With the conclusion to the 2021-2022 Arizona high school basketball season, one of the best high school seasons to remember in our state's history, we are now ready to release our award recipients for the state's best in boy's and girl's basketball. After a previous high school basketball season that was impacted significantly by the COVID-19 virus (2020-2021), it was an awesome return to normality this past high school season, as fans and students returned to the games in force - making for some exciting action all season long, and some amazing finishes late in the season. It is now time for our Arizona Preps staff to return to the amazing high school basketball season that recently ended and make our selections for Arizona Coach and Player of the Year.
The 2021-2022 high school basketball season was one to remember for many reasons - filled with intrigue and loads of exciting basketball games and top performances from players. For coaches across the state, high school and prep school coaches across the state are to be honored entirely, as we applaud every high school, prep school or national high school coach for their amazing hard work and dedication to Arizona's student-athletes this past season. With that said, our staff's selection for the Arizona Preps Girls Coach of the Year is Salpointe High School Head Coach Joe Luevano.
Joe Luevano's Lady Lancers compiled a 24-4 overall record this season, but had an impressive undefeated (24-0) record against Arizona competition. His team had key wins over top programs in Xavier Prep (AZ), Bishop Gorman (NV), Mount Miguel (CA), Sahuaro (AZ), Seton Catholic (AZ), and Flagstaff (AZ).
Their quest for this year’s 2022 State Title started with their close loss to Seton Catholic for the 2021 4A State Championship game last season. Under the leadership of 2022 prospects Tessa Hastings and Kylee Callhan and 2023 prospect Bria Medina, the Lady Lancers played a gauntlet of an off-season to prepare for their state title run. The Lady Lancers started the summer by winning the 1st Annual Arizona Preps Summer Clash, then playing in the 23rd Annual Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, where they willingly played some of the top teams in the state, regardless of classification in PHHoenix Prep (Grind Session Prep Team).
Luevano has made a name for himself as one of the top upcoming coaches in the state. His team played with passion, fire, and discipline in making school history by winning their first state championship.
He is excited for the future as the AIA launches an Open Division to next year’s format.
Congratulations to Coach Luevano and his Lady Lancers from the staff at Arizona Preps on this honor.
