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March 3, 2023
Boys: Nico Valenzuela, Salpointe Catholic, Soccer
Salpointe Catholic’s soccer dynasty continued to add to its trophy collection Saturday with a 4-1 win over Saguaro. The title made it an even 10 for the Lancers and longtime coach Wolfgang Weber — one off the state lead, which is held by Blue Ridge. Just as impressive, it’s now three in a row for Salpointe atop 4A.
This go around, senior midfielder Nico Valenzuela was at the center of Salpointe’s success. He scored twice in the championship game and finished the season with 22 goals and 21 assists. The assist total was the most of any Salpointe player, while the goal tally was second only to sophomore Leo Gutierrez, who finished with an incredible 37 strikes in 25 matches.
“This was just another outstanding performance of many by our senior midfielder and team captain,” Weber said.
Girls: Eva Allen, Xavier Prep, Soccer
On the girls’ side, the 6A final also ended 4-1, with an established dynasty adding to their title tally. There, the champion was Xavier Prep, which picked up its third championship in a row and state-leading 12th total.
The Gators went into halftime tied, 1-1, with No. 3 seed Perry. That’s when Allen took over, scoring twice in the second half to culminate a perfect 16-0 season.
“It was just so surreal,” Allen said. “This is my last time I’ll play for Xavier, so ending it like that was awesome. It’s not about myself, it was for my teammates and state.”
Academic: Evangelos Sideris, Perry, Soccer
With a 2-0 win over previously undefeated San Luis, Perry claimed the first boys’ soccer title in school history. They did so with a balanced approach, getting goal contributions from four different players. Throughout the season, though, they relied heavily on Sideris, who finished his senior campaign with 13 goals and three assists.
At Perry, that’s only part of Sideris’ contributions. In addition to club and high school soccer responsibilities, he has a 4.65 GPA, which ranks 12th in a class of 750. He also plays the piano, volunteers for the National Honor Society and is part of the Math and Leo (leadership, experience, opportunity) clubs on campus.
“Unbelievable consistency game in and game out,” Perry coach Jason Berg said of Sideris. “He’s one of four players to play in every game. Great young man and very coachable.”
Feb. 24, 2023
Boys: Sergio Vega, Sunnyside, Wrestling
In two years at Sunnyside, Vega has charted a similar course to his dad, Danny Vega, who was a state champion at the school. The younger Vega won the state championship in the 126-pound weight class last weekend. He is now 77-0 in his career and has picked up two state titles.
“Sergio is like a surgeon on the mat,” Sunnyside coach Anthony Leon said. “He is precise, exact and without expression. He is the most technical wrestler I have ever coached.”
For Sunnyside, this success is nothing new. This year’s Division I state championship was the school’s 36th total and sixth in a row.
Girls: Noelle Guiamatsia, Xavier Prep, Basketball
Back in June, Xavier Prep’s leading scorer from a year ago, Sarah Miller, went down with a torn ACL. Immediately, the Gators knew they would need secondary pieces to step up and help star guard Dominique Nesland.
All season, those players — from the freshman Guiamatsia to Maureen Ulrich to Sienna Cherwinski — have done just that. Rarely, though, have those contributions been as impactful as Friday night, when Guiamatsia scored a career-high 25 points on 12-of-13 shooting to lead Xavier Prep past McClintock, 67-51, and into the Open Division semifinals.
In addition to her scoring, Guiamatsia had nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
“The presence inside of Noelle and with all these guards, it opens up,” Xavier Prep coach Jennifer Gillom said after the game. “When she plays well like that — and who expects a freshman to come out and play a big game like this and play well. Most of the time, they’re nervous. She showed poise. That’s a huge sign for her.”
Academic: Ben Egbo, Perry, Basketball
Perry’s charge to the first Open Division title on the boys’ side continued this week, with a 79-60 quarterfinal win over Liberty. While Perry’s biggest stars, Koa Peat and Cody Williams, draw the expected attention, Egbo continued to quietly excel, scoring 18 points in the win.
The senior is also one of the state’s smartest players. He entered his final semester of high school with a 4.2 GPA.
“Ben brings such a positive energy to our team,” Perry coach Sam Duane said. “He is an excellent leader and a key to our success.”
Feb. 17, 2023
Boys: Styles Phipps, St. Mary’s, Basketball
Phipps had the performance of the second round in the boys’ Open Division. He helped No. 18 seed St. Mary’s stun No. 2 seed ALA-Gilbert North, 87-77, with 40 points and 10 assists in the context. That came just one round after a 21-point, seven-assist performance against Bradshaw Mountain.
Next up is a trip to No. 10 Sunnyslope, with a semifinal berth on the line. If Phipps continues his torrid form, he could continue the storybook run for St. Mary’s, which is the only 4A school still alive.
Phipps is only a junior but, as a four-star per 247Sports, he already has offers from high major schools like Auburn and TCU.
Girls: Shelby Shaffer, McClintock, Basketball
McClintock’s biggest star is unquestionably Aiyanna Perkins. She’s not just the best player on the team — she’s one of the best in the state.
But in the Chargers’ first round upset over Canyon View, Shaffer stepped into the spotlight. With 24 seconds left, she grabbed a rebound off a Perkins missed and converted the second-chance opportunity, giving McClintock a 58-57 lead. Then, after a Canyon View basket, she converted another putback — this time with less than two seconds left — to put the Chargers in the second round. There, they knocked off No. 5 seed Mesquite.
As the No. 21 seed, McClintock’s run to the quarterfinals has been the story of the Open so far. And it doesn’t happen without Shaffer’s heroics.
“She dominated the boards, ran the floor, and lead her team,” McClintock coach Sydnie Lengyel said. “… She came in clutch for our team in the last minute with back-to-back big time buckets off rebounds, with one being her heroic bucket to win the game. I’m so proud of her and her leadership.”
Academic: Mercy Martinez, Catalina Foothills, Basketball
Most high schoolers have one area in which they excel. Maybe two. Martinez has four.
In the classroom, the sophomore has a 3.8 GPA. In student government, she’s already worked her way up to being a council member and was selected to participate in the Arizona state convention for student councils. That’s all before you get to her athletic performance, which stood out so much that she made varsity in both volleyball and basketball as a freshman last year.
