With the start to this year’s exciting 2013-2014 high school basketball season upon us, let’s take a hard look at some of the players to watch this season. These are players that I expect to have breakout seasons this year and develop into breakout performers among the state’s top overall prospects.
Another senior top performer that is on the rise in the state is Chandler High School’s (2-0) talented 6-foot-1 senior combo-guard prospect Marco Morales. This senior combo-guard prospect has worked hard over the years and has paid his dues to become one of the state's top overall guard prospects. While playing consistently over the past two years and developing into one of the top overall shooters of the basketball in the state, Morales has flown well below the recruiting radar, but is worthy of serious attention from smaller college programs.
Morales is the son of a successful coach. His father Jose Morales is a well known club organizer in the state and also a promoter of Arizona high school basketball.
Last season, Morales put up solid numbers as a junior for former legendary head coach Mike Ellsworth. While the team would struggle last season with a disappointing 12-15 overall record on the season, Morales would average a team-leading 14.2 points per/game.
This season, Morales will lead a Chandler Wolves' team that will be led by long-time very successful head coach Mark Nold. Nold takes over the helm this season, after previously winning three consecutive state championships at Apollo High School (2005-07), before leaving the program and taking over Perry High School. Last season, Nold coached at Arizona College Prep.
Nold takes over for Mike Ellsworth, who resigned after the season. Nold led Perry to a 21-9 record and a berth in the Division I quarterfinals in 2011-12. He was 66-50 in his four seasons with the Pumas.
This high school season, Morales will look to put Chandler back into the hunt for contention among the state's top teams in the Division-I Class. Morales will put up big scoring numbers this season - becoming one of the top overall scorers in the state.
Possessing a sharp shooting stroke and a quick release with unlimited range on his jump-shot, Morales reminds me of a young developing John Pena (former Northern Colorado signee). A deadly shooter with a good overall feel for the game, Morales is coming off a top-rated performance in this year's Arizona Preps Fall Showcase. In the event, Morales was selected as one of the top overall performers from the day.
Keep an eye out for Morales this high school season, as he looks to keep his team in every game, while also keeping his current momentum from a strong spring and summer performance on the club circuit.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Morales is a big-time shooter with unlimited range on his shot. A crafty guard prospect that is capable of playing both guard positions on the floor. Scores in bunches when he is on. A very good ball handler and passer. Sees the floor. Pushes the basketball. Still needs to show he can play the point position full-time to reach his potential as a player.
