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…
Author: George Courtney
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…
We continue our Summer Clash Team Preview Series with the Lady Jaguars of Canyon View High School. The Lady Jaguars are one of the new high schools in the AIA. Despite being a new high school, Head Coach Desirae Carranza has her team playing at a very high level. Here is the Q&A from our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: Our team finished with a 22-3 record for the 2021-2022 season. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and your team go? A: We lost in the quarterfinals to Millennium, with Millennium being the…
The 2022 Arizona Preps Summer Clash is such a high level event that it has attracted teams from the Canyon Athletic Association and Grind Session. We are pleased to have Southern Arizona Prep competing in our field of (16) teams. They compete in the CAA Open Division and the Grind Session. Head Coach Vince Lombardi has built a powerhouse program in the Tucson Area, nearly overnight. Here is the Q&A from our conversation: Q: What was your overall record last season? A: For our inaugural season, we finished the year 14-4. Q: How deep into the playoffs did you and…
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…