Senior Power Forwards Under the Radar for 2023
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Introduction: There are many senior power forwards that are under the radar and ready to surprise in 2022-23. Here’s a look at five of them. Molly Garnand Molly Garnand 6'1" | PF Pusch Ridge Christian Academy | 2023 State AZ…
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Continue ReadingIntroduction: There are many senior power forwards that are under the radar and ready to surprise in 2022-23. Here’s a look at five of them.
Molly Garnand Molly Garnand 6'1" | PF Pusch Ridge Christian Academy | 2023 State AZ – is a 6-1 senior power forward for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy as well as her club team, the Tucson Rattlers. She is also a member of the Pusch Ridge volleyball and track and field teams. In volleyball, she had 13 kills earlier this year against Safford High School. In Pusch Ridge’s basketball opener, earlier this month, Molly had 25 points, five rebounds, and six steals. In her three varsity seasons, a total of 59 games, she averaged 13.1 points and 9.4 rebounds. She averaged 11.2 points per game as a freshman, 13.3 as a sophomore, and 15.1 as a junior. Mol,y has over 1400 total points in her career. In track and field, she competes in the triple jump, high jump, and javelin. She should have an outstanding senior season.
EVALUATION: Molly is a tremendous offensive player and has improved her scoring average in each of her three varsity seasons. She is also a three-sport letterman, having competed for Pusch Ridge in both volleyball and track and field. Molly is also a tough defender and is clearly ready to play at the next level in 2023-2024.
Reena Bhakta Reena Bhakta 5'11" | PF Sunrise Mountain | 2023 State AZ – is a senior 5-11 power forward for both sunrise Mountain High school and her club team, Arizona Elite. Her team lost in the AIA State Tournament last February, falling to Millennium, 48-42. She hit three 3-pointers in a game against William Fields High School earlier in the year and she also had three steals in a game against Kellis High School as well as four steals vs. Centennial. In 71 games over three varsity seasons, Reena averaged 7.5 points per game and 5.3 rebounds for the Lady Mustangs. As a freshman, she averaged 6.0 points, 10.2 as a sophomore, and 7.3 as a junior. She shot over 50% from the field during both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Competing in the 5A Northwest region, Renna was selected as an ‘Undergraduate to Watch’ by theDaily Independent, One scout had this to say after her second season with SMHS: “She has size, athleticism, always gives 100% and had a breakout sophomore season.”
EVALUATION: Reena is a player that has improved every season, both offensively and defensively. She is athletic, has a motor that never stops running, and has proven defensive versatility. On defense, she is a tough and gritty defender and, as an offensive player, can really play any position. She’s ready for her senior season and then playing in college next year.
BRITANY KOGBURA – is a senior power forward for Peoria High School. She was selected to the 4A All-Conference Honorable Mention team this past season. One scout commented on her game: “She specializes in blocked shots and protects the rim on defense. As a sophomore, she had 69 blocks or an average of 4.1 a game. She was selected as the Max Preps Player of the Game a total of four different times. As an underclassman, she averaged 13.8 rebounds per game showing that her skills are unmatched. She has been one to watch and I believe this trend will continue in her final year in high school.” This year she has played in 26 volleyball games for her school and has 38 digs and 180 kills. In two varsity basketball seasons, she averaged 11.9 points and 13.5 rebounds. Britany hit on 58% of her two-point field goal attempts as a sophomore and over her career, she has a number of double-doubles.
EVALUATION: Britany specializes in two areas of her game – rebounding and blocked shots. She is an outstanding defender and protects the rim at both ends of the court. As a sophomore, she blocked over 4 shots per game as well as averaging over 17 rebounds per contest. She is ready for a strong senior season and then playing at the next level.
Taylor Brock Taylor Brock 6'1" | PF Mingus | 2023 State AZ – is a senior 6-1 power forward who plays for Mingus High School in Cottonwood. She averaged 16.1 points per game as a junior, 14.4 rebounds, and 3.3 steals. In a game against Prescott last February, Taylor had 32 points and 21 rebounds. She averaged 4.0 points and 7.3 rebounds as a freshman, 8.8 points and 10.4 rebounds as a junior, and 16.1 points and 14.4 rebounds as a junior. Her steals and blocks also increased each season from her freshman through her junior year. Last year she shot 53% on her two-point field goal attempts. Taylor was selected by Max Preps as Player of the game against Flagstaff High School last January. She scored 14 points on 60% shooting and also had 11 rebounds. She was also selected for the first team in the 4A Girls Basketball Grand Canyon Region in 2022.
EVALUATION: Taylor is a rebounding machine, both offensively and defensively. Her rebounding numbers have improved each season and it’s hard to believe she can out due last year’s average of 14.4 rebounds per game. With a long wingspan, she is a devastating defender which results in many blocks and steals. She should have an outstanding senior season on the Lady Marauders basketball team.
Rian Martinez Rian Martinez 6'2" | PF Cibola | 2023 State AZ is a 6-2 senior power forward for Cibola High school. She transferred to Yuma Catholic and now plays for the Lady Shamrocks. She averaged 5.7 points and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore and led the team in blocks with 46. Rian was named to the All-Yuma Regional team. Her season ended with a loss to Gilbert Christian, 44-37. She was named Defensive Player of the Year and her older sister Rori, a senior, was named Yuma Sun/Rotary Girl Athlete of the Year. Rian also plays for Cobra Venom, our grassroots team.
EVALUATION: Rian is a special player on both offense and defense and always gives 100% effort. Her specialty is both rebounding and defense and just her presence on defense makes her teammates better players. She protects the rim with ferocity and has been improving every year as an offensive scorer. She clearly is looking forward to her last season in high school and then playing at the next level.