This year, Martinez has elevated her sporting success to another level. In volleyball, she led her team in hitting percentage and recorded 1.4 kills per set. Now, in basketball, she’s averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, serving as the perfect interior complement to star guard Reilly Clark and helping lead Catalina Foothills to a No. 5 seed in the 5A state tournament.
“Mercy brings an intensity and tenacity to the court that energizes her team,” Catalina Foothills coach Jake Martinez said. “She is an intelligent player, a thoughtful teammate and first-class competitor. She makes everyone around her better, on the court and in the classroom.”
Feb. 10, 2023
Boys: AJ Marsh, Raymond S Kellis, Basketball
Entering the postseason, Marsh leads the state with 7.9 assists per game — 1.1 more than second-place Adam Vavala. Put simply, his passing is remarkable. This season, he already has six games with double-digit assists.
That’s not all Marsh brings, though. He’s also scored in double figures in 18 of 23 games and is averaging 14.6 points per game on the season. Thanks to his performances, Kellis is set to make the play-in round of the 4A tournament, which begins Friday night.
“AJ Marsh is one of the most talented passers I’ve ever been around,” Kellis coach De’Rahn Stinson said. “His vision and feel for the game makes my job as a coach easy. He allows me to call any play or action that I want and I know that he is going to make the right pass or play. I am truly lucky to have a point guard like AJ running the show.”
Girls: Iraís Lares-Tapia, Trevor G Browne, Soccer
Despite a 12-5-1 regular season, Browne’s strength of schedule meant that it will miss out on this month’s postseason. That, though, shouldn’t take anything away from the remarkable performances of Lares-Tapia.
In 17 appearances, the junior forward leads 6A with 38 goals. That’s more than 60% of her team’s total on the year and nine more than anyone else in the conference.
“It’s a privilege to work with a player like Irais, who not only possesses exceptional skills on the field but also embodies a true passion for the sport,” Browne coach Julio Zuniga said. “Her natural talent and unwavering determination make her a constant threat to opposing teams and joy to watch. Iraís’ impressive goal-scoring record speaks for itself, but what truly sets her apart is her unselfish play and her ability to elevate her teammates. Iraís leads by example, she is the first at practice and the last to leave. That is how she went from 13 goals last season to 38 this season. We are looking forward to her leading us to playoffs for her senior season.”
Academic: Maya Wells, Horizon Honors, Soccer
Wells’ list of high school accolades would be incredible for anyone, but it’s downright jaw-dropping for a freshman.
On the soccer field, she had changed the fortunes of Horizon Honors, which went winless the past two years but finished this year 5-7-1 and made the 3A playoffs. She’s done so by leading the Eagles in both goals (16) and assists (6). She’s also on Arizona Arsenal’s 2008 team in ECNL and plays on the 2008 Arizona ODP team — two of the highest levels of club soccer in the state.
Off the field, she has a 4.75 GPA with a stacked course load. But that’s not all. Wells is also the freshman class student council president and has founded a Pre-Med club at Horizon Honors. All of this for a girl who arrived in high school just six months ago.
Jan. 27, 2023
Jonah Kaplan, Phoenix Country Day, Soccer
Kaplan has had an absurd season for Phoenix Country Day, which is 8-3 and undefeated against 3A competition. In just 11 games, he already has 47 goal contributions — 23 goals and 24 assists.
After recording his 100th assist earlier this month, he now has 94 goals and 108 assists on his career. With six more goals between now and the end of the season, Kaplan could become the first player in PCDS history to hit the 100-goal mark in both goals and assists.
More importantly, he can help PCDS — which is currently ranked second in 3A — to a second-straight state title. After he graduates this spring, Kaplan will head off to play at Division III Grinnell College in Iowa.
“Jonah is an amazing kid,” PCDS coach Andy Rodin said. “He’s also a first-class soccer player. … Hitting 100/100 would be a massive accomplishment and I think he’ll get it done in the next couple games.”
Khamil Pierre, Perry, Basketball
Pierre took her dominant senior season (23.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.2 steals per game) to another level this week as Perry picked up two wins against top five opponents — 61-53 over Xavier Prep and 60-55 over Hamilton.
Pierre led all scorers in both games. Against Xavier Prep, she scored 25 on 11-of-20 shooting to go with 12 rebounds. Against Hamilton, she was even more efficient, scoring 28 on 11-of-16 shooting.
“Khamil loves the big games and she has consistently shown up when the bright lights come on with big time performances,” Perry coach Andrew Curtis said. “I wouldn’t trade her for any other player in the country.”
Ava Adams, North Canyon, Basketball
Not only does Adams lead the state with 7.1 steals per game, but she’s been putting up big numbers on the offensive end as well. Over her last three games, she’s averaging 29.0 points per game, including a 27-point effort on Monday night as North Canyon avenged a December defeat to Central.
Adams is also a standout student at North Canyon. She’s the president of the junior class and has an impressive 3.8 GPA in the rigorous International Baccalaureate program.
“Ava Adams is one of the hardest working student-athletes you will ever meet,” North Canyon coach Rob Earl said. “She is vocal on and off the court, while doing everything with grit and passion not only on the court but in the classroom.”
Jan. 20, 2023
Boys: Koa Peat, Perry, Basketball
Peat took over the biggest game in the state this year, leading No. 1 Perry past No. 3 Basha in an 84-62 blowout before a sellout crowd in Chandler on Monday. Peat scored 28 points on the night to go with eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks.
“It’s like a playoff game,” Peat said. “We’re rivals. We had to get locked in.”
In the performance, Peat showed why he’s widely considered one of the nation’s best recruits in the class of 2025. Per 247Sports, the 6-foot-8 power forward is the No. 3 sophomore prospect in the country.
“Koa has a tremendous work ethic and a passion to be great,” Perry coach Sam Duane said. “He is the ultimate teammate, he has a high basketball IQ and that sets him apart from others.”
Girls: Gabriella Sanchez, Tucson High, Basketball
With Tucson High playing to just an 11-9 record, it’s easy to overlook Sanchez’s accomplishments this season. Her performances, though, have been immense.
