One of the top overall prospects in Arizona's 2016 class is 6-foot-7 junior wing Brock Gardner of Tri-City Christian Academy in Chandler, AZ. After a stellar junior season where he did it all as a player for his team and put up tremendous numbers on the season, Gardner has received some serious recruiting interest for himself.
While playing for a smaller high school program that does not compete against many of the state's best teams, it is much more difficult to gain recruiting attention. Gardner has been the answer throughout his high school career, as he has simply put up ridiculous numbers for himself - enough to gain attention from many college programs across the country.
This high school season was Gardner's best season to date, as he poured in 25.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per/contest. What has been most impressive about Gardner is that he also averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds as a sophomore, and 19 points and 8 rebounds as a freshman. Gardner has had an amazing career already, and I look for him to absolutely blow up as a senior.
As a result of Gardner's performance, he is receiving strong division-I interest from numerous college programs. He also possesses 4 different scholarship offers already for himself, as Columbia, Liberty, Air Force and Central Arkansas have each offered a scholarship to Gardner. Grand Canyon looks to be in hot pursuit as well, and so an offer could come from them soon as well.
Gardner will look to have himself a strong performance for himself in July, which would really help his college recruitment. Gardner could have double-digit offers for himself by the end of the summer's evaluation period.
Gardner has played the last two club seasons for head coach Curtis Ekmark and his Arizona Warriors, and will plan to travel with them again this July.
I will be keeping a very close eye on Gardner's college recruitment this summer, as he looks to pick up more recruiting interest. This is definitely one of the state's best student-athletes, as Garnder is also an amazing student. A coach's dream at the next level.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Gardner has many skills to like. He can handle the ball well, pass to his teammates, drive the lane, defend fairly well and shoot the deep ball. He can put points up in a hurry as a result of his tremendous versatility. Has very good size and is able to make plays for himself or others. He has really developed a solid all-around game. An active rebounder with good length of body. Capable of making shots from mid-range or from deep. Has put up huge overall numbers throughout his high school career. A good athlete. Solid ball handler and passer. A very good sleeper prospect. A tremendous student-athlete.
