4A BOYS HONORS: Dixon’s poise, points crucial for Centennial
Aaseem Dixon led Centennial’s boys basketball team in scoring and assists this season.
But the senior’s impact on the team went far beyond his averages of 15.9 points, 5.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds.
“He didn’t score 30, 35 like some of these players,” Centennial coach Todd Allen said. “As far as a team aspect, his presence and court awareness and his basketball knowledge just wore off on the team. The kids started to believe, and it was because of Aaseem.”
Dixon led a Centennial team that missed the playoffs last season to first place in the Northwest League this year. Area coaches rewarded his efforts by naming him the Northwest League’s Most Valuable Player and giving him a spot on the All-Sunset Region team.
Dixon was joined on the All-Sunset team by Southwest League MVP Shabazz Muhammad of Bishop Gorman, Cimarron-Memorial’s Erik Brewer, Desert Oasis’ Cameron Mich’l, Legacy’s Zach Lane, Mojave’s Andrew Lotts and Sierra Vista’s Viko Noma’aea.
Northeast League MVP Michael Thompson and Southeast League MVP Austin Nelson highlighted the All-Sunrise Region team. They were joined by Canyon Springs’ Jared Brandon, Eldorado’s Curtis Stewart, Foothill’s Greg Cox, Liberty’s Aaron Navitsky and Valley’s Christian Kessee.
Cheyenne’s Khalid Banks and Palo Verde’s Nahjee Matlock and Eris Winder joined Dixon, Brewer, Lane and Lotts on the All-Northwest first team. Allen was named Coach of the Year.
In the Southwest, Muhammad and teammate Ben Carter were joined by Mich’l, Noma’aea, Durango’s Greg Gentry, Sierra Vista’s Maiscei Grier and Western’s Kentrell Washington on the league’s first team.
Sierra Vista’s Kent Johnson was the Coach of the Year.
In the Northeast, Thompson, Brandon, Stewart and Kessee made the first team with Chaparral’s Zach Kirschbaum, Desert Pines’ Leon Saunders and Las Vegas’ Travon Langston.
Canyon Springs’ Daryl Branham and Eldorado’s Mike Uzan shared the coaching honor.
In the Southeast, Nelson, Cox and Navitsky were joined by Green Valley’s Earl Thompson, Tech’s Michael Johnson and Silverado’s Ruben Jackson and David Ware on the league’s first team.
Coronado coach Jeff Kaufman was Coach of the Year.
All-Sunrise Region
Most Valuable Player–Michael Thompson, Canyon Springs
co-Coaches of the Year–Daryl Branham, Canyon Springs; Mike Uzan, Eldorado
Most Valuable Player–Austin Nelson, Coronado
Coach of the Year–Jeff Kaufman, Coronado
Most Valuable Player–Aaseem Dixon, Centennial
Coach of the Year–Todd Allen, Centennial
Most Valuable Player–Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman
Coach of the Year–Kent Johnson, Sierra Vista