Just this week, the senior center scored 22 against Cholla, 37 against Maricopa and 30 against Cienega. She also recorded double-digit rebounds in all three of those contests, giving her 14 double-doubles on the season. Perhaps most notably, Sanchez’s 23.6 points per game are the most in the state, just edging out Boulder Creek’s Madelynn Muniz and Perry’s Khamil Pierre.
At 967 career points, she’ll likely cross the 1000-point threshold later this week.
“Gabriella is physically strong and does a nice job using her size at 6-foot-1 and strength in the post,” Tucson High coach Annette Gutierrez said. “She also has a nice 15-foot jump shot that is effective when she is being doubled teamed.”
Academic: Matthew White, Brophy Prep, Soccer
With 13 goals and two assists on an 11-1-2 team ranked as the No. 5 team in the state, White’s on-field accomplishments are obvious. He is, after all, The Republic’s top player in the state for a reason.
White, though, brings far more than his knack for goal as Brophy’s No. 9. In the classroom, he has a 4.41 weighted GPA — remarkably, up from last year, when he was selected to the Sports360AZ All-Academic team with a 4.32. He also runs a charity.
“He’s one of our three captains on a team with 18 seniors so bringing the group together as a cohesive, positive unit is always a challenge,” Brophy coach Marc Kelly said. “As such, he leads Brophy’s varsity soccer team not only by his aggressive, forward-thinking striker play, scoring goals and causing problems, but also at team training and activities and in the classroom. … He’s always a pleasure to have around, and he was an easy choice as captain.”
Jan. 13, 2023
Boys: Caden Hunter, Liberty, Basketball
Despite being ranked as the fifth-best team in the state by the AIA, Liberty has made a statement of its championship capabilities in the first half of the season. Perhaps none of those wins have been more impressive than Friday night, when the Lions took down Pinnacle, 91-76, on the road.
Hunter, as he has all season, stepped up in a big way that night, scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. The senior power forward has now scored in double figures in all but one game this season and is averaging 19.6 points and 10.5 boards.
“(Hunter) is a phenomenal leader and teammate,” Liberty coach Mark Wood said. “He works hard and pursues excellence in every facet of his life. He is special.”
Girls: Bella Leonard, Xavier Prep, Soccer
On Tuesday afternoon, Xavier Prep was ranked as the No. 1 girls’ soccer team in the state in the AIA’s first rankings release of the season. Then, just a few hours later, the Gators went out and lived up to that billing, demolishing Mesa in an 11-0 win. With the result, Xavier Prep remains perfect on the season, having scored 29 goals and conceded just two in six games.
The undeniable goal for the Gators is a 13th state title, which would complete the second three-peat in program history. To get there, they’ll need continued contributions from Leonard, who has been the team’s best player in the early going. So far, she’s scored five goals along with four assists and has been at the middle of everything the Gators have done going forward.
Academic: Tati Harness, Leading Edge Academy-Gilbert, Basketball
Harness has immediately proven herself to be one of the best freshmen in the state, scoring 20.4 points per game through her first 21 high school games. With her standout performances, she has helped carry Leading Edge to a 15-6 record and a No. 24 ranking in 2A.
It’s not only on the basketball court, though, where Harness has stood out in the early part of her high school career. She also holds a 4.0 GPA, while also playing club basketball and hosting her own podcast.
“Tati is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around,” Leading Edge coach Erik Gray said. “Her success in the classroom as well as on the court is in direct correlation with the time she puts into both. This work ethic is contagious and has spread throughout our program. It is so great to see all of our girls wanting to put in the extra work which has translated to on-the-court success both individually and as a team. I look forward to the future and watching Tati’s growth and continued success.”
Jan. 6, 2023
Boys: Martin Alonso, Desert Edge, Soccer
Desert Edge, buoyed by Alonso’s efforts in goal, kept a clean sheet in its first four games at the Arizona Soccer Showcase last week. Finally, in the final of the Gold Division against Arizona College Prep, they conceded, sending the match to penalties at 1-1.
There, Alonso once again proved the hero. He saved two penalties in the shootout to win the tournament for Desert Edge and move the Scorpions to 9-3 on the season.
“Martin Alonso is the backbone to our team,” Desert Edge coach Adam Zelmanowicz said. “He is the last line of defense, and a key part to our success in the AZ Soccer Showcase. He came up big when he needed him the most, as he has done so throughout the season thus far. We are looking forward to seeing Martin continue to grow as a student-athlete. He brings passion and leadership, which is necessary to having a successful program at Desert Edge.”
Girls: Annika Smith, Notre Dame Prep, Soccer
A year after falling on penalties in the 4A state championship game, Notre Dame Prep is once again poised to make a deep postseason run next month. Undefeated at 12-0-1, the Saints are ranked as the top team in the state by MaxPreps.
Smith is perhaps the biggest reason why. In 12 games, she’s already scored 16 goals — the second most in 5A — to go along with four assists.
“Annika is one of our captains and makes a tremendous impact on our team in many ways,” Notre Dame Prep coach Mike Varela said. “Annika is humble, hardworking, and selfless. Her impact for our team goes beyond stats. She is the type of player who inspires her teammates through her never quit, positive attitude. Annika will never stop working for our team to succeed, regardless of the score line. She plays with grit, commitment, heart, and dedication to herself and her teammates.”
Academic: Taylor Hitchcock, Cienega, Basketball
For the most part, Cienega has had a middling season, posting a 9-8 record thus far. But in that start, Hitchcock has been a standout. She’s averaging 14.4 points per game and has led the Bobcats to a 7-4 record when she’s been on the floor.
Hitchcock is also a force in the classroom. As a junior with five semesters of high school under her belt, she has a 4.6 weighted GPA.
Dec. 23, 2022
Boys: Bradey Henige, Cactus, Basketball
Henige was good as a sophomore, but the 7-foot center has been outrageous as a junior. At 23.2 boards per game, he’s averaging more rebounds than anyone else in the country. But Henige has also packed a serious scoring punch for 10-0 Cactus.
