Author: George Courtney

Leading Edge Academy in Gilbert has been a small school powerhouse for girls’ basketball over the past decade. Coach Erik Gray has done a phenomenal job in keeping the winning culture going for his Spartans. After huge success, Coach Gray’s Spartans transitioned from the Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) to the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) during the 2016-2017 season. Immediately, the Spartans compiled an impressive resume with (1) State Championship, (1) State Runner-Up, (1) Elite 8, (1) First Round and (2) Final Four Finishes, since entering the AIA.  This year’s Spartans are talented, have the skill and ability to make a…

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This game matched up two of the upper tier programs in the state. Both teams have solid prospects and I project both to at least make it to the Elite-8 of the AIA Open Division State Tournament. The game started out aggressive, as both coaches looked to apply full court pressure off the jump.  It felt like a rollercoaster, as both teams exchanged head-to-head with multiple lead changes throughout the game. In the first half, O’Connor’s Audrey Bhesania hit some key shots, with big plays being made by Mak Snyder and Kaitlyn Elsholz – giving the Eagles solid momentum going…

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Approximately an hour East of Mesa lies a blue-collar mining town of Miami. Miami is a part of the Copper Cities, as the area has been known to be part of Arizona’s copper boom. One thing I can always say about teams from the Copper Cities, are they are tough as nails and have a blue-collar work ethic. Last year, Miami High School won a region title in the 2A South Region. One of the players who has been contributing to their success is 5-foot-11 Wing Demetria Dosela. Dosela is a hidden gem prospect who plays at a high level.…

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The AIA season is underway and it has been an exciting first half of the season. The AIA has stepped up by adding the shot clock and Open Division, which were upgrades long overdue. There are so many talented student-athletes, but these three prospects have emerged as my favorites for the Player of the Year, which I will award at the end of the season. Khamil Pierre 6-2 Wing 2023 Perry The Vanderbilt-commit has led her team to an overall record of 16-2, while averaging 23.6 points, 1.3 assists, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per/game. Pierre is the…

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Desert Vista is a favorite to reach the Open Division State Championship Game. Their team is loaded with talent from top to bottom. One of their key pieces to success is junior guard Shay Ijiwoye. Ijiwoye played on Arizona Elite Prep last season, however their program was shut down. The result of their program being shut down was numerous high school programs attaining some of Arizