Saguaro High School's 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior guard Ryan Berg is coming off an excellent junior season for himself and is beginning to raise eyebrows of college programs with his unique ability to shoot the basketball and flat out play the game.
Berg has been a starter at the high school varsity level for three straight years now, and will enter into his fourth year as a starter for head coach Bob La Rue during the 2012-2013 season. This past high school season as a junior, Berg had his best season of all - averaging a team-high 20.8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2.6 steals per/game.
Berg helped lead the Sabercats to a nice 22-9 overall record on the seaon in the state's Division-II Class. Berg led his team to the second round of this year's Division-II state playoffs, before a narrow, 74-73, defeat at the hands of Salpointe HS.
Berg has continued his very consistent play into the spring evaluation period, as he has had very good performances with his club program the Arizona Aces.
In a recent club tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Double Pump Spring Classic, Berg's play caught the attention of new Northern Arizona head coach Jack Murphy.
"He called Ryan and they had a good conversation," said Michael Berg, Ryan's father. "He (Jack Murphy) told Ryan that he wanted to see him some more this summer, but that he really liked him."
Northern Arizona is just one of the schools beginning to show serious interest in Berg as a player, as many other smaller programs have already been in contact as well, and will continue to follow the sharp-shooting prospect throughout the remainder of the spring and summer.
Berg is a unique talent in the state of Arizona, as he is among the best pure shooters of the basketball in the state - regardless of class. Berg also has very good size and thickness to his smaller frame and is capable of playing both guard positions on the floor. Possessing a high basketball IQ and having excellent work ethic as a player, on and off the court, makes Berg a nice looking prospect for the future and for the right program.
What makes Berg most intriguing is that he very seldom seems to have a bad shooting night, as he is very consistent with his play and his contribution to any team to plays for. He also has gotten it done against the state's best prospects throughout hte season and throughout the spring and summer each year of his high school career - never running from competition.
Berg is a throwback player that loves the game and works very hard at his craft. Regardless of what level of college this young man lands at after high school, he will be able to contribute immediately.
Arizona Preps will continue to follow the recruitment of Berg this spring and summer, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Berg is among the state's best pure shooters of the basketball. He has a quick release on his shot and an effortless shooting stroke. He knocks down shots with very good consistency and with excellent range. Simply knows how to play the game and is fundamentally sound. Needs to improve athleticism to reach his full potential, but his high basketball IQ and excellent toughness as a player make up for it. A good rebounder for his size. A very good team defender that still needs to improve as a one-on-one defender, but he will not hurt you. A very good handler that is capable of playing both guard positions. Sees the floor very well and is a very good passer that pushes the basketball up the floor. Simply knows how to play the game and makes plays for hismelf and others. Has excellent work ethic. Great attitude on and off the floor.