Thanks to 70% shooting from the field, he’s scoring 31.4 points per game — up from 19.4 a year ago. In a 77-61 win over Northwest Christian on Dec. 15, he dropped 50, breaking Cactus’ school record.
“He puts in extra time,” Cactus coach Dirk Walker said. “After games, he’s shooting free throws. And we’d get a win. But he wasn’t happy with the way he shot free throws.”
Girls: Aiyanna Perkins, McClintock, Basketball
McClintock might not be a traditional power in 5A, but the Chargers look like one of the conference’s best teams in their 10-1 start. The reason is simple: Aiyanna Perkins.
Perkins was named to the All-Arizona team as a freshman and has taken another leap as a sophomore. She’s up from 22.9 points per game to 27.0, while also averaging more rebounds and steals and turning the ball over less than half as often.
From Nov. 28 to Dec. 7, she scored over 30 points per game. Her last outing under 20 points was back in the second game of the season.
“Aiyanna Perkins is having a stellar season so far,” McClintock coach Sydnie Lengyel said. “She worked very hard in the off season to come out and dominate. Aiyanna is averaging almost 30 points a game while dishing the ball to teammates constantly and padding her defensive stats with steals. She is a force the second she steps on the floor and attracts so much attention. She is a true competitor and gives it her all every single game. Aiyanna is leading her team this season and looks to continue doing so.”
Academic: Mia Vargas, Paradise Valley, Soccer
Through three semesters of high school, Vargas has an incredible 4.94 weighted GPA (4.0 unweighted). Beyond the classroom, she’s also involved in the CREST Bioscience Program and volunteers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital every Saturday.
Even with those commitments, Vargas manages to excel on Paradise Valley’s soccer team. Through three games, she’s contributed on all eight of the Trojans’ goals, with five goals and three assists.
“Mia is a tremendous asset on and off the field,” Paradise Valley coach Dana Hudson said. “She is an impeccable student and is a team player through and through. She often volunteers to tutor her teammates, or set up drills for the team. Her skills are top notch and her work ethic and attitude compliment her skill level. Scoring five goals in our first home game was the highlight of our season so far. I can’t wait to see what she brings to our season moving forward.”
Dec. 16, 2022
Boys: Deshaun Buchanan, Basha, Football
Quarterback Demond Williams might be Basha’s biggest offensive star, but in the Open Division state championship game, it was Buchanan who paced the way. In Basha’s 28-21 win over Saguaro at Sun Devil Stadium, Buchanan torched the Sabercats for 200 yards — his highest mark since the season opener. The Idaho commit also punched in three of Basha’s four scores.
Perhaps his most impressive run, though, wasn’t one of the three touchdowns. Early in the fourth quarter, he bounced a run to the outside and took it 83 yards into Saguaro territory. The play set up Basha’s fourth and final touchdown, which would ultimately make the difference in the game.
“The community came out and supported us all playoffs, so I felt we had to bring one (a gold ball) back to them,” Buchanan said.
Girls: Ashiian Hunter, Mesa, Basketball
Nearly a month into the girls’ basketball season, it’s hard to argue against Hunter being the best player in the state so far. The senior has averaged over 20 points per game each of the past two years, but she’s elevated her game to another level in the early going this season.
In Mesa’s 5-0 start, Hunter averaged 29.0 points per game on 50% shooting and 45% shooting from deep. In a Nov. 29 win over Queen Creek, she made 7-of-11 threes and dropped 36 points. But it’s not just the scoring. Hunter is also averaging 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 5.0 steals per game.
“Ashiian is having a great start to her senior season,” Mesa coach Katie Fonseca said. “She has stepped up vocally and is a great leader. Ash is shooting the ball great and her court vision is unparalleled.”
In large part because of her efforts, Mesa has the look of a championship contender after falling in the first round last year.
Academic: Kaylee Muniz, Boulder Creek, Soccer
To get an idea of Muniz’s talent, prepsoccer.com has her ranked as the best forward recruit in Arizona in the class of 2025. So far this season, she’s living up to that billing for 6-1 Boulder Creek. In six games, Muniz has nine goals and two assists. It’s a continuation of the promise she showed as a freshman, bagging four goals and two assists in six games.
At a club level, Muniz plays for Utah Royals’ Arizona academy, a level which requires four to seven days a week of training, with tournaments all across the region. Despite all of her soccer commitments, though, Muniz has maintained an incredible 4.30 GPA in her time at Boulder Creek.
“Kaylee Muniz is a rising talent among her peers,” Boulder Creek coach Gina Cormier said. “She is tenacious, creative and resilient on the soccer field. Kaylee treats her teammates like family and respects her coaches.”
Dec. 9, 2022
Boys: Duce Robinson, Pinnacle, Football
Robinson might be the best player in Arizona — at any level or position. For the past three months, he’s dominated schools up and down the state, racking up 1,439 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns and proving why he’s the top ranked tight end in the class of 2023, per 247Sports.
Nothing Robinson has done, though, compares to his performance in last week’s 6A semifinals. Going up against No. 1 seed Casteel, Robinson delivered the type of performance that will forever live in Pinnacle lore. He caught 11 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Pioneers to a 49-42 win and delivering the school’s first state championship game appearance.
“Duce is one-of-a-kind,” Pinnacle quarterback Wyatt Horton said. “I’m very blessed and fortunate to get to have him. Not only to throw him the ball, but him just being around in general, he’s a great leader.”
Girls: Lauren Ping, Valley Christian, Cross Country
As a freshman, Lauren Ping ran the fastest time in the state. As a sophomore, she did it again. As a junior, again. So when her senior season wrapped up earlier this month, it was no surprise to see Ping’s name there, again, atop the list of Arizona’s fastest cross country runners.
After transferring from Desert Vista to Valley Christian, Ping’s best time this year — a 17:16.1 — was actually her slowest season-best time in high school. And yet, it was still 12 seconds faster than anyone else in the state managed.
Earlier this fall, she punctuated her career with a first-place finish at the Division IV state championship meet, her fourth state title of high school. Despite a slow track, Ping finished in 17:53.2, which was 47 seconds faster than anyone else in any division.
