Arizona’s Summer Sizzle standouts (pt. 3)
Here we have part three of our standout performers from the Summer Sizzle in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend. We will cover another section of girls that stood out in one way or another during this ultra-competitive tournament. Part 1:…
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Continue ReadingHere we have part three of our standout performers from the Summer Sizzle in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend.
We will cover another section of girls that stood out in one way or another during this ultra-competitive tournament.
- Part 1: AZ Summer Sizzle Standouts (pt. 1)
- Part 2: AZ Summer Sizzle Standouts (pt. 2)
Now let’s dive into the third portion of our standouts from the Summer Sizzle!
Sydney Capen (AZ Swish, 2023)
HS Team: Flowing Wells High School
Capen has a tremendous combination of size and feel for the game, especially when operating in the interior. She does a nice job of sealing for positioning down low and is patient in the paint. Sydney made nice passes from the high post and interior for a couple of easy looks for her teammates. Solid defender, made some nice plays staying in front of her man and blocking shots at the rim.
Contests nearly everything that comes her way whether it’s getting in front, blocking the shot, or forcing the opponent to make a tough pass on the move. Overall the word I’d use to describe her is “tough” and a defensive anchor. She was a major reason the Swish were able to win their bracket at the Summer Sizzle.
Ameena Muhammad (MVP, 2021)
HS Team: Sierra Linda High School
She’s a downhill driver that attacks the rim well, with force. That aggression led to a turnover early on, but she stayed persistent and attacked the next possession, leading to a foul and a trip to the line. Plays hard at all times, hustled back defensively to break up open layups or leak-outs. Selfless passer in transition off steals as well. I thought her motor was consistent and impressive.
Had a quick steal that led to a Fastbreak layup late in the game with her team trailing by 20+ points—did not play content. That’s the type of heart, hustle, and determination that sticks out to me when watching a lopsided affair.
DeVyne Johnson (AZ Swish, 2021)
HS Team: Tolleson High School
Johnson has a quick release from three, good form. She does a nice job relocating off the ball and knows how to rotate defensively, which displays her high basketball IQ. Made an impressive finish through traffic in transition. Smart defender. A good point of attack defender. Knows where to be off the ball, she hit a few relocation mid-range jumpers off of sharp, purposeful cuts.
Noel Gallegos (AZ Magic (Black), 2024)
HS Team: Horizon High School
Gallegos plays very hard, she was super active on both sides of the floor nearly at all times. Had plenty of deflections and fought hard for loose balls. Along with her hustle, I thought she had a clean-looking shot with great form and was able to get it off quickly.
Gallegos is in the Class of 2024 and plays for Horizon, so she has plenty of basketball left to carve out a larger role during her next three seasons. Keep an eye out for the 5’5″ combo guard as a “3&D” threat.
Thanks for reading. We’ll have one more piece out on the Summer Sizzle to conclude some of our final thoughts and hit on a more broad overview of the tournament as a whole.