More basketball state previews
January 20, 2021 by Jose Garcia, AZPreps365
Arizona's high school basketball season tipped off Tuesday for girls.
For Sunrise Mountain, it just needed a quarter to take control against 5A Northwest Region rival Centennial. The masks Sunrise Mountain wore didn't seem to slow the girls down during their 79-34 home victory.
A few parents attended the game, but the masks didn't completely hide all the ear-to-ear smiles of players who were allowed to play this season. Because of the pandemic, every winter sports team will need to don masks during competition.
Reena Bhakta (19 points), Ysabel Puente (17 points) and Julie Diveney (13 points) led the way for Sunrise Mountain, last year's 5A runner-up.
Centennial sophomore center Kiley Miller led all scorers with 20.
azpreps365 emailed a questionnaire to each winter season coach. What follows is information Arizona girls basketball coaches have so far provided.
For more previews: https://www.azpreps365.com/articles/12490-girls-hoops-turn-a-look-at-6a-1a-east-valley-ne-valley-teams
6A CONFERENCE
Boulder Creek
Head coach name: Noah Barofski.
2019-20 record: 15-11.
Number of years as school's head coach: First year.
Top returning starters: Kayla Clark, PG, Sr, 5'6. Team captain, leader, playmaker and top defender on the team. … Violet Toon, F, Sr, 6'0. Glue for our team's defense and will rely on to help defend the rim and lead the team in rebounds. … Joslyn Baumgartner, wing, So, 5'7. A solid defender who will look to contribute both offensively and defensively this year. … Kaitlyn Beall, F, So, 6'0. An aggressive scorer and well-rounded player who will look to score from both the post and the perimeter.
Players being recruited: Kayla Clark committed to Southern Utah University. Violet Toon recruited by Ottawa University.
New players expected to step in: Abby Dean, G/ Fr. An aggressive two-way player who can shoot from deep range as well as defend top opposing guards. … Jenna Cass, PG/ So. Lockdown perimeter defender who will use her athleticism and quickness on the floor.
More about team: The Boulder Creek Lady Jags will be looking to win a state playoff game past the play-in round. We have a well-rounded team this year and are excited to see what our program can do coming off of a 17 game win season from 2019-2020.
Desert Vista
Head coach: David Williams.
2019-20 record: 16 – 14.
Number of years as school's head coach: First year.
Top returning starters: Kamiyah Hurd, 3/4/ Junior/ 5'10. All State/ Conference, scorer, reb, defender. … Eanae Dagons, 1 / Freshman/ 5'3/ Exceptional leader-passer-scorer. Top freshman, honorable mention. … Aislinn Conner, 4/5/ 12/ 6'0. Starter, lead team rebs, possibly all conference. … Breanna Larney, 1/2 / 11/ 5'9. Team leader, hi IQ, scorer. … Mattie Brown, 3/4 / 9 / 5'10, shooter, tough defender.
New players expected to contribute: Eanae Dagons, 1 / 9th. Leader, tough defender. … Eliana Soanes, 4/5 /9th. Shot Blocker, Reb. … Kamiyah Hurd, 3/4 / 11. Scorer, tough all around.
More about the team: We lost our top 3 players to prep. How do you combat that?
Season expectations: Because of covid, we are behind. Three of our top players just showed up this week, two weeks before 1st game.
Maricopa High School
Head coach: RaShawn Calvert.
2019-20 record: 12-14.
Number of years as school's head coach: 3
Overall record at school: 33-23.
Top returning starters: Brooke Smith, SG, Senior. Versatility as a shooter and ability to get to basket. … Evone Santiago. PG, Senior. Leads our team as a leader and in assists with ability to score as well.
New players expected to contribute: Amaya Maddox, F, Senior. Brings physicality inside the paint. … Shakaiya Irving, P, Senior. Tore ACL 3rd game into season last year, will bring more height and physicality inside as well.
More about the team: Shakira Gillespie was key player for us last season. This year was her senior year and with everything that occurred with Covid she decided to graduate early, and will be attending and playing for Park University in Gilbert.
Season expectations: Expectations this year is to compete. With the transition to now 6A we know it will be tough, but competing is the main focus.
Pinnacle High School
Head coach: Erica Farnsworth.
2019-20 record: 23-7.
Number of years as school's head coach: 1st year.
Number of years as a head coach: 9 years.
Overall career record: 139-91.
Top returning starters: Shay Figueroa, Shooting guard/Sr/ 5’7”. Leadership for team, good ball handler, great shooter and off the ball defense. … Chloe Strachan, PG/ Sr/ 5’3”. Energy leader, push pace of the game, intense defense, attack the basket. … Zoe Duggan, Post/wing
JR 5’9”. … Be aggressive under the basket off. And def. shoot from outside.
New players expecting to step in: Mia Singstock, Wing/ Fr. Potential contributions or expectations. Sharp corner shooter, great ball handler, length on def and off. … Mackenzie Murphy, G/ Fr. Come off the bench and add energy on defense and pick up some hard earned baskets.