Next year, Ping will run collegiately at Oklahoma State.
Academic: Breylon Blount, Hamilton, Football
This school year, Hamilton high school has 3,901 students — the largest enrollment in Arizona. Being in the top 100 students at a school like that is an incredible achievement. But in October, Blount was named Hamilton’s student of the month, beating out 3,900 of his peers.
It’s easy to see why. Not only does Blount have a 4.0 GPA, but he runs track in the spring and is a contributor at running back, wide receiver and on special teams for the Huskies’ football team.
“Breylon is an outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA,” Hamilton coach Mike Zdebski said. “He has always done what is best for the team by playing tailback, receiver, and contributing on special teams. His character is impeccable, and he is well respected by his teammates.”
Nov. 18, 2022
Boys: Brandon Martz, Cross Country, Catalina Foothills
As a junior, Martz was a good but unspectacular runner. He finished seventh at the AIA Division II championships and won two of his seven meets on the year.
This year, he was a machine. He won all but one race and capped his season off with an incredible performance at the Division II state championship meet. Not only was his time of 15:39.4 good enough to win the race, but it was the fastest of the meet for any division.
Martz and teammate Max Irey, who came in third, helped Catalina Foothills to a third place team finish despite not having any other runners in the top 25.
““I knew who was going to be in the top pack,” Martz said. “Just running against them many times. Towards the end of the race, I wanted to kick away at the half mile. That was my plan.”
Girls: Teraya Sigler, Volleyball, Horizon
To describe Sigler as dominant force during Saturday’s 5A state championship game would still be underselling her accomplishments. In Horizon’s 3-1 win over Millennium, she recorded an absurd 27 kills — a season-high when it mattered most. At one point in the critical third set, Horizon faced set point before Sigler knocked down three kills in four points, turning the tide of the entire match.
For Sigler, it was a culmination of the move she made in the off-season when she transferred to Horizon from Phoenix Country Day — where she won the 2A title last year. Now, she and Horizon are both back-to-back state champions.
“Teraya has an amazing overall ability of every aspect of her game,” Horizon coach Valorie McKenzie said. “Digging, passing, blocking, hitting. She has a great court awareness and game awareness. She’s a very intelligent player.”
Academic: Ella Lomigora, Volleyball, Corona del Sol
Lomigora has accomplished almost all there is to accomplish in her high school career. A year ago, she was named to the All-Arizona volleyball team as one of the state’s best middle blockers. Her performances have also earned her a scholarship to play collegiately at Long Beach State.
As of Saturday, she’s also a state champion. In Corona del Sol’s thrilling, five-set 6A championship game win over Hamilton, Lomigora knocked down 11 kills to go along with five blocks and seven digs.
But that’s not all. Lomigora is also a standout in the classroom at Corona del Sol, where she has a remarkable 4.36 weighted GPA.
“Ella is a tremendous leader both on the court and off, displaying an incredible work ethic,” Corona del Sol coach Ben Maxfield said. “She brings the best out of everyone and elevates everyone to do better in all aspects of their lives.”
Nov. 11, 2022
Boys: Gunnar Link, Valley Christian, Football
In the first round of the 3A playoffs, No. 8 seed Valley Christian hosted Mohave, a dangerous No. 9 seed. Even at full strength, it would have been an intimidating, toss-up matchup. The Trojans, though, were not at full strength, missing their starting quarterback Hunter Heeringa.
In his place, Link stepped up and dominated. The junior threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns to lead Valley Christian to a 33-19 win and set up a quarterfinal showdown with No. 1 Thatcher.
“Gunnar Link is an outstanding team player that showed a lot of poise stepping into a high pressure situation,” Valley Christian coach Jake Petersen said. “He leaned on his teammates and trusted his coaches to put him in a great place to succeed. His growth over the year has been very impressive and we are excited to see him play in the future.”
Girls: Sophia Jahn, Red Mountain, Swim and Dive
To little surprise, Chaparral won its fifth consecutive girls swim and dive title at last week’s Division I state championship meet. Red Mountain, though, was among the school that came in with a strong performance behind the Firebirds, finishing in fourth place.
A significant part of that success came in the form of junior Sophia Jahn, who was named the Division I swimmer of the meet. Jahn won the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.13 seconds and the 100-yard butterfly in 54.33 seconds, while also being a part of Red Mountain’s first-place 200-yard freestyle relay team.
“I feel amazing,” Jahn said afterwards. “The 50 free, I would have liked to have gone faster. But the 100 fly was actually a shocker.”
Academic: Braelyn Woodworth, Perry, Volleyball
For most kids, a 4.41 weighted GPA would stand alone as the crowning achievement of high school. Woodworth is not most kids.
Yes, her 4.41 GPA is jaw-dropping. But Woodworth is also a fitness enthusiast, an avid skateboarder, a member of Perry’s Spanish Honor Society and a future physician assistant who plans to major in health sciences — all while working a part-time job. Her primary extracurricular, though, is none of those things.
Woodworth is the starting libero on Perry’s fourth-ranked volleyball team. She leads the team in service aces and has helped guide them to the 6A semifinals, earning redemption for a surprising first-round exit last fall. After graduating this spring, she’ll attend Colorado State-Pueblo to play collegiate volleyball.
“She is a phenomenal young lady who busts her hump every day,” Perry coach Fred Mann said. “The players love playing with her because she is a stud defender, and a complete team player. She constantly encourages her teammates and wears an incredible beaming smile seemingly all the time.”
Nov. 4, 2022
Boys: Osmar Gomez, Chino Valley, Soccer
After three straight years of losing in the state championship game, Chino Valley won its second consecutive fall soccer state championship on Saturday, knocking off Sedona Red Rock, 3-1. Gomez opened the scoring with a first half free kick, before sealing the win for Chino Valley by making it 3-0 early in the second half.
“Osmar’s performance in the state championship game was spectacular,” Chino Valley coach Todd Carey said. “His performance and leadership helped Chino Valley soccer secure their second straight state championship. Not only did Osmar score two goals, but he helped win the midfield battle and control the game for the Cougars.”
