By Chad Groth, Director, National HS basketball recruiting
Phoenix, AZ – Moon Valley High School was the site of the Arizona Top 100 directed by Jeff Meadows of Hoopsreport.com and Arizona Hoop Review. Over 100 high school players participated in this event and during the two-day event a few players caught my eye.
1. Jaron Hopkins (Basha - 2013) The 6 foot 3 point guard showed his ability to get to the basket and made some passes. Hopkins is a high major D1 recruit and already getting looks from Stanford, UNLV, Oregon State, UCLA and USC.
2. Danny Powell (Desert Vista -2012) Powell rebounded well and scored at ease. The 6 foot 7 forward will play college basketball. Powell has an offer from Central Michigan.
3. Chris Mason (St. Mary’s – 2011) The 6 foot 5 wing played well in his game and scored from outside. Mason is down to Hawaii Pacific and Sacramento State.
4. Shakir Smith (Tucson – 2011) Smith the 6 foot 1 point guard out played most of his opponents on both days. Smith was the best defender in my mind and is academically qualified and will sign late with a division I school.
5. Demetrius Balark (Kellis – 2012) Balark is a 6 foot 1 combo guard and scored on the run bye getting to the basket. The lefty is being recruited by several division I schools including Cal State San Luis Obispo, UC Davis, Pepperdine, Oregon State and Colorado.
6. Jonathan Scott (Thunderbird Academy – 2012) Scott played big in his two games I watched. He rebounds well and is a solid post defender. Only 6 foot 6 he is learning to put the ball on the floor.
7. Christian Thompson (Arcadia – 2012) Thompson is a highly athletic player who defended well and made good decisions on the floor. The 6 foot 7 forward has lots of upside.
8. Lester Medford (Amphitheater – 2011) Medford is a combo guard and displayed scoring and pushes the ball well in transition. At only 5 foot 11 Medford has good strength and is hoping to sign late with a college.
9. Camyn Boone (Mesa Mountain View – 2012) The 6 foot 5 post player showed he could score in the paint. He needs to work on his ball handling and outside scoring to play college basketball, but has a chance.
10. Mitchell Burnett (Central – 2011) Burnett is a guard who can score off the dribble. Burnett is 6 foot 4 and his athleticism helps him on both ends of the floor. Still vying for a college scholarship but should land a late offer.