More on the team: Not only are these kids fighting through the changes of covid and the protocol of covid, but also the uproot the prep start up did to their team by losing 3 huge players. The kids that are still at Pinnacle are finding their new roles for the team and the new responsibility that is being asked of themselves vs. being a role player before. I think it’s great for these kids to test their b-ball abilities as well as challenging them mentally.
Season expectations: Not sure at all where we land, but we still have high expectations for our team and to make the playoffs.
Rincon/University
Head coach name: Darryl Carlson.
2019-20 record: 18-10.
Number of years as school's head coach: 4.
Overall record at school: 70-45.
Number of years as a head coach: 22.
Overall career record: 321-229.
Top returning starters: Maddie Greene, forward/12/5’9”. 3 point shooter. … Sonia Almana, Center/12/5’9”. Very fast and has improved 100%. … Kendall geong, Guard/12/5’8”. Point guard. … Edie Cotton, Forward/12/5’8”. Shooting forward. … Corinne fanning, Forward/12/5’5”. Blocks out.
Skyline High School
Head coach name: Chiniqua Bright.
2019-20 record: 4-14.
Number of years as school's head coach: 5.
Overall record at school: 24-48.
Number of years as a head coach: 5.
Overall career record: 24-48.
New players expecting to step in: Breanna Romero Teran, PG/10. Determined, hardworking and can get to the rim. Expected to be a huge impact player for a young inexperienced team.
Regular season expectations: My team is going to be very young after losing 7 seniors for the 2nd season in a row. We are going to take some lumps, but I expect us to improve over the season and be even better next season.
Sunnyslope
Head coach: Brandon LeTarte.
2019-20 record: 16-11.
Number of years as school's head coach: 3rd.
Overall record at school: 27-26.
Number of years as a head coach: 7th (3rd at Slope and 4 years as head at AZ Christian U).
Top returning starters: Sofia Lovesy. Guard/Wing, SR, 5'10". We will be looking for Sofia to set the tone for us on both ends of the floor. She can play all 5 positions on the floor, as well as defend both the wing and post. Sofia is aggressive and attacks the basket hard, as well as can knock it down from the outside. She was also voted a captain by her teammates and coaches.
Any players being recruited: Sofia Lovesy. Is not playing basketball in college, but is attending LMU.
New players expecting to contribute: Ellie Frye. Wing/Post, 10th, 5'10". Ellie is a natural leader and was voted a captain by her teammates and coaches. Ellie is a smart player and does everything we ask of her, and is highly respected by her teammates. … Molly Bissa. Post, 11th, 5'10". Molly is an absolute workhorse and is relentless in everything she does. She did well at the lower levels the last 2 years, and is ready to take the next step and be a big contributor at the Varsity Level.
Early season expectations: We are a young team, both in age as well as in overall basketball experience. Like all other teams at this point, we have a long ways to go this year. However, our group is pretty resilient and eager to learn/grow as they continue working together to be the best they can be. They are a great bunch of kids to work with, and I believe we will be better than most would give us credit for!
5A CONFERENCE
Agua Fria
Head coach name: Sam Polvino.
2019-20 record: 15-14.
Number of years as school's head coach: 7.
Overall record at school: 101-70.
Number of years as a head coach: 13.
Overall career record: 213-138.
New players expecting to step in: Marie Montero F/12 and Brooklyn Mitchell and F/11. Both will provide leadership, quickness and toughness. … Tami Balogun 9. Size, quickness and touch around the rim. … Marisol Jacuinde and Jazmyne Maestas G/10 for both. … Ball handling, good instincts on offense/defense and scoring.
Season expectations: Losing all 5 starters from last year and not having a summer to build things, we've had lots of deer in the headlights moments. But we're slowly getting them to see how things should be on both sides of the court. Speed will be our friend, so hopefully we use it right. Expectations have always been: practice hard every day and the games will take care of themselves.
Apollo
Susan Prado-Ortiz
2019-20 record: 9-9.
Number of years as school's head coach: 15.
Overall record at school: No idea. I have "some-timers." My wins are how many lives I have changed for the better!!
Career coaching record: I have coached volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis and cheer leading throughout my career. I don't pay attention to my wins and losses. I care about the lives I've positively impacted.
Top returning starters: Haylee Weathersby, senior, 6' post, 4 year starter. Haylee was the offensive player of the year and 1st team all region throughout her career. She will excel again! … Reyna Reyes, senior, 5'8, forward. 2nd leading scorer and rebounder.
Players being recruited: Haylee Weathersby committed to Black Hills State University. Weathersby will attend the same college her grandparents and mother attended.
New players expected to contribute: Mary Jo Gallegos, guard/senior. Aggressive guard with a great shot. … Auak Jok, post/junior. Great at rebounding and shooting.