Girls: Mangpor Luanvorawat, Mesa Mountain View, Badminton
After not dropping a single set across her singles and doubles matches in the regular season, Luanvorawat entered the Division I singles badminton tournament as the No. 1 seed. The sophomore lived up to the billing.
In the first four rounds of the tournament, she dominated her opponents with ease. In the championship, she split the first two sets with Hamilton’s Samiya Bodhanker, before pulling away in the third set to win, 21-15. With the victory, Luanvorawat delivered Mesa Mountain View its first badminton trophy since the sport became recognized by the AIA in 1994.
“Mangpor had an amazing season,” Mountain View coach Cameron Ohoro said. “At the start of the season, we knew nothing about her until other coaches brought her to my attention. After we got her cleared to play, I had her play the other girls on varsity to see what level she was at and immediately you could tell she was an amazing player who had the drive to get better. While she did not play for the full season (missing the first 3 games), she more than made up for it in the future games.”
Academic: Tyler Spielman, Brophy Prep, Golf
Spielman stormed to a record-breaking tournament at the Division I golf state championship last week. On Tuesday, he posted a Brophy-record 10-under 60 to open up a five-stroke lead on the field. On Wednesday, he followed that up with a 7-under 63.
With his performance — which was the lowest score in tournament history — Spielman helped Brophy to its ninth team championship. He’s also a standout student at Brophy and has a 4.1 weighted GPA.
“Tyler dominated the state tournament field with a near flawless two rounds of golf,” Brophy coach Jon Shores said. “… His win gave Brophy its first individual champion in 23 years.”
Oct. 28, 2022
Boys: Brandon Phelps, ALA-Gilbert North, Football
Playing in 4A, it can be difficult to get nationwide attention. That hasn’t been an issue for Phelps, a junior who already boasts offers from Arizona and Michigan State.
On Oct. 21, he showed why. In a dominant 47-7 win over then-4A No. 1 Arizona Prep, Phelps went for 236 yards and three touchdowns on nine receptions. He showcased his ability to take the top off a defense, acrobatically catch jump balls and get open underneath.
Afterwards, Phelps shifted the credit onto his quarterback, Adam Damante. Damante, meanwhile, reversed the praise right back onto his star receiver.
“He’s just great,” Damante said. “He’s always open. I can get him the ball. We’ve been practicing forever. In the off-season, through the season, we’re just getting after it.”
Girls: Jennifer Seo, Hamilton, Golf
After the first day of the Division I girls golf state tournament, Seo faced an uphill battle to claim her second-straight individual title. Unlike last year, when she came out firing with a first-round 64, she posted an even-par 73, two shots behind sophomore teammate Angela Chen.
On Tuesday, Seo rebounded with a tournament-low three-under 70 to tie Chen. After a one hole playoff, the individual title was Seo’s.
Chen’s performance, though, wasn’t in vain. The pair helped Hamilton to a four-stroke win over Xavier Prep for the team title, marking just the sixth time since 1979 that Xavier did not win the tournament.
“I was hoping to get a state championship as a team this year. And we did it,” Seo said. “So I’m very happy.”
Academic: Lizzie Stone, Campo Verde, Cross Country
Last year, Stone was named to Sports360AZ’s All-Academic cross country team after posting a 5.0 GPA in her first semester of high school. A year later, Stone has still only earned As in high school. Her GPA is 4.67.
“In my biased opinion, she is very deserving of being named an Academic All-Star,” Campo Verde coach Josh Applebach said.
Meanwhile, Stone has taken a step forward in cross country. She ran a 23:06.6 three-mile last month and set a PR in the 5K last week when she placed fifth at the Valley Lutheran Invitational.
Oct. 21, 2022
Boys: Carlos Gonzalez, Soccer, Sedona Red Rock
With one game left in the regular season, Red Rock is set to earn the No. 2 seed in the fall soccer playoffs.
Gonzalez is among the biggest reasons why. In 11 games, the junior striker has scored 20 goals and assisted nine more — both numbers that are more than twice his totals from last season. Since Sept. 29, he’s scored in five straight games, including in a key 2-1 win over No. 1 Chino Valley that could be a preview of next week’s state championship.
“Carlos has a knack for the finding the back of the net,” Red Rock coach Sam Blom said. “… Early in the season, we moved him from midfield to striker as this was a natural position for him. It was the right move.”
Girls: Tristen Raymond, Volleyball, Liberty
Liberty was the unquestioned standout at the Rise N’ Roar Classic last week, where the Lions went 6-0 with three wins over Super 10 opponents.
Raymond was a key part of that success. The sophomore had double-digit kills in multiple games, multiple aces and played stellar defense, earning a spot on the all-tournament team.
“Tristen was our most consistent player this weekend, whether it be in the front row getting timely kills and blocks, in the back row digging whatever came her way, and even stepping in to set throughout the tourney,” Liberty coach Chris Brown said. “Even as a sophomore, she is one of our leaders and continued to lead by example this past weekend.”
Academic: Patrick Green, Football, Basha
On a Basha team that is both top five in the state on the field and boasts seven players with GPAs over 4.0 off it, Green stands out.
The senior is a starting linebacker in coach Chris McDonald’s defense, where he’s third on the team with 56 total tackles. He’s also notched four tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the Bears’ 5-1 start. As a tight end, meanwhile, he’s proven effective in red zone packages, scoring three touchdowns on the season.
It’s off the field, though, where Green really excels. The senior leads Basha’s football team with a 4.34 GPA. He also got a 31 on his ACT and is the student body president.
Oct. 14, 2022
Boys: Chace Logan, Tonopah Valley, Football
After missing nearly a month with a knee injury, Chace Logan returned in a big way for Tonopah Valley on Friday night. In a 55-28 win over Kingman Academy, the senior completed 80% of his passes for 502 yards and six touchdowns.
The performance continues a the promise that began this season prior to Logan’s injury. In his first two games, he tallied nine touchdowns against just one interception.
In large part because of his efforts, Tonopah Valley — which went 1-7 last year — is 6-1 and bound for the 2A playoffs, with perhaps even a home game in the first round.
