In an exhausting trip, the Salpointe Catholic Lady Lancers looked worn out in their Thursday night matchup against the Mesa Lady Jackrabbits. Salpointe played in the opening game of the Hoophall Classic and lost to a deep Millenium Lady Tigers team the night before. That matchup was between the defending 5A and 4A State Champions respectively.
Mesa High Head Coach Katie Fonseca drew up a phenomenal game plan on both ends of the floor. Her defense stifled Salpointe’s offensive rhythm, to where their shots were not falling and forced many turnovers. Offensively, the Lady Jackrabbits took care of the ball and worked to get the shots they wanted resulting in senior point guard Ashiian Hunter pouring in 28 points. Hunter is on fire as of late, as she has been scoring 20+ points in every game this season.
With several starters out and sophomore forward Hannah Williams in foul trouble, the Lady Lancers had to dig deep into a young bench. The Lady Jackrabbits made key defensive stops and made critical baskets to take the win, 54-36. Despite the loss, senior point guard Bria Medina chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Here are the prospects who stood out to me this game:
Mesa
Ashiian Hunter 2023 5-4 Point Guard
Hunter is another prospect that I have the privilege to follow over the last three years. When I scouted her in her sophomore year, she was a bucket. The result is she is still a bucket and her game has evolved and grown. A potent three-level scorer and excellent facilitator, Hunter seems to hunt down and haunt opposing defenses. She will probably win the 6A scoring title, as she has been averaging 20+ points a game in every game this season. Hunter is another underrated prospect with tremendous upside. I know the local JUCOs are ranting and raving over her, as her stock continues to skyrocket. College coaches, if you haven’t had the chance to see the Ash Hunter Show, make sure you take advantage while you can.
Josalyn McGuire 2023 5-3 Guard
McGuire came up huge for a team in the win. She chipped in 9 points, but hit those threes in crucial times to sway the momentum into her team’s favor. Defensively she came up big with her hustle, deflections and steals.
Matix Perkins 2023 5-8 Wing
Perkins also came up big as a role player in her team’s win. She has the ability to hit shots if left open. Perkins has the ability to play downlow. She is strong and provides an inside presence, however still athletic enough to guard the wing position. Another prospect to keep an eye on this season.
Salpointe Catholic
Bria Medina 2023 5-6 Point Guard
Medina has been one of my favorite point guards, as she is probably one of the most underrated prospects being slept on by college coaches. She plays with aggression, passion and fire. That results in being active on both ends of the floor. Medina has a tight handle, facilitates well, and good scoring ability from all three levels. Her best attribute is her willingness and ability to defend at a high level. I anticipate her recruiting to catch fire by the end of the season, as more college coaches will realize how much of a positive impact Medina could make in their rotation.