Season expectations: We are going to be very competitive.
More about the program: I absolutely love my career of teaching and coaching at Apollo High School. My career is about making a positive impact on the thousands of student athletes I have had the honor of teaching and coaching.
Casa Grande Union High School
Head coach name: Kevin Hubbard.
2019-20 record: 4-14.
Number of years as school's head coach: This is the first year.
Number of years as a head coach: 3 years.
Overall career record: 33-15 (Varsity Girls w/ Kingman High School).
Top returning starters: Psalm Johnson, PG/12th/ 5'6". Psalm is our floor lead. She will call offenses and run the show. She has great quickness and can shoot the ball. … Aliyah Robbins, C/11th/ 5'11". Aliyah was second team all region last year, this year we hope to make her first team all region. She can defend, rebound and score. She moves well with the ball and she could be the most improved player by the end of this season.
New players expected to step in: Sieana White, PF/9th. She is going to be a starter as a freshmen. She has a great understanding of the game and she will be able to defend the best. We are very excited to see how she is in 4 years of starting varsity basketball.
More about the team: The coaching staff is a cool story. New head coach that is bringing in 2 different long time middle school coaches from our town to take on high school basketball. We are ready to help grow the sport in Casa Grande with the connections and relationships that have been built over years.
Season expectations: I am very excited about our team. We plan to push any team we play. We have the quickness and size to play good solid basketball. This group is focused and ready to improve and be better every day.
Flowing Wells High School
Head coach: Michael Perkins.
2019-20 record: 20-8.
Number of years as school's head coach: 15.
Overall record at school: 257-185.
Number of years as a head coach: 15.
Top returning starters: MiLinda Arguellez, G/12/5'8". 1,000 point scorer already. … Leamsi Acuna. G/10/5'5". Great ball handler and shooter. … Cheyanne Yanez, G/12/5"6". Great shooter, defender, and leader. … Navine Mallon, F/10/5'9". Ready for a breakout season. … Sydney Lomeli-Capen, C/10/6'. Strong inside presence.
Player being recruited: MiLinda Arguellez committed to University of Texas A&M International.
Season expectations: We just want really to play. We have several seniors that just want to play with their teammates and enjoy the game of basketball. They are very competitive. We also have a young group of sophomores ready to grow and develop.
Approaching milestones: MiLinda is 8th all time in scoring for FW with 1,257 points through 3 years. She is within striking distance of 2nd or 3rd all time if she's able to play a large enough schedule.
North Canyon
Head coach name: LeVon Brown.
2019-20 record: 6 – 18.
Number of years as school's head coach: 2.
Overall record at school: 6 – 18.
Number of years as a head coach: 6 yrs.
Overall career record: 20 – 54.
Top returning starters: Sierra Rides, SG/S/5'5. Becoming a better leader & utilizing more of her abilities to score & make her team great. … Mae Deiguez, Pt, SG/J/5'6. Adapt to new system as a transfer and work on becoming a great leader by the time she becomes a senior. She's a good shooter and can good finisher around the basket. … Jaida Steward, Pt G, SG/J/5'4. As another transfer we want her to learn the system and continue to learning how to run a team. She's also a good mid - range shooter and getting better with the long range 3 ball.
Players being recruited: Sierra Rides.
New players expected to contribute: Mae Deiguez, Pt G & SG/ Junior. Leader and can score. … Jaida Steward, Pt G & SG/ Junior. More scoring and better finishing from my guard positions. Also will be looking to push more in transition. … Cayley Vakiner, SG/Senior. As a returner looking to show much improvement for her team in every category this season.
More about the program: The North Canyon girls program looses 2 good coaches but gains another one in Kadeidra Hamilton. Happy to have her be a part of the Rattler program. She's young but brings a wealth of knowledge to the program.
Season expectations: I believe that we are much improved from last year because we gain a lot more and MUCH needed scoring. We also improve in the point guard & shooting guard position tremendously because we will be able to get into our sets better and push the ball in transition better.
Sunnyside
Head coach: Justin Delgado.
2019-20 record: 14-14.
Number of years as school's head coach: 0.
Number of years as a head coach: 1.
Overall career record: 24-9.
Top returning starters: Anneliese Felix, PG/JR. … Captain, Floor Leader, Scores at all 3 levels. … Vitoria Perez, W/SR. Quiet Leader, Slasher, 3 point shooter. … Andrea De La Fuente, W/SR. Vocal Leader, Rebounder, High Energy.
New players expected to contribute: Gabriella Delgado, SG/SO. Transfer-Starter, 3 point shooter, Lockdown defender. … Lexi Delgado, PG/SO. Transfer, Backup PG, Lockdown Defender, Vocal Teammate. … Nayeli Nidez-Acuna, W-F/FR. Great Rebounder, High Energy, Finisher, Starter.
Verrado High School
Head coach name: Vernon Beard.
2019-20 record: 20-9.
Number of years as school's head coach: 13 years.
