The Learning Foundation and Performing Arts School is an up-and-coming program in the Canyon Athletic Association. Coach Derek Freeman did a fantastic job in leading his team to the CAA Divison-2 State Championship last season. It is not a surprise as Athletic Director Jay Gonzales has a great track record in building powerhouse athletic programs. Both Coach Freeman and Gonzales were instrumental in building the small school powerhouse San Tan Charter. LFPA is setting a foundation for success, as they look to build and grow their program to a powerhouse at the Regional and National levels. Coach Freeman and Gonzales…
Author: George Courtney
The Pangos brand is known worldwide for hosting the best high school prospects in the world. Camp Director Dinos Trigonis did a phenomenal job in assembling the best players to play in front of the top (NBA & College) scouts in the world. Every game was exciting, as there was a great collection of high major prospects and future NBA picks. Here are some of the top players I had the opportunity to evaluate: Amier Ali 6-8 2024 Monteverde Academy (FL) This young man is an impressive stretch four forward. He has elite athleticism and leaping ability and can pose…
The Mountain Ridge Lady Mountain Lions are making the trek from North Glendale. We appreciate all the teams who are willing to travel to compete in the best high school girls event to start the summer. Head Coach Jaime Carreon has done a great job in building a tough annual competitor in his Lady Mountain Lions, year in year out. I was able to catch up with him. Here is our Q&A Conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: We finished with a 23-4 record last season. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your…
I am pleased and excited to host one of the top 2A programs in the state in the Miami Lady Vandals. The Lady Vandals are led by Head Coach Crystal Pietila who previously led the San Carlos Lady Braves. Her Lady Vandals play very uptempo and get after it defensively. Here is the Q&A from our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: Our overall record was 19-5 during the 2021-22 season. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your team go? A: After winning one game in the 2020-21 season, our girls finished the…
One of the most exciting teams to watch are the Lady Eagles of Sandra Day O’Connor. The Lady Eagles are under new leadership with Head Coach Charles Wilson taking over the helm. Historically, the Lady Eagles have been a highly competitive program, and, with Coach Wilson’s impressive resume, O’Connor won’t miss a beat going into this season. Here is our Q&A from our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: My team finished with a 17-6 record last season. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your team go? A: Last year’s team lost in…
New to the tournament field are the Thatcher Lady Eagles. The Lady Eagles are coming off a successful 2021-2022 campaign where they earned the #1 seed in the 3A State Playoffs. Historically, the Lady Eagles are always competitive and it will be exciting to see them play against some of the top teams (regardless of classification) in the Summer Clash. Here is the conversation I had with Head Coach Dennis Griffin: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: We were 16-3 last season. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your team go? A: We came…
The next time up on our preview series is the Peoria Lady Panthers. The Lady Panthers are led by Head Coach Rashawn Calvert who took over at the start of last season. Her Lady Panthers have a few prospects that can go. We are excited to have them compete in our event. Here is our Q&A conversation with Coach Calvert: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: We finished the 2021-2022 season with an 18-10 record. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your team go? A: We lost in the first round of 4A state…
One of my favorite teams to watch compete has accepted the invite to the 2nd Annual Arizona Preps Summer Clash. The Deer Valley Lady Skyhawks have unfinished business, as they were upset in the State Playoff Quarter Finals. Head Coach Almazan does a phenomenal job with her team. This summer is the start of a pivotal point for her team to make a run at a State Championship. Here is the Q&A from our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: We finished with a 25-3 record. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your…
The next team in our Summer Clash Team Preview Series are the Lady Cougars of Casa Grande Union High School. Head Coach Kevin Hubbard has been laying a solid foundation in changing the culture. With a young roster, he was able to lead his Lady Cougars to a State Playoff berth. He is doing a great job, as his Lady Cougars have been participating in numerous events to help bring his student-athletes exposure. Here is the Q&A from our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: We battled through illness and injuries, finishing 9-14. Q: How deep…
We are excited to welcome back the Sunnyside Lady Blue Devils. Head Coach Justin Delgado has built a highly competitive program in South Tucson. His teams play at an aggressive pace, which can be fatal for opposing teams. I had the pleasure to know Coach Delgado for nearly a decade. His teams are disciplined and execute his game-plans efficiently, which proves why he is one of the better basketball coaches in the state. Here is our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: Our team finished last season with a 14-11 record. Q: How deep into the…