It is a pleasure to be hosting teams from around the state for this week's Arizona Preps Summer Clash, as Western, Northern, Southern, Central and the Phoenix Area are well represented. Catalina Foothills High School is a solid program who competes year in year out. I was able to catch up with Head Coach Jacob Martinez. Here is our Q&A conversation:
Q: What was your overall record last season?
A: Our team finished with 16 wins and 8 loses.
Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your team go?
A: We drew the #10 seed and lost in the quarterfinals to eventual runner-up Sunrise Mountain High School.
Q: How does it feel to be invited to the 2nd Annual Arizona Preps Summer Clash? What makes this event stand out to you and your girls?
A: We are honored to be invited back to the Arizona Preps Summer Clash. It means that we will have an opportunity to play high level teams, and see some of the best coaches in first class facilities. It's the first event of the Summer for us and marks the beginning of the new season and new team. We want to start off on the right foot by establishing the right mentality and team work required to make deeper runs in the playoffs.
Q: Who are your top players to watch for? Do they have college offers?
A: My starting (5) is very talented and have current college interests and offers.
1. Reilly Clark, Senior, has college offers
2. Katey Burns, Senior, has college offers
3. Clara Mae Hrouch, Sophomore
4. Julia Ford, Junior, multi-sport athlete in basketball and volleyball
5. Mercedes Martinez, Sophomore, multi-sport athlete, basketball, volleyball, track.
Q: What is the goal for your team heading into this summer?
A: To establish a culture of hard work and team work. This program has had (4) head coaches in as many years. With the talent on this roster, we have an opportunity to establish a solid program where young women develop leadership and mentoring skills through competitive basketball. The resilience of this group is the primary building block for this program. I couldn’t ask for a better group as a first year head coach.
We look forward to seeing the Lady Falcons compete in the Clash. They are one of the state’s top 5A programs who look to pick up where they left off last season. I am excited to see what Coach Martinez does with his talented group. We will definitely get to see a new era kickoff at the Summer Clash.