As we now take a much harder and closer look into Arizona's talented 2021 Class of prospects, there are numerous performers that would have made a big splash this spring and summer, pre-COVID-19 pandemic. One of the prospects that would have definitely made a lot of noise, and is one of the top sleeper prospects in the class is Peoria High School's gifted 6-foot-6, 215-pound junior forward Kevin Kogbara.
Peoria High School (26-4) had an amazing season this year, behind the strong leadership of Head Coach Will Roberts, one of the elite coaches in the state. Peoria would finish as the 4A State Champion Runner-up, just falling in overtime to eventual 4A State Champion, Salpointe Catholic HS (54-48, Overtime). Peoria would fall just short of winning the 4A State Title, but will definitely be back next season to make an identical run at winning it all.
A big part of Peoria's success last season and will be an even bigger part of the team's success next season, is Kogbara. Kogbara put up strong numbers as a junior, but will look to fully come into his own as a senior performer, as he is one of the better physical talents in the state, regardless of classification.
Last season as a junior, Kogbara averaged 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per/game. I look for his numbers to pick up a great deal in his final senior season, as he is a superb physical talent that has a nice overall skill level, combined with very good fundamentals for his size. Kogbara is bigger and stronger physically than most players his size in the state, in the prep or the high school ranks, and has good quickness on the perimeter for his size. He is a good perimeter scorer, but is at his best when scoring from mid-range, which is his best asset as a player currently.
He is able to score inside and out, but often times floats to the perimeter too often, and can get satisfied with taking quick shots, rather than taking his time and creating more effective scoring opportunities for himself. As he continues to mature in this aspect of his game, then look out.
Currently, Kogbara is now beginning to generate loads of division-I interest for himself, and just recently received his first division-I offer from Southern Utah.
Kogbara would have been ready to make a big splash this spring, and hopefully can this summer, as he participates in exposure events and looks to still travel at some point, if possible, with his club program, The Factory coached by longtime successful club coach Kenny Mullins.
I look for Kogbara to become nice division-I prospect for several different levels of college programs. He should have many options for himself over the next (6) months, and so it will be very interesting and important to see what level he eventually lands at and decides on. He has such upside for the future that at the right level of college program, he should have a very bright future ahead of him.
Kogbara definitely will be well prepared to play collegiately, after being coached by Will Roberts for (4) years. Roberts is an amazing coach of young men and prepares his players for life and basketball, as he is hard on them but loves on them as well - a necessity for many young men today.
Look for Kogbara to develop into one of the state's top sleeper prospects in Arizona's 2021 Class this summer, and next high school season.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: A bigger 3/4 prospect with a large frame for his size with big hands and feet that is still growing a great deal. Has a nice overall skillset as a player and is able to score inside and out, as a result of a fundamentally sound offensive skillset that he possesses. Has a nice shooting stroke with range from the perimeter, and is able to score in the post as well with advanced footwork. Has a very good jump hook. A strong finisher around the basket and competes hard for second-chance points. A strong rebounder. Competes hard around the basket. Runs the floor very well and is a good finisher in transition. A solid defender that will blossom if he can get into better shape physically, making him quicker on the perimeter. An intriguing prospect. A good sleeper prospect in the class that has some upside and very good potential.
