Salpointe beat Pueblo 47-14 Friday night to move to 4-1 on the year. It was an important victory for the Lancers considering the strength of the Kino Region in the 4A Conference. A loss now would have made the path to the playoffs more difficult with Cienega (5-0), Canyon del 0ro (3-2) and Catalina Foothills (4-1) remaining on the Salpointe schedule.
As expected, the Southern Region was well represented in the initial 5A Power Rankings released Thursday morning. Ironwood Ridge (8-1) was the top rated team, Cienega (6-2) came in at No. 3 and Sahuaro (6-1) was ranked No. 8. The rankings will be updated daily so expect some movement Friday morning with Sahuaro beating Cienega 3-0 Thursday night at home.
The 5A Southern Region is arguably the most difficult in Southern Arizona regardless of conference size. Four of the five programs in the 5A Southern Region have a place in my Top 10 rankings including Ironwood Ridge, Sahuaro, Cienega and Marana Mountain View.
Arizona Christian added All-Southern Arizona infielder Shae Bushey to its 2017 recruiting class this past week. Bushey, an infielder from Cienega, batted .439 in her junior year with two home runs, four triples, 10 doubles and 21 RBIs.
Cactus Shadows junior standout Jake Benanti played as even as can play to capture the championship of the Rivalry Cup held this past Friday and Saturday at the Stonecreek Golf Club. Benanti shot an even 71 on Friday and an even 71 (142) to defeat Highland senior Brock Goyen 142-148.