“Chace is great player and leader, and he showed a lot of toughness this week coming back from injury and putting up big numbers,” Tonopah Valley coach Brett Davis said.
Girls: Hannah Petrucci, Northland Prep, Soccer
Few teams this season have been a match for Northland Prep. In their 15-2 start, the Spartans have outscored opponents by an average score of 6-1 as they vie for their fifth state title in six years.
The biggest part of that effort so far has been senior midfielder Hannah Petrucci. After scoring 18 goals and adding 17 assists in 22 games last year, Petrucci has been unstoppable this year. She’s scored 38 goals to go with 21 assists.
In this week’s 11-0 blowout of Camp Verde, she scored five goals in just 30 minutes.
“It’s been a very successful season with everyone stepping up to their potential,” Northland Prep coach Michael Blair said. “We have been playing really strong as a team, especially this past week. We are ready to be on that next level and give our all for each other.”
Academic: Zachary Cook, Cesar Chavez, Football
In the wider scope of Arizona high school football, Zachary Cook is best known as the player to whom Hamilton defensive coordinator Tim Dougherty sent a direct message this summer, temporarily earning the Huskies a ban from the postseason after an AIA investigation.
At Cesar Chavez, though, Cook is simply the linchpin of the offensive line and a star defensive end who leads the team in sacks. Despite all of the Champions’ departures to destiny schools, he’s part of a team that enters the final stretch with 6A playoff aspirations.
In addition to those accomplishments on the football field, the senior is also a standout student. He currently has a 3.7 GPA.
“Zachary Cook is a solid football player,” Cesar Chavez coach William Chipley said. “He is a no no-nonsense type of dude. Zach attends practice every day and does not complain about anything we throw at him. Zach is not a man of many words and will respond to everything with ‘Yes Coach.’ Zach is in his second year playing football and enjoys the challenge of learning every day. Outside of football, Zach likes to spend his time in the peace of the great outdoors.”
Oct. 7, 2022
Boys: Connor Ackerley, Corona del Sol, Football
In Friday’s 45-14 win over Shadow Ridge, Ackerley passed for 415 yards and broke the Corona del Sol school record with six touchdowns. On the season, the junior now has 1130 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Thanks in part to Ackerley’s strong performances under center, Corona del Sol looks the part of a 6A championship contender. The Aztecs went just 5-5 last year, but are 4-1 at this year’s midpoint.
“Connor has had a big year so far,” first-year coach Jake Barro said. “He keeps getting better each week and is evolving into a great team leader.”
Girls: Taylor Drewry, Basha, Cross Country
In just the fourth race of her high school career, Drewry ran a 18:27.8 at the Western Equinox XC Festival. The time is the sixth-fastest in the state this year, and the fastest of any freshman.
No freshman has run a faster time since 2020.
“Taylor is an extremely humble and coachable athlete,” Basha coach Angela Orr said. “She cares about all of her teammates and has a great attitude. It is a pleasure to coach her.”
Academic: Ariel Beltran, ALA-Gilbert North, Swim and Dive
Beltran, a junior, is the current Division III state champion in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke. She is also currently ranked first in Division III in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke.
She also holds a 3.91 unweighted GPA despite taking multiple honors classes.
“Ariel is extremely dedicated to her swimming and her academic work,” Juan Beltran, Ariel’s father and coach at ALA-Gilbert North, said. “She currently trains approximately 18 hours per week, which includes three morning workouts before school.
“She always manages to complete her assignments on time and as required by her teachers at American Leadership Academy. Ariel’s time management skills are unparalleled. She knows both activities are important as she is now looking to continue her swimming career in college.”
Sept. 30, 2022
Boys: Gabe Gonda and Finnegan Crawford, Brophy Prep, Swim and Dive
With a time of 1:41.07, Gonda and Crawford tied for first place in the 200-yard freestyle at this weekend’s Brophy-Xavier Invite meet. In the process, both earned automatic qualification for the state championship meet in early November.
Gonda and Crawford’s performances, though, went beyond a typical race. Their time set a new 200-yard freestyle record at the Reece Aquatic Center. Gonda and Crawford were also both part of Brophy’s first-place 200-yard freestyle relay team and second-place 400-yard freestyle relay team.
Gonda is committed to Georgetown, while Crawford has multiple Division I offers on the table. Both are seniors.
“Gabe and Finn share the rolls of being captains this year and both have a strangle hold on what it means to be a leader of the Brophy Swim and Dive team,” Brophy coach Daren Brubaker said. “It has been a special year for Gabe and Finn because of the continuation of showing unconditional love through their actions towards their teammates.”
Girls: Kierstyn Barton, Corona del Sol, Volleyball
After helping lead Corona del Sol to the 6A semifinals last fall, Barton has taken the next step forward, going from 3.9 kills per set to 4.9. The Aztecs were ranked No. 1 in 6A by the AIA this week.
Last week, the Washington commit tied her career high with 22 kills in a match. Five days later, she recorded 14 to help lead Corona del Sol past No. 3 Gilbert, 3-0. The win proved that the Aztecs are deserving of their No. 2 ranking in 6A in the AIA’s initial rankings release.
“Kierstyn is such a steady presence for us,” Corona del Sol coach Ben Maxfield said. “She scores us a lot of points hitting, and is one of our best passers in serve receive. She brings a lot of enthusiasm to the court which is contagious to everyone.”
Academic: Zytavion Mingo, South Mountain, Football
On the field, Mingo has stood out for South Mountain this year. He’s a key piece of the Jaguars defense and ran for 212 yards on just eight carries in a Week 2 win over La Joya Community. In the spring, he runs track and is one of the best hurdlers in school history.
Mingo also excels outside of athletics. Entering his senior year, he has a 3.6 GPA.
“First and foremost he’s an awesome young man who is driven and excels in whatever he puts his mind to, on and off the field,” South Mountain coach Byron Evans said. “If we had a team full of Zytavions we wouldn’t lose.”
Sept. 23, 2022
Boys: Vincent Cervantes, Hamilton, Golf
A year after winning the individual state championship by three strokes in 2021, Cervantes is back for more as a junior.