Number of years as a head coach: 13.
Top returning starters: Hannah Beard, Guard - 10th - 5'4". Point guard who can run any offense to get players easy shots, while being able to create her shot when needed. … Isabella Barrett, C/F - 10th - 6'0". Very strong post player with HIGH IQ who can stretch the offense with a great outside stroke. … Janae Byrd, Guard - 11th - 5'7". Lockdown defender who can hit open shots and score on all 3 levels. … Amaya Felix, Guard - 11th - 5'5". Throw back player who wants to defend 94' and wants the ball when the game is on the line. … Harlie Medrano, C/F - 11th - 6'0". Loves to rebound on both ends of the floor/Runs the floor like a guard/great midrange shooter
Players being recruited: Hannah Beard, HBC colleges. … Isabella Barrett, some DII & DIII. … Janae Byrd, some DII & DIII.
New players expected to contribute: Harlie Medrano, Post/Wing - 11th. Potential could be the best rim runner with a great midrange jumper.
More about the team: The biggest thing I can say, if we can get by COVID-19, we should be very competitive each night!
Season expectations: We've done a lot work during preseason and now they are ready to go!
Milestone that we are looking to is cutting those nets down in March if Covid-19 allows us.
Williams Field High School
Head coach name: Taura Gardner.
2019-20 record: 13-10.
Number of years as school's head coach: 5.
Overall record at school. 54-68.
Top returning starters: Anyah Woods. Forward/Jr. Dominant rebounder and scorer around the basket. … Alana West. Guard/Jr. Excellent ball handler and can score at all three levels. Extended shooting range! …Solaya Sanchez. Guard/Jr. Improved ball handler and on court leader. Excellent shooter! … Jordyn Chesir. Forward/Sr. Great rebounder, developed nice mid range. Solid back to the basket player!
Players being recruited: Tatyanna Clayburne. Committed to Cal State Bakersfield.
New players expecting to step in: Tatyanna Clayburne. Guard/Sr. Great floor general playing multiple positions at a high level! Can score at all three levels! … Trinity Flores. Guard/Jr. Super quick and scrappy defender, can get to the basket and shoot! … Erin Remfrey. Forward/Jr. … Great rebounder and nice mid range.
More about the team: Transfers have come in and really bonded with the returning girls.
Season expectations: Very high expectations to compete and make noise in the playoffs for our 3rd straight year. As with many other programs playing in a pandemic, consistency has been difficult.
4A CONFERENCE
Cactus High School
Head coach name: Austin Pectol.
2019-20 record: 19-10.
Number of years as school's head coach: 1st Year.
Top returning starters: Monica Zepeda, Guard/11/5'5". Captain, Defensive Anchor, Leader, Toughness. … Dylan Perazzo. Guard/Forward/ 11/ 5'6". Captain, Athletic, Leader, Great Passer, On-Ball Defense. … Val Brunzie, G/10/5'2". Heart of the team, Push the pace, provide toughness. Should lead team in steals. … Savannah Fuentes. Guard/Forward / 11/ 5"8". Always stays calm and collected, good passer, great offensive instincts, gets in passing lanes. … Taya Randolph. C/11/5'10". Patrol the paint, out works everyone, lead the team in rebounds and PIP.
New players expected to contribute: Payten Cherry, G/10. Good shooter, could lead team in scoring off the bench, long on defense and deceptively fast. … Megan Peabody, C / 10. Tough, strong, invites contact.
More about team: 1st year HC, no seniors on the roster only 2 returning varsity players from 19-20.
Season expectations: Right now we should be able to get a play-in game for playoffs. I think we have a young, tough, athletic team that will get better and better as the season goes on.
Cholla HS
Head coach: Vincent Lombardi.
2019-20 record: 12-6.
Number of years as school's head coach: 4.
Overall record at school: 37-28.
Number of years as a head coach: 4.
Overall career record: 37-28.
Top returning starters: Zeneida Zamora, Point Guard / Sr. / 5-6. A 4 year Varsity Starter, First Team All Region last season, avg. 17 pts and 6 assists per game. Incredible basketball IQ, great ballhandler and distributor. Scored 35 points in our win last season vs. Salpointe, and hit a 3 point buzzer beater in our win vs. Buena. … Sunday Leopoldo, Fwd/ Jr. / 5-11. Region Defensive Player of the Year last season. Varsity starter, great shot blocker, avg. 14 pts a game and 10 rebounds. Very good outside jump shooter as well as a versatile scorer around the basket. … Gianna Pritchett, Fwd/ Jr. / 5-10, 3 year varsity starter, 2nd team All Region last year, great defender and solid rebounder. Starting to emerge as a scorer as she scored 16 points in our playoff game vs Buena. … Carolina Araujo, G/ Jr. / 5-7. 3 year Varsity starter, great ballhandler and shooter. This should be her breakout season as a scorer.
Players being recruited: Zeneida Zamora recruited by Park College Phoenix.
