One of the state’s oldest rivalries took place in Central Arizona between the Florence Gophers and the Coolidge Bears. Friday evening, Florence hung on to squeak past Coolidge, 55-50 in overtime. It seemed like the Gophers played with a lot of energy, as they were led by their senior backcourt in Eddie Chapple and Malik Payton. Junior guard Chris Famer, also made a strong contribution – complimenting Payton and Chapple’s strong performance. Midway through the 2nd half, Florence led by as much as 10 points. In the 4th Quarter, Coolidge surged back, by cutting the lead down to 4 and…
Author: George Courtney
Dobson has been an historically strong program. Coach Henry Bribiescas is a guru for developing nice guard prospects. This year his team is led by 5-foot-7 senior guard Rachel Early. Currently, the Lady Mustangs are 6-1 and competing for the top spot in the 6A East Valley Region. The East Valley is a tough region with the likes of talented programs, such as the Mesa Lady Jackrabbits and the Westwood Lady Warriors. Despite the gauntlet of a schedule thus far, Rachel Early has been averaging 13.1 points, 2.4 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals per/game. I had the delight of…
The defending 4A State Champion Salpointe Catholic Lancers looked like they graduated most of their team from last season. There has been a lot of questions regarding if the Lancers will be in a rebuilding year. The Lancers have silenced the critics with a hot 6-0 start, with key wins over Nogales, American Leadership-Queen Creek, Tucson Magnet and Pueblo High School. One of the under-the-radar keys contributing to their hot start is 6-foot-9 senior post Myles Hersha. His stats don’t jump out, as he is averaging 6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per/game. It seems clearly that…
This contest was the battle of the top (2) teams in the 4A Kino Region in Salpointe Catholic and Pueblo. The marquee match-up was inside between Salpointe’s 6-foot-9 senior post Myles Hersha, and Pueblo’s 6-foot-11 senior post Zach Morgan. Both teams entered the contest undefeated, but the Lancers from Salpointe utilized impressive ball movement and patience to beat the Warriors of Pueblo 67-44. In the first half Pueblo kept it close, utilizing their size and athleticism with their stifling zone defense – forcing Salpointe to take low percentage shots. Pueblo’s 1-2-3 punch combo of Zach Morgan, Marcus Coleman and Armari…
Standing at 5-foot-10, don’t let the size fool you. Wearing #3 makes me believe it’s a tribute to legendary NBA scoring guard Allen Iverson. I can see why he picked that number. He is lightning quick with a knack for creating offensive opportunities for himself or his teammates. What amazed me the most is his composure for being a sophomore. Currently, Carraway is averaging 21 points, 6 assists, 4 steals and 5 rebounds per/game for Pueblo High School in Tucson. I was able to talk to his Coach, Harry Whitaker Jr., about the addition of Armari. “We are very blessed…
Arizona Preps is continuing to bring unique coverage to the state of Arizona. We continue our Coaches’ Spotlight to showcase and highlight Arizona’s best high school coaches. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Coach Katie Fonseca who is the Head Girls Basketball Coach of Mesa High School. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Coach Fonseca for many years (I used to coach her nephew in AAU). We first met when she was here visiting family while serving as the Head Women’s Coach of Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois. Here is our Q & A from our…
Due to the nature of the pandemic, some basketball programs have a limited number of participating student-athletes. The result is the cancellation of lower levels (JV & Frosh) and earlier varsity tip-off times. This game tipped off at 4PM, and it was a treat being able to cover a game at the high school that Arizona Legend and Former NBA Player Richard Jefferson played at. This game seemed to be a defensive battle for both teams. Bradshaw Mountain and Moon Valley High School traded possession for possession, with the Lady Rockets slowly hanging on to a slim 25-22 lead. This…
This shortened pandemic season has things heating up state-wide. The race for the top spot in the 6A East Valley Region is a dogfight between Dobson, Westwood and Mesa. Each team sports quality coaching and talented student-athletes. Tuesday evening, Dobson’s “Four Horsewomen” (5-foot-10 JR Forward Allira Martin, 5-foot-7 SR Guard Jaden Leslie, 5-foot-6 FR Guard Ahdiayh Chee and 5-foot-7 SR Guard Rachel Early) controlled the tempo, having quality possessions and smart shots. Mesa impressed with a “Triple-Threat” of their own in 5-foot-4 JR Guard Mackenzie Shivers, 5-foot-4 SOPH Guard Ashiian Hunter and 5-foot-8 SR Wing Dei’Jonae Moore. Mesa played very…
In an unusual schedule, both Mesa and Red Mountain High School opened their season with a region game. Mesa would thwart Red Mountain, 74-38. In the big home win, Mesa would unleash their version of a “BIG 3” – emerging with seniors, 6-foot-7 senior post Tanner Crawford (22 points), 6-foot-1 senior guard Jimari Grayson (14 points) and gifted 5-foot-11 senior guard Steven Cervantes (15 points). The BIG 3 would propel Mesa to a big home victory, despite also showcasing glimpses of their younger talent – two standout guards, which included 6-foot-3 senior guard Bennet More (11 points) and 5-foot-10 senior…
Last week, Arizona Preps Senior Editor Anthony Ray and myself were invited to San Tan Charter School in Gilbert, AZ, to watch a game between Olympia (WA) and San Tan Charter. The game was refreshing to see, since it gave us a preview of what is in store for the Roadrunners of San Tan Charter. Olympia (WA) edged San Tan Charter 35 to 27 in a defensive battle. Both squads were well coached, as Olympia went on a small run with about 5 minutes left in the 2nd half to pull away. San Tan Charter is led by 2021 6-foot…