Gilbert High School (4-1) is among the top-rated teams in the state, once again this season. Led by an experienced coaching staff and a team of talented players, head coach Jay Caserio and this Gilbert team will have their best chance of winning it all this high school season. While possessing the best frontcourt in the state this season, much of the responsibility for winning a state title this season will rest on the shoulders of their tough and physical 5-foot-11 senior point guard Anthony Bryant.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bryant is one of the state's premier point guards and has led the team for 3 seasons - since his sophomore year. Bryant has been a consistent performer for Gilbert and is an extension of his coaching staff on the basketball court - possessing excellent toughness, aggression and leadership qualities that exude superior confidence for his team.
No point guard in the state of Arizona has the toughness of Bryant. What he does not possess in overall skill level, he makes up for it with a physical approach to the game, which allows him to beat up opposing guards off the dribble, as he bullies his way to the basket and finishes strong in the lane. Bryant puts serious pressure on opposing guards as he gets into the lane and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His ability to put pressure on the defense this season will be very important to Gilbert's run towards a Division-I state championship.
While Bryant still needs to become a better shooter of the basketball with better range on his left-handed shooting stroke, he has very good shot selection and does not try to do anything that he cannot do.
Bryant is also an excellent on-the-ball defender, and is among the very best overall defenders in the state from the position. He has excellent lateral quickness and quick hands and feet. His physical toughness and size on his frame also allows him to apply very serious pressure on ball handlers up the floor.
Bryant is a pass-first point guard prospect that gets others involved and enjoys seeing his teammates benefit. A flat-out winner, Bryant led his Gilbert team to a 24-8 overall record last season, and will look to lead this group to an even better record and finish this high school season. Last season, Gilbert would fall just short of the state semi-finals - losing to Pinnacle High School.
Still well under-recruited heading into his senior season, Bryant will look to raise many eyebrows of college coaches this season and heading into the late spring signing period. Bryant is a nice sleeper prospect for any smaller college program looking for consistency and toughness at the position.
I will be keeping a close eye on Bryant and his Gilbert team this season, as he looks to lead his Tigers to another state championship for the Gilbert program.