New players expected to contribute: Gabriela Rivera, G/ Sr. / 5-6. She will be a 3 year starter. Very versatile player, plays several positions with us. She does all the little things to help us win
Season expectations: We are returning 5 Varsity starters off of a playoff team last year. We beat Buena and Salpointe when they were both top 5 in the State in 5A last year. We also beat a very good Rincon/University team twice last year. One player is a 4 year starter, and 4 players are 3 year starters. This is our year to break through and be a potential Final 4 Team in 4 A
Approaching milestones: Zeneida Zamora will surpass 1,000 points for her career, and leave Cholla as the all-time leading scorer.
More on the team: This year's team will be known for turning around a program that 4 years ago had lost 36 straight games, into a program that is recognized as one of the most competitive teams in Southern Arizona.
Dysart
Head coach: Dustin Borst.
2019-20 record: 15-13 (8-2).
Number of years as school's head coach: 1.
Overall record at school: 15-13.
Number of years as a head coach: 3.
Overall career record: 23-46.
Top returning starters: Jacinda Chavez, G/11/5'5. Good ball handler and will make the right decision. … Hope Sumner, P/12/6'0. Good big down low, good rebounder. … Ninett Ramirez, G/10/5'4. Can shoot the ball well.
New players expected to step in: Jocelyn Chavez, G/9. Can do everything well, complete package. … Torah Dial, G/9. Plays great defense and can shoot the ball. … Geneva Holman, G/10. Make great decisions with the basketball and can knock down shots
Season expectations: Our team is working on being more consistent as a team in practice. Our expectations are a 4A Southwest Region Championship and to make a playoff appearance.
Estrella Foothills
Head coach name: Matt Johnson.
2019-20 record: 25-9.
Number of years as school's head coach: 11.
Overall record at school: 210-73.
Number of years as a head coach: 11.
Overall career record: 210-73.
Top returning starters: Tianna Reeder, G, JR, 5'10". Floor leader, versatile. … Kennedy Harper, W/F, SR, 5'9". Athletic and Active. … Samantha Stockton, C, SR, 6'. Rebounding and Finishing inside. … Delilah Lunan, F, SR, 5'8". Teamwork and Hustle.
Players being recruited: Samantha Stockton, full Scholarship offer from Barclay University. Kennedy Harper, recruited by Pacific University Oregon, Warner Pacific University.
New players expected to contribute: Madison Pond, G, FR. Scoring and versatile. … Faith Ross, G, SO. Defense and hustle. … Kayla Campbell, G, JR. Shooting.
Marcos De Niza
Head coach: Briana Gholston.
Number of years as school's head coach: 1.
Number of years as a head coach: 7.
Overall career record: 84-18.
About the team: Through the ups and downs of this season, my players have shown up and worked hard each day. I am proud of how they continue to fight each day.
Season expectations: I expect my team to compete day in and day out. I know they will play hard each game and that’s all I can ask from them.
More about the team: Looking for our first win in a couple seasons. I expect to be able to achieve this.
Sahuaro High School
Head coach: Steve Botkin.
2019-20 record: 28 wins and 2 losses.
Number of years as school's head coach: 20 Years.
Overall record at school: 434 wins and 137 losses.
Number of years as a head coach: 26.
Overall career record: 550 wins and 180 losses.
Top returning starters: Alyssa Brown, Guard/Forward/12/ 6'1. One of the top players in the state. Can play all 5 positions on the floor and can defend. Set a state single season scoring record and had a chance to score 3,000 points in her career if we were to play enough games. … Alyssa (Lucky) Franke, Guard/12/ 5'5. Can shoot 3's. Scored over 1,000 points in her career. Will play 1 and 2 position. … Lilly Watson, Forward/12/5'9. Great rebounder. Can play any position on the floor. One of our best defenders. … Nashelle Ponds, Guard/10/5'10. First year on Varsity. Tremendous athlete that is long and can stretch the floor. … Alyssa Vinsik, Center/12/6'0. Played 3 years of Varsity. Has been injured. Is a terrific rebounder and shooter. Hopefully will stay healthy for this season.
Players being recruited: Alyssa Brown committed to University of Nevada Las Vegas. … Lilly Watson being recruited by Midwestern D-2 schools. … Lucky Franke being recruited by small D1 schools.
New players expected to contribute: Ayjianna Bonapart, Guard/10th grade. She is young but has tremendous upside. Really athletic and could break into the starting lineup. … Cassandra Coolidge, Guard/frosh. As a freshman should be in the rotation. At 5'10 is a big point guard that has a nice soft shot. … Isabelle Saldivar-Hale, Guard/ Junior. First year on varsity. Smart and understands the game. Like a coach on the floor.
More about the program: Alyssa Brown is the reigning Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year, Max Preps player of the year. 4A player of the year. She is a tremendous young lady who set an Arizona scoring record at 932 points. Has over 2000 points in her career. Senior Class President and excellent student. Great leader.
