Arizona players back on the scene
We recently evaluated several players who sat out the 2019-2020 season due to Arizona AIA transfer rules. It was important to catch up with these prospects as we have not seen them since the April-2019 AAU season concluded. Are they…
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Continue ReadingWe recently evaluated several players who sat out the 2019-2020 season due to Arizona AIA transfer rules. It was important to catch up with these prospects as we have not seen them since the April-2019 AAU season concluded. Are they bigger, stronger and has their skill set improved during this down time? It is important to note that a evaluation of a player cannot be complete until we get a chance to watch the player perform in a team setting (both High School and AAU) on multiple occasions. We will definitely follow these prospects in the July/August time frame as tournament play is expected to resume. Here are some of the the prospects that will be returning to the scene:
Verela is especially impressive at attacking the rimPriscila Verela (5’7”, Mesquite, 2021)
Verela sat out the season after transferring from Seton Catholic once her soph season was complete. This versatile will be heavily counted on this upcoming season for Mesquite.
Verela is very effective at slashing to basket with either hand and she finishes well. She has a quick first step and is rather dynamic anywhere near the basket. Her jumper looks fundamentally sound during the drills and she has the ball handling skills to play the combo position. I am more interested as how her abilities translate on the defensive end as well as how consistent is her jumper as we continue to evaluate her as a college prospect.
She displayed lateral quickness and recovery speed during the evaluation. Varela has the athleticism and quickness to guard multiple positions. She is one to watch during the upcoming viewing period as she will be playing for Team Arizona.
Wilson has gotten a lot bigger and stronger during the past yearMadison Wilson (5’9″, Cactus Shadows, 2021)
Wilson started her high school career at Agua Fria as a freshman. She transferred to Cactus Shadows her soph season and had to sit out due to AIA transfer rules. Wilson was primed to have a breakout junior season but injuries derailed most of the year limiting her to 7 games.
Wilson has used the downtime to build up her body and at 5’9” with size, she is a big guard. She is completely healthy and it appears that the added size has not affected her quickness. She displayed good ball skills and general court awareness during the evaluation. Due to her combination of strength and athleticism, Wilson should be effective at guarding the 2 or 3 position. Excited to see her perform this summer.
Wilson passes the eye test as she already has a D1 body. She will be suiting up for 602 Lady Nation this summer.
Bowman is a versatile wing playerElla Bowman (5’10”, Desert Mountain, 2022)
Bowman played her freshman year at Cactus Shadows and sat out last year at Desert Mountain due to the AIA transfer rule.
Bowman has good length and her frame suggest that she could easily add more muscle as she gets older. She has good fundamentals and is a crafty player. If she is able to knock down the 3 ball with consistency and be able to defend the 3 position, her stock will elevate quickly. Bowman should excel in the Desert Mountain system utilizing her ability to be a play maker from the wing position. Looking forward to evaluating her in a team setting this summer as she will be playing for the Zone 6.
Email us at ArizonaPGH@gmaili.com if there are additional players who are returning after sitting out the year. We would like to evaluate them before tournament play begins.
New to Arizona
Tuason moved to Arizona shortly before the 2019-2020 seasonApril Tuason (5’3”, Tempe, 2021)
Although Tuason played this season for Tempe, she is relatively unknown in Arizona due to the struggles for the Buffaloes this season and she has only been in Arizona for a year. We had never seen her play or even heard about her before the evaluation but she was a surprise performer for sure.
Tuason is from the Bay area and moved to Arizona before her junior year. She missed most of the 2019 Summer viewing period due to injury while playing for the Bay City Basketball Club.
Although Tuason is on the smaller side for the guard position, she seems polished and confident in her abilities. After looking through numerous videos of Tuason, she has a good feel for the game and she has solid leadership qualities. Tuason is a game manager, efficient with the ball and pretty much fundamentally sound. Looking forward to seeing her perform this summer for MVP.