Stock Risers (January 22nd-27th)
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The talent is non-stop in Arizona and finally my schedule opened up for a chance to check out a few new schools and players that have been high on my list to see. This week I made it out to…
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Continue ReadingThe talent is non-stop in Arizona and finally my schedule opened up for a chance to check out a few new schools and players that have been high on my list to see. This week I made it out to see the Central Bobcats led by ultra talented senior Lia Sims Lia Sims 5'9" | SF Central | 2024 State AZ , North Canyon floor general Ava Adams Ava Adams 5'5" | PG North Canyon | 2024 State AZ and Paradise Honors high energy guard Morgan Van Dyke Morgan Van Dyke 5'7" | SG Paradise Honors | 2025 State AZ who are both leading impressive youth movements, as well as Thunderbird shooter Linda Ruelas.
Trinity King Trinity King 5’3″ | PG North Canyon | 2027 State AZ represents the future of the North Canyon program as a freshman point guard. What immediately caught my attention while evaluating Trinity was her matchup with Central’s taller and longer college prospect, forcing her into low-percentage shots and some early foul trouble. Trinity is a strong combo guard who excels at running the point and intelligently distributing the ball to her teammates within the offense. Individually, Trinity showed a good ability to get downhill quickly, as well as finish through contact, drawing two “and-one” baskets. Trinity displays very good shooting form and range that will force opponents to scheme for her as her career unfolds. Trinity is currently averaging 10.0 PPG and 4.1 SPG.
Morgan Van Dyke Morgan Van Dyke 5’7″ | SG Paradise Honors | 2025 State AZ is a must see for college coaches and easily has one of the best attitudes and motors I have seen this season. There is no stop on either end of the court. Perhaps the play that best represents Morgans game came while originally defending her opponent on the perimeter, making a decision to double-down and “dig” on the opponents unsuspecting post player, stealing the ball, pushing the ball into transition and then crisply distributing a bounce pass to a teammate for a score. Morgan is a powerful guard who does everything with a college level pace and physicality. Whether its in her passing, attacking the paint, or hitting the offensive and defensive boards, there is a reason JUCO and NAIA colleges have already begun requesting Morgans services and will be a name more colleges will be checking out throughout the spring and summer. Morgan is currently averaging 16.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 3.2 spg.
Highlights
Jocelyn Leal Jocelyn Leal 5’5″ | SG Paradise Honors | 2027 State AZ is a smooth lefty who is already a 3-point threat opponents must plan for now and will create an increasing level of stress for defenders in coming seasons. Already second on her team in scoring and 3-pointers made, I anticipate Jocelyn to play an interchangeable role with her sophomore teammate Jaelyn Perez Jaelyn Perez 5’5″ | PG Paradise Honors | 2026 State AZ and create one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in all of 4A beginning next season. As Jocelyn’s confidence, reps, and range continue to grow in her outside shooting during the off season, I anticipate Head Coach Nathan Jackson fully unleashing Jocelyns floor stretching abilities. Jocelyn is currently averaging 10.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg.
Jaelyn Perez Jaelyn Perez 5’5″ | PG Paradise Honors | 2026 State AZ might come across to first time watchers as “unsuspecting”, but that label then quickly turns to “game-changer”. Primarily running the point for Paradise Honors, Jaelyn plays with a smoothness and maturity to her game that is not normal for most young players. Jaelyn excels in the open court where she uses her length and sweet crossovers to glide down court in transition. Jaelyn is a very good finisher around the basket and an even better set up man to her teammates. I anticipate Jaelyn to play an interchangeable role with her freshman teammate Jocelyn Leal Jocelyn Leal 5’5″ | SG Paradise Honors | 2027 State AZ and create one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in all of 4A beginning next season. Jaelyn is currently averaging 5.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, and 2.1 apg.
Linda Ruelas
Linda Ruelas
Linda Ruelas has every tool needed to become the next big name to come out of Thunderbird. For Linda everything begins on the perimeter where she is capable of dropping a handful of timely 3-pointers each game and can absolutely go on a hot streak of makes. Linda is a very active defender on top of the press where she can force over-dribbling guards into bad spots and force unscripted passes that lead to turnovers. As Linda’s reps increase in the spring and summer, I anticipate seeing a major increase in confidence and overall production. She will be a name that 4A must get familiar with.