Phx2Tuc Showdown

Brief Recap And Team Outlook

The Phx2Tuc Showdown highlighted some of the areas top talent versus some of the top in Phoenix. While we can not take much stock in the wins or losses due to these games being early preseason matchups, we did get a sense of what’s to come for some of these programs and players as we head into the 2018-19 hoops season.

Sabino

The Sabercats showed flashes of being able to make another deep run in 3A. After losing their top two scorers in Daniel Joseph (12.4ppg) and Jason Johnson (11.7ppg), they look to reload with Senior transfer Phoenix Katz and returning Junior Ceasar Sanez. Also returning is Andres Aros-Estrella. The 5’8” floor general averaged 10.9ppg to go along with 5.1apg. With a host of other players who played significant minutes last season, look for Sabino to have another solid season.

Amphi

Last season showed that just because you have one of the top recruits in Southern Arizona, it doesn’t guarantee wins. But, this is not last season and Amphi looks like it can be a much improved team. We saw the Panthers play without their leading scorer and point guard from last season, Cohen Kimmel, so it was hard to judge what their overall potential may be for the upcoming season. What we did see was the game changing potential of 6’5” Wing Jackson Ruai. His ability to affect the game on both ends of the floor shows that he can dominate a high school game if he plays with a high motor. Senior guard Daelyon Clark gives Amphi a solid backcourt while 6’4” Senior transfer Jaq Davis will provide them with an interior prescence. Jaq is waiting to hear from AIA as to whether he’ll have to sit to start the season. Either way, we expect the Panthers to have a much better season than last years.

Salpointe

The Lancers ended last season as the surprise of the state. Surprised that they started the season 3-14. Surprised that they finished the season 12-2, losing in the state championship to Shadow Mountain. Salpointe will definitely be one of the most talented teams in Southern Arizona with the duo of Majok Deng and Evan Nelson. During the Phx2Tuc Showdown, Salpointe faced the Buckeye Hawks, a very talented and athletic team. It was a rematch of last season’s semi final game. The game was exciting but it showed that just as last year, the Lancers will need other players to step up and shoulder some of the load. Luc Rosenblatt is capable as he showed his Junior season scoring in double figures in 5 of his last 7 games. Jordan Gainey, a transfer from Arch Bishop Mitty in California, may be a scoring option that can help get the Lancers back to the championship game.

Catalina Foothills

Cat Foot will have a much different look this upcoming season. Trying to replace do it all player Sam Beskind will be a task for the Falcons who will be a young team heading into the season. To lead the charge, Senior guard Carson James looks to perform at a high level along with Junior Hayden Moser. Also, with one of the few post players, 6’7” Sophomore Will Menaugh, could play a solid role in Foothills future success along with a host of other Sophomores.

Tucson High

Tucson High was one of the most improved teams in southern Arizona last season, winning the 6a Southern Region. The Badgers were led by several seniors but have a host of players that played significant roles in the teams improvement. Junior Mark Hunter and returning Senior Captain Joseph Shelby will be looked upon to lead Tucson High to another successful season.

Buena

We did not get to see much of the Colts, but Buena will head into the season with two of Southern Arizona’s top performers. Grant Ward and Kino Bellinger will look give Buena an opportunity to make a deep playoff run. Ward is a 6’4” point guard who was a 1st team all region performer last season will be looked upon to score the ball more this season.

Kino Bellinger may be the most underrated player in Southern Arizona. After averaging 11ppg as a freshman, Bellinger’s numbers have improved every season. He will most likely break Buena’s scoring record this upcoming season and already holds the record for 3 point makes in a career (157). The tale of the tape will be how much support will be given by the supporting cast.

DUE TO TIME WERE NOT ABLE TO WATCH SAHUARO