Season expectations: We are in Phase 2 as I write this today. We are allowed 10 in the gym at one time and cannot play defense. We are behind a bit. Fortunately we have great leadership and 3 returning 4 year varsity players that can help acclimate the younger players. We have high expectations and are hoping to get back to the State Playoffs and make a run at the State Championship. Brown, Franke and Watson have been to 2 final fours and were runner up last year.
Salpointe Catholic
Head coach name: Joseph Luevano.
2019-20 record: 24-6.
Number of years as school's head coach: 1.
Top returning starters: Kylee Callahan. Guard/junior/5’8. Extremely athletic, high energy capable of leading the team in nearly every stat. Dependable defender. Reliable scorer that can score at all three levels. … Jaya Nelson G, F/senior/ 5’10. Floor general, high IQ with great awareness, capable of scoring at all 3 levels and a disciplined defender. … Tessa Hastings, G, F/Junior/6’. Swiss army knife of talent and skill. Capable of running the point or the center position. Capable of guarding 1-5. Very aggressive penetrator with a reliable jump shot. … Kimmy Mcdaniels, C, senior/ 5’11. Physical post presence with great athleticism and awareness. Strong rebounder and excellent passer. Solid scorer around the basket. … Madi Namann, F, W/ Senior/ 6’. High motor, intense player with great passion for the game. Reliable defender and rebounder. Strong scorer with a highly skilled jump shot.
Players being recruited: Jaya Nelson committed to Alderson Broaddus. Kylee Callahan various schools. Tessa Hastings various schools.
New players expected to step in: Bria Medina, G/Sophimore. Incredible competitor capable of scoring at all three levels and is tenacious on defense. … Mireya Hernandez, G/Senior. High IQ on both ends of the court. … Brianna Arizmendi, G/senior. Potential contributions or expectations. An incredible athlete and student with all the tools necessary to be very successful at the next level.
More about the team: I have a great group of young athletes that care about each other and are willing to work extremely hard to be successful. I have some outstanding student athletes that will likely make all academic teams.
Season expectations: We have been fortunate to stick together through all of this that has been happening. We are poised and eager to make a run at a state championship.
St. Mary’s Catholic HS
Head coach: Patricia Hollerbach.
2019-20 record: 7-15.
Number of years as school's head coach: 1.
Overall record at school: 7-15.
Number of years as a head coach: 1.
Top returning starters: Marlene Moreno, G/12/5’7. Captain, leading scorer, playmaker. … Evelyn Lopez, PF/12/5’7. Rebounder. … Gianna Brittain, G/PF/12/5’9. 3 point shooter. Alyssa Estrada, G/11/5’7. Runs the point, great set shooter.
New players expected to step in: Francis Moreno, PF/9. Very vocal, sports IQ, rebounder. … Vanessa Barrios, G/10. Defense first, never quits, aggressive.
Season expectations: With last year being my first year as head coach, I was brought on in late August, I didn’t get a summer or preseason with the teams. We also had the toughest strength of schedule. This year with the pandemic we really couldn’t play. For what we’ve gone through so far, I am happy with my girls. I expect us to have a far better season than last year. I expect to be contenders in our region for sure. We should have a breakout season performance from Marlene Moreno.
3A CONFERENCE
Fountain Hills High School
Head coach name: Amanda Baca.
Number of years as school's head coach: 12.
Number of years as a head coach: 17.
Top returning starters: Sydney Loyet, G/12/5'4''. … Zoey Lipps, G/12/5'7''. … Soliel Smith, PG/11/5'4''.
The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies
Head coach: Kenneth Olson.
2019-20 record: 9-16.
Number of years as school's head coach: 1.
Top returning starters: Zoey Olson, guard Forward/Junior/5'11". Offensive leader. Good shooter and scoring. Co-Captain. … Darby Slack, Forward, Center/Junior/5'10". Defensive leader, Rebounder, Co-Captain. … Araya Williams, Guard/Sophomore/5'6". Ball handling, floor leadership. Quickness for defensive stops.
New players expected to step in: Briana Woodard, Guard, Forward/Sophomore. Offensive scoring. … Hannah Rogers, Forward/Sophomore. Rebounding and interior defense
More on the team: We have no seniors on our team this year so we are excited to see what this young group will accomplish.
Season expectations: We are progressing quickly and have a preseason goal of reaching the school's second .500 or better season. However, as we spend more time together we are adjusting our goals to a possible playoff birth. We will be able to tell more as we get this crew through their first games.
San Tan Foothills
Head coach: Lauren Habiger.
2019-20 record: 5-17.
Number of years as school's head coach: This is my first year.
Top returning starters: Morgan Tompkin. Guard and post/12th. I expect her to grow as a player. Her skills include leadership and seeing the court. … Alexis Draves, 12th grade. I expect her to continue to grow as a player and get us lots of rebounds. … Mallory Mathews. Post/10th grade. I expect her to develop more as a player and be an asset on offence as well as defense.
