Arizona 4A Returning Blocks Per Game Leaders: Part 2
With the 2021-2022 AIA high school basketball season approaching soon, let’s look back at some of the players that made their presence known around the rim. This article will cover the Top Returning Blocks Per Game leaders in the 4A…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2021-2022 AIA high school basketball season approaching soon, let’s look back at some of the players that made their presence known around the rim. This article will cover the Top Returning Blocks Per Game leaders in the 4A class in the state of Arizona. If you missed out on part one of this list, use the link below to check it out!!
Arizona 4A Returning Blocks Per Game Leaders: Part 1
Acacia Melvin – Senior – Combs HS – 2.5 BPG
Melvin is returning for her senior year to play center for the Combs Lady Coyotes one last time. After an impressive junior year, Acacia will be one to keep your eyes out for throughout the 2021-2022 high school basketball season in Arizona. She finished last year averaging 2.5 blocks per game, leading to a total of 43 blocks over 17 games played. She leads the national average in all stats that are covered by MaxPreps (Points, Steals, Assists, Blocks, and Rebounds) showing her versatility on the court. Melvin also helped lead her team to a successful 13-4 overall record in the San Tan Valley. This article was designed to brag on her ability to protect the rim, but I also would like to highlight that she finished off last season averaging 11.5 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game. An all-around high-energy player that gives it her all during her minutes.
Belinda Gradias Belinda Gradias 5'11" | PF Yuma | 2024 State AZ – Sophomore – Yuma HS – 1.9 BPG
Five-foot-ten, Belinda Gradias Belinda Gradias 5'11" | PF Yuma | 2024 State AZ played her first year of high school basketball last season and is already making a name for herself along with making one of our “Top Returners” lists here in Arizona. As a freshman, she was able to secure an average of 1.9 blocks per game while ending the season with a total of 35 blocks for the year. Although the Yuma Lady Criminals as a whole faced a challenging season, Belinda was always there to help pick up the pieces. She was awarded the MaxPreps Player of the Game award three separate times for her performances against Gila Ridge, Dysart, and Cibola. Gradias plays with a certain toughness and grit that a lot of older, more experienced players do not even possess. She is a high-energy competitor with natural leadership ability.
Mat’tanaya Vital – Senior – Amphitheater HS – 1.8 BPG
Back for her senior season, Mat’tanaya Vital will return one last time to play guard for the Amphitheater Lady Panthers. During the 2020-2021 AIA high school basketball season, Vital finished off averaging 1.8 blocks per game, totaling up to 24 blocks for the year. Aside from her blocking ability, she is a natural-born scorer. She averaged 15.5 points per game leading to a couple of double-double (points and rebounds) finishes against Walden Grove and Canyon del Oro. I have a feeling that Vital will come out of the gates hot for the Lady Panthers this season.
Jocelyn Chavez Jocelyn Chavez 4'0" | C La Joya Community | 2023 AZ – Sophomore – Dysart HS – 1.5 BPG
Last but not least is Jocelyn Chavez Jocelyn Chavez 4'0" | C La Joya Community | 2023 AZ to finish off Part 2 of the “Top Returning Blocks Per Game Leaders” in the AIA class AAAA. As a freshman, Chavez was able to secure 1.5 blocks per game in a division that was jam-packed with talent. This five-foot-nine youngster had 18 blocks throughout the season and I think that it is safe to say that we will only see this number continue to rise over her time with the Dysart Lady Demons. Not only was Jocelyn chosen as the MaxPreps Player of the Game SEVEN different times throughout the 2020-2021 basketball season, but she was also selected as the MaxPreps Dysart Girls Basketball Player of the Year!!! This would be a huge accomplishment for any player in the high school scene, but to win this award during your first year is something to recognize. I am overly excited to see the progress that she will have over the next few years.
Honorable Mentions
Sienna Paz – Sophomore – Sahuarita HS – 1.3 BPG / 9 BLOCKS TOTAL
Charlotte Kelmon Charlotte Kelmon 6'0" | SF Notre Dame Prep | 2022 State AZ – Senior – Notre Dame Prep – 1.2 BPG / 21 BLOCKS TOTAL
Taya Randolph – Senior – Cactus HS – 1.1 BPG / 16 BLOCKS TOTAL