the eye test and will be a solid core for the Dragons this upcoming season. I expect Coach Hood to press forward into elevating his team into the National Spotlight.
Eduprize Prep is locked and loaded. The Eagles will be led by 2025 point guard AJ Thomas. Thomas impressed with his scoring and playmaking ability. He crashes the boards incredibly well for a point guard, especially on the offensive end, and looks to finish above the rim. Another intriguing prospect is 2024 shooting guard Dasio Gonzales. This shooting guard is an efficient shooter from long range. He hit some big shots to help ignite crucial runs. Last, but not least, is senior guard Khalon Johnson. Johnson impresses with his NBA-level athletic ability. He compliments the backcourt well. I’ll be excited to follow this team into the 23-24 season.
Palo Verde put the state on notice with a big win over host Mesa. Although the Titans are a 3A team, Coach Anthony Smith has built a foundation for success on Tucson’s East Side. I am kick-starting the conversation of the Titans in being a deep playoff team, and my favorite to win the 3A South Region. If teams are to contend with the Titans, they will have to slow down the three-headed monster of sophomore point guard Kameron Pippen, junior guard Daniel Ortize and senior wing Rozzy Martin.
Last, but not least, is Desert Mountain led by sensational sophomores Kalek and Kaden House. The House twins continue to elevate into elite-high major status. Besides being extremely skilled on both ends of the floor, the attribute that stands out to me about both prospects is their ability to make their team better. Besides the twins, junior guard Reid Neuhausen and freshman Guard Mekhi Walcott add compliment to the team’s play. I expect Desert Mountain to make some noise this upcoming winter, and I’ll be excited to follow their team. I had a lot of fun putting this event together and look forward to next summer’s event.