New players expecting to step in: Emily Sartin. Small Forward/10. Some potential contributions and expectations I have for her are to be a scoring threat and be active on defense. I expect her to grow as a player and develop more confidence. … Valeria Beccera. Guard/12. She will contribute to scoring and to the games tempo. I expect her to grow as a player and build more confidence. … Alexandra "Aj" Williams. Guard/9th. I expect her to build her court vision and confidence. I expect her to contribute to scoring and develop as a team leader.
Coach on team: This is my first year as a head coach and I couldn't ask for a better group of girls. They have a bright future and are excited to show off all their hard work that they have done this offseason.
Early season expectations: Our expectations this season is to grow as player and be competitive in every game.
More about the team: We are really excited to have a season and finally get to play.
Yuma Catholic
Head coach name: Bobby McGalliard.
2019-20 record: 21-6.
Number of years as school's head coach: 10.
Overall record at school: 165-82.
Top returning starters: Rori Martinez, G-F/Senior/6'1". Rori is a well rounded basketball player. She can defend on the perimeter or a big in the post. Offensively she has the ability to take a player on the block with her psot up game or step out and hit the jumper. … Kylie Meerchaum, G-F/Senior/5'8". Kylie Meerchaum is simply put a basketball player. Her stats don't define her importance to the team. We use her in so many different ways and she gets the job done in all of them. … Isabel Torok, F/Senior/5'11". Izzy is pure energy. On defense, her presense is huge. She is a great on ball defender and is fantastic at weakside help defense. On offense, she has improved greatly in both her post up game and midrange jump shooting. … Reese Sellers, PG-G/Sophomore/5'6". Reese is an athletic point guard who can score or set up her teammate. She handles the ball well, is a great passer, and can hit the three. … Rian Martinez, F-G/Sophomore/6'2". Rian is a versatile basketball player with many skills. She is long, athletic, and talented.
Players being recruited: Rori Martinez committed to play volleyball at Park University. Has received interest/offers from Loras College and Franciscan University. Kylie Meerchaum has received interest/offers from Loras College and Franciscan University. Isabel Torok has received interest/offers from Loras College and Franciscan University.
New players expected to step in: Reese Sellers, PG-G/Sophomore. Reese takes over for 1st team all state point guard Veronica Saco. She possesses all the skills needed to be an outstanding point guard for our program. … Rian Martinez, G-F/Sophomore. As a sophomore the only thing Rian lacks is experience but her talent level will help her be a major part of our team. … Hannah Swartout, G-F/5'8". Hannah has improved her game so much in the last year and will be called on to be a key performer for us.
Season expectations: Covid has affected all of us and Yuma Catholic is no different but expectations remain the same: win the region and compete in the state tournament with the attitude of survive and advance.
2A CONFERENCE
Chandler Prep
Head coach name: Shawn Lytle.
2019-20 record: 8-19.
Number of years as school's head coach: 3.
Overall record at school: 61-30.
Number of years as a head coach: 15.
Overall career record: 296-131.
Top returning starters: Tatum McDonald, C/11th/6’0. Good rebounder.
New players expecting to step in: Evi Yates, C/12th. Rebounding/scoring/leadership. … Brin Begay, G/9th, ball handling/scoring.
Season expectations: Hope to compete in our region.
Approaching milestones: Coach is 4 wins away from 300.
Phoenix Christian Preparatory School
Head coach: Dan Fort.
2019-20 record: 20-11.
Number of years as school's head coach: First year.
Top returning starters: Ainsley Ebert, PF/12/5'11". Leader, best defender, paint presence but with guard skills. … Enrietta Kamara, PG/11/5'1"/. Leader, great on-ball defender and ball handler, playmaker. … Nancy Felix, SG/10/5'6". Shooter, good athlete and all-around player. Aurora Grimwade, SG/10/5'5". High energy, aggressive and fearless, tough defender.
Players being recruited: Ainsley Ebert offered by Arizona Christian University.
New players expected to contribute: Berenice Fajardo, guard/freshman. Raw talent with a great work-ethic to improve. … Azyadette (Azzy) Carrillo. Wing/sophomore. Smart player with good ball skills
Season expectations: If we stay healthy, we expect to compete for a region championship and make a run in the playoffs.
Benson High School
Head coach name: Robert Bristow.
2019-20 record: 15 wins - 12 losses.
Number of years as school's head coach: this is the 3rd year.
Overall record at school: 30 wins - 25 losses.
Number of years as a head coach: 23.
Overall career record: 232 wins - 100 losses (roughly).
Top returning starters: Emily Darwin, PF/12/5'10". Average double double, can play all positions. Shaylin Taylor, PF/11/5'11". Average double double, can play all positions. Jennifer Barker, SF/12/5'7". Tough defender, very good shooter, multiple positions.