He came in fourth at the Brophy Rodeo and then shot an incredible 13-under across two days at the Perry Invitation to finish first. Cervantes has also picked up three wins in match play. With a scoring average of 68, he has yet to shoot above par in a single round so far.
“Vinny continues to take his game to new heights,” Hamilton coach Steve Kanner said. “He has been a dominating force on our team so far this season and is feeling very confident about his game. It’s exciting to be around a player who is performing at such a high level.”
Girls: Kaitlyn Roskopf, Chino Valley, Soccer
In 2021, Roskopf and senior Madison Foster combined for one of the state’s deadliest duos at any level. Together, they scored 75 goals and recorded 29 assists in just 22 games.
With Foster’s graduation, Roskopf is now carrying Chino Valley’s hopes of a repeat state championship on her shoulders. So far, she’s doing so with aplomb. The Cougars dropped their first points of the season on Tuesday in a 1-0 loss to Northland Prep, but through 15 games, Roskopf still has a ridiculous 37 goals and nine assists. On the season, she has eight hat tricks.
Last week, Roskopf tied Chino Valley’s all-time career goals record with four goals in a win over Camp Verde.
“Kaitlyn is a hard worker whose job is scoring goals and getting assists,” Chino Valley coach DJ Daniels said. “She has really stepped up as a leader and will try to help her team win back to back state titles.”
Academic: Samiyah Ross, Cesar Chavez, Cheer
In four years of high school, Ross has built up an incredible resume.
She’s the captain of the cheer team and has been a four-year member of the team, through Zoom practices during the pandemic year. Academically, she holds a 3.75 unweighted (4.0 weighted) GPA and is currently in all AP and honors classes. She’s also part of the National Honors Society, she’s the secretary of a campus club and she’s on a committee to help freshmen in their transition to high school.
All the while, Ross works at Starbucks, balancing work, school, cheer and her other extracurriculars.
“With her, I can always count on hard work with a few laughs mixed in,” Cesar Chavez cheer coach Charlene Cunningham said. “I know in my heart that once she graduates, Samiyah will continue to excel in academics and will be involved in campus activities at whichever college is lucky enough to have her.”
Top recruit:Chandler QB Dylan Raiola keeping priorities in order
Sept. 16, 2022
Boys: Dylan Lee, Gilbert Williams Field, Football
Lee broke the 6A single-game rushing yards record with a ridiculous 518 yards on 24 carries in Williams Field’s 49-27 blowout of Chaparral. Lee, a junior, also added five touchdowns.
“It was one of those perfect storms,” Williams Field coach Colton Campbell said. “Josh (Dye) was out. Dylan took those carries. And it was the right kind of game, where the other team is scoring also.”
The performance was especially surprising in the context of Lee’s lack of varsity experience. Last year, he had just nine carries. And in week one, he only had 69 yards on 15 carries.
Girls: Clare Luken, Phoenix Desert Vista, Swimming
As a sophomore in 2021, Luken won the 200-yard freestyle at the Division I state championships, earning an All-Arizona team selection. This year, she’s back for more.
In Desert Vista’s first meet of the year, Luken won the 100-yard freestyle, placed second in the 500-yard freestyle with a personal record 5:01.8 and helped Desert Vista win the 400-yard freestyle relay.
“Clare Luken is a staple to the Desert Vista girls swim and dive team,” Desert Vista coach Stacey Gibson said. “Her versatility to perform in any event is unmatched. She has had a great start to her junior year. We are excited to see her in some new performances at the Eagle Invite on October 1. We are confident she will again, outperform her own expectations.”
Academic: Matthew Lado, Glendale Apollo, Football
Lado stands out in just about every way for Apollo’s football team.
He anchors the offensive line at left tackle, paving the way for running back Adam Mohammed to strike awe with his rushing numbers. He also pitches in on the defensive line, making his 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame felt on that side of the ball.
In the classroom, meanwhile, he has a 3.63 GPA.
“Matthew is a pillar for our offensive line,” Apollo coach Aaron Walls said. “He shows up to work every day trying to improve his craft. Wonderful young man outside of the playing field.”
Sept. 9, 2022
Boys: Adam Mohammed, Glendale Apollo, Football
With Apollo’s starting quarterback out for its week one showdown with Glendale, head coach Aaron Walls called on Mohammed — a running back — to run the offense. Mohammed responded better than even Walls could have imagined.
Not only did Mohammed put up a ridiculous 307 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 29 carries, but he surprised the Apollo coaching staff with his success through the air. In a retooled offense focused on passes close to the line of scrimmage, he completed 14 of 19 passes for 155 yards and an additional touchdown as Apollo won, 48-42.
“It takes a selfless kid which, in our day and age, is hard to find,” Walls said. “… He’s gonna do whatever it takes for our team to win. And the biggest word to explain that is selfless.”
Girls: Ali Wiest, Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, Volleyball
Last fall, Wiest was often overshadowed by O’Connor’s other outside hitter, All-Arizona selection Sydnee Broadway. This year, though, Wiest seems destined to be the Eagles’ top weapon.
She’s had an explosive start to the season, averaging 3.6 kills per set in O’Connor’s 8-3 start — one more kill per set than she did a year ago.
Wiest elevated her game even higher in this week’s House of Payne tournament. In the Eagles first three games, she averaged 4.7 kills per set, earning tournament MVP honors.
Wiest, a senior, is committed to play at Weber State next year.
Academic: Annie Dawson, Phoenix Xavier Prep, Golf
Now in her fourth year with Xavier Prep’s golf program, Dawson has worked her way up to be a team captain — a reward for her on- and off-course success over the past three years. She finished in third at last year’s Division I state championships and has committed to Creighton.
Off the course, she’s an officer in the National Honor Society and runs a charity for students with mental disabilities.
“Annie for four years has been a wonderful example of a motivated student athlete,” Xavier Prep coach and athletic director Sister Lynn Winsor said. “She is a leader. Has great team spirit and her friendliness permeates to the entire Xavier Golf Team and to the opponents Xavier plays. We are so proud of Annie.”
Theo Mackie covers Arizona high school sports and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He can be reached by email at [email protected] and on Twitter @theo_mackie.