The AIA season is underway and it has been an exciting first half of the season. The AIA has stepped up by adding the shot clock and Open Division, which were upgrades long overdue. There are so many talented student-athletes, but these three prospects have emerged as my favorites for the Player of the Year, which I will award at the end of the season. Khamil Pierre 6-2 Wing 2023 Perry The Vanderbilt-commit has led her team to an overall record of 16-2, while averaging 23.6 points, 1.3 assists, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per/game. Pierre is the…
Author: George Courtney
Desert Vista is a favorite to reach the Open Division State Championship Game. Their team is loaded with talent from top to bottom. One of their key pieces to success is junior guard Shay Ijiwoye. Ijiwoye played on Arizona Elite Prep last season, however their program was shut down. The result of their program being shut down was numerous high school programs attaining some of Arizona’s best girls basketball prospects. Ijiwoye has numerous Division-I offers, and it is no surprise, as she is one of the top prospects in the 2024 class. Some of her offers include Clemson, Mississippi State,…
There has been a resurgence of Coolidge High’s Boys Basketball in recent years, since the return of Hall of Fame Coach David Glasgow. The key player to their success is 2025 Point Guard Carlos Coronado Jr. Coronado’s game has grown on me over the last (4) years, as I got to see his talent as a middle schooler. Now as a floor-general in high school, he is making a huge impact in controlling the game for his team. Coronado has a tight handle who can break down opposing defenders to either score or hit open teammates. He makes sound decisions…
In the first GC3 Hoops Game of the Week of 2023, I traveled to Tucson to watch a 4A Kino Region Matchup between Salpointe Catholic and Flowing Wells. I love covering games in Tucson, because of the electric atmosphere. The fans packed the gym at Flowing Wells High School, which made it extra loud and exciting. This matchup featured the defending 4A State Champions in Salpointe and last year’s 5A Runner-Up Flowing Wells. Both teams are filled with talent. The game opened up with Salpointe going on an 8-0 run and never looked back. Flowing Wells Senior Center Sydney Capen,…
The Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes are riding a 4-game winning streak riding into Saturday’s contest against Yavapai College. Coach Tasha Washington and her staff are doing a phenomenal job establishing a culture and foundation. One of the players who has been on fire is 5-foot-5 Sophomore Guard Monique Shim. Shim was recently named the NJCAA National Player of the Week, which is an amazing accomplishment, since it includes hundreds of Junior Colleges across the country. In three games, Shim has a combined 79 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. That’s an average of just over 26 points/game, which is…
Poston Butte has only been open since 2009, however under the leadership of Head Coach Savannah Bix, the program has made history by qualifying for the playoffs last season and winning a Region Championship. There is no surprise that 2023 5-foot-7 senior guard Adriana Bachman has scored 1,000 career points in her high school career. I had the pleasure to watch Bachman compete over the last three seasons and she is one of my favorite prospects in the state, simply because of her toughness. Bachman is a relentless competitor on both ends of the floor. I have seen her put…
Dobson has been successful every year, as they keep climbing closer to a state title contender. Coach Henry Bribiescas has employed a high octane, up-tempo system, which results in flustering the opposition. Much of the team’s success this season comes from a strong contribution from 2024 Guard Ahdiyah Chee. Chee has an excellent feel for the game on both ends of the floor. She utilizes her IQ and feel to make impactful plays on both ends of the court. Chee is a three-level scorer who is a microwave and can heat up fast if left alone. She is also a…
This week, the West Coast Jamboree kicks off in Oakland, CA. The West Coast Jamboree is one of the biggest high school girls basketball tournaments on the West Coast. This year’s event will host (108) teams at high school sites around the Bay Area. We are pleased to announce that the Deer Valley Lady Skyhawks have been invited to make the trip to represent Arizona. Currently, the Lady Skyhawks have been trying to find their groove, however I am optimistic that they will utilize this tough road test to get ready for the 2nd half of the season. The Lady…
The Perry High School Lady Pumas are making a strong contention to battle their way into the AIA Open Division Playoffs. Currently, the Lady Pumas have a 12-2 record and are coming off a huge championship win at the Joe Smith Bracket at the Nike Tournament of Champions. The Lady Pumas will put their 4-game win streak on the line when they travel to the Title IX Classic in Washington D.C. The Title IX Classic is one of the most prestigious girl’s basketball tournaments in the country. The Lady Pumas have been placed in the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Bracket with…
Sandra Day O’Connor High School’s 5-foot-8 senior guard Makaylei “Mak” Snyder picks up her 2nd offer from Ohio Wesleyan University. Snyder also holds an offer from Adrian College. Snyder is one of the state’s most under-recruited guards and my hope is, with these two offers, that more colleges get involved, as Snyder is deserving of other offers. Snyder is currently averaging 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per/game this season. Her presence on the floor makes an impact, as she defends at a high level, has a high basketball IQ and makes plays. Recently she helped her…