New players expected to contribute: Celina Wilharm, G/10. Very good defender and never ending motor. … Allie Jennings, PF/10. Strong inside game expecting many double doubles. … Tatum Benson, G/F – 10. Scoring and rebounding.
Season expectations: I believe we are on pace at the moment and should be competitive.
Scottsdale Christian Academy
Head coach name: Alan Mitchell.
2019-20 record: 14-15.
Number of years as school's head coach. First year
Number of years as a head coach: 3 (Club Basketball).
Top returning starters: Kathyrn Dick. Forward/12/5'9. Versatile player can shoot from drive and put ball on the floor. … Brooke Hancock. Forward/11/5'11. 19-20 Region Offensive Player of the year, hustle player, lockdown defender. … Savannah Cardona. Guard/11/5'5. … 19-20 Region 1st team defense. Can score from all areas on the floor, can handle ball well, knock down shooter. … Baylee Tobin. Forward/11/5'10. Good rebounder, runs the floor well, physical, athletic, solid defender. … Lily Richardson. Guard/11/5'7. Good ballhandler, sees the floor well, can get to the basket, high basketball IQ.
New players expecting to step in: Allyson Lund. Forward/11. Potential contributions or expectations. Runs the floor well, lead the team in effort plays, plus minus ratio is off the chart. … Ana Faustinos. Guard/10. Knock down shooter, quick, decent ball handler, should play significant minutes
Potential story: Savannah Cardona is a kid everyone should watch out for although she is not being recruited I expect that to change this year after her Junior season. She just has a knack for scoring and her anticipation on defense is outstanding.
Season expectations: Right now I feel my team has a lot to prove. We should compete well in our Region being one of the top teams and my expectations is we should make the Playoffs and make some noise.
Any approaching program or coaching milestones: I have to get confirmation, but I think I am the first African American Head Coach for Girls Basketball at SCA.
More about the team: It’s my first year as head coach. I sat 2 years behind the legend, Bob Fredericks. My first year here we made it to the state finals and lost to Alchesay and last year we lost to Sedona in the play in game. Being at the helm this year comes with big shoes to fill, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. With Christ leading us, all things are possible.
Scottsdale Prep
Head coach name: Teray Allen-Lisbon.
2019-20 record: 8-16.
Number of years as school's head coach: This is my second year.
Overall record at school: 8-16.
Top returning starters: Kathryn Neumann. Guard/ Senior. Claire Kurtz Forward/ Senior. Abigail Benham Guard/ Junior. Shreya Akula Forward/ Junior. Sarah Hurley Guard/ Freshman.
More on the team: This is a difficult season but the ladies are staying positive.
Season expectations: We are a middle of the pack type of team this year. We just have to focus on winning the game we should win.
1A CONFERENCE
Fort Thomas High School
Head coach: Lee Haws.
2019-20: 24-7.
Number of years as school's head coach: 14th.
Overall record at school: 288-98.
Top returning starters: Chase Stanley, Wing / 11th / 5' 3". She is like the energizer bunny, runs the floor well and has a good 3 pt. shot. She led our team in scoring last year and really came along. … Kyia Haws, Forward / 12th / 5' 9". Been on varsity since a freshman, has started since her sophomore year. Has led the team in rebounding the last two years. 2nd on team in scoring. … Hailey Hinton, Wing - Forward / 11th / 5' 6". We expect her to shoot 5-10 three's a game. She has a lethal outside shot and is working on her aggressive moves to attach the basket.
New players expected to step in: Jasmine Olivar, Guard / 9th Grade. She will handle the ball the majority of the time. … Tori Lang, Wing / 12th. She is a player that runs the floor well and plays very physical defense. She will be a high energy player.
Season expectations: The team is working hard and having a good attitude. This year is going to be fun year working with these girls. The goal and hope is to compete for a state championship and compete with the elite teams.
Salome High School
Head coach name: Bryan McCarty.
2019-20 record. 15-0.
Number of years as school's head coach: 4.
Overall record at school: 45-20.
Number of years as a head coach: 4.
Overall career record: 45-20.
Top returning starters: Elly Huhtala. F/11/5'9". Will handle the ball this season and be the leader of the team. … Hope Freedman. F/11/5'8". Slasher who has got the ability to hit the outside shot. A terror defensively that hustles big time.
New players expecting to contribute: Kiara Sanchez F/12. Slasher and scorer off the wing. Kaniece Thomas. C/F/9 Will be a huge part of our program moving forward anchoring the middle. Skills beyond the post, excellent speed and agility. … Bryanda Navarro G/10. Will move in to play point guard. Very smart player that can score the ball. Very good defender.
More about the team: Extremely young team, but very tall younger players. 4 freshman 5'8" and taller and they all have so much room to grow and improve. Learning season, but they will be a force here soon.
Season expectations: We still have a lot of work to do, but this team is hungry and ready to get after it. Very good attitudes and work ethic.
