The Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) has made their selections for this year's award recipients for the conference. As a result, Arizona Western's talented 6-foot-1 sophomore guard AJ Marmolejos capped off a terrific sophomore season in the ACCAC for himself - being selected as the ACCAC Division-I Player of the Year. Chandler-Gilbert's 6-foot-7 sophomore Andre Harris also had an excellent season himself, as he led Chandler-Gilbert to the Division-II Region Title. For his efforts, Harris received this year's ACCAC Division-II Player of the Year.
AJ Marmolejos (pictured) had a big sophomore season for himself this season, as he ranked among the league leaders in numerous statistical categories. Marmolejos had a good freshman season for Head Coach Kyle Isaacs and his staff last year, but then he came back this season on another level, mentally and physically. This season, he has ranked among the nation's top individual scorers in the NJCAA - pouring in 23 points (2nd in the ACCAC), 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per/game this season. Marmolejos is also shooting 52.9% from the field and 81.6% from the free-throw line this season.
Marmolejos is a native of the Dominican Republic, and came to Arizona Western after a stint in San Diego, California. He is a very nice looking combo-guard prospect with a strong physical frame and an ability to run a team or score the basketball, as needed. He has a good handle of the basketball and is also a good shooter with some range on his shot, but is at his best off the dribble, from mid-range or driving strong to the basket, where he is a very good finisher for his size. He is a physical guard that does not mid physical contact, and likes to score the basketball. He can play either guard position, but should see the majority of his time as a point guard at the Division-I level, although he has the body and lateral quickness to defend either guard position. He is a good defender with quick hands and feet, and plays passing lanes. He also pushes the ball up the floor and likes to play in a fast-paced offensive style, where he can push the ball up the floor to the to open teammate and make plays in the open floor.
It has been an excellent season for Chandler-Gilbert as the program swept many post-season honors, as Chandler-Gilbert won this year's ACCAC D-II Region Title, and Head Coach Steve Silsby was selected as the ACCAC D-II Coach of the Year. 6-foot-7 sophomore Andre Harris also was selected as the ACCAC D-II Player of the Year, as he came up big all season long for Coach Silsby and his staff, and led this team to a conference title. Harris was consistent in his approach all season and was steady in his play - averaging 19.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per/contest, and shooting 53.8% from the field. Harris led Chandler-Gilbert to the program's best season ever, as they compiled a 26-4 overall record on the season.
Harris is a former Division-I transfer from Duquesne University. After taking off a season and trying to figure out his basketball future, Harris landed this season at Chandler-Gilbert. Still an uncommitted prospect, Harris is a broad-shouldered low post player that likes to score around the basket and from mid-range. He has good low post skills and a nice ability to use his body to draw contact and finish around the paint. He is also able to step outside and shoot the basketball out to three-point distance, although he still needs to add more consistency to his shot. Currently, he is a good mid-range shooter with a soft touch. I like Harris physically, as he has very broad shoulders and excellent physical strength. He can score inside and out and is difficult to keep off the glass, when he makes up his mind to fight for rebounds. He is a bit of a tweener for the college level, but such players like him often have very good success in college - he will just need to pick the right college program for himself, that will be a good fit for his talent. A strong rebounder and finisher around the basket. Runs the floor. A solid passer. A good shot-blocker. A solid low-post defender, but needs more focus on the defensive end to maximize his potential as a player.
Congratulations from our Arizona Preps' staff to these two young men on this tremendous honor and a great season by both top performers.
