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, got injured early in the game and would play in limited spurts in the 2nd half. Losing her to injury seemed to fluster her team as they could not get a rhythm going.
Salpointe took advantage of the lack of an inside presence. Senior Point Guard Bria Medina and Sophomore Forward Taliyah Hendeson picked the Flowing Wells defense apart. Medina would lead all scorers with 26 points. Henderson chipped in 17 points and Sophomore Guard Allison Even put up 10 points.
Even hit some key shots early in the first half to help build her team’s lead by as much as 20 points. Salpointe went on to beat Flowing Wells 55-40. Here are some of the prospects who caught my attention:
Flowing Wells
Kayla Bailey 5-8 Guard 2024
Bailey is long and utilizes her length to block shots and disrupt passing lanes. She is a blue-collar worker on both ends of the floor and impressed me with her finishing ability around the rim. A nice sleeper prospect to keep an eye on.
Navine Mallon 5-9 Guard 2023
Mallon is a physical prospect who plays hard on both ends of the floor. I liked her ball handling ability, motor and athleticism. She is a solid low major prospect who is a big part of her team’s success.
Ayanna DeJesus 5-7 Wing 2023
DeJesus plays big for her size. She is tough as nails and plays through adversity to earn her points. I like this young lady’s will to compete. Another prospect to keep an eye on this season, as she does a lot of good little things to help her team compete.
Salpointe Catholic
Bria Medina 5-6 Point Guard 2023
Medina had a huge game as she led all scorers with 26 points. Besides being a three-level scorer, she scooped up 5 steals and converted those steals into points. She is one of the better on ball defenders in the state and I anticipate her to have a huge 2nd half of the season.
Taliyah Henderson 6-1 Wing 2025
Henderson is making a case for being one of the top sophomores in the country. The high major prospect was impressive with her guard skills and ability to show her presence inside. She adds another dimension to a talented team and I anticipate her helping her team to a deep playoff run.
Allison Even 5-9 Guard 2025
Even hit some huge shots to ignite momentum throughout the game. She had a nice performance and seemed to hit clutch shots when it mattered. Her game is growing on me, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to develop as she has the skill set to be a nice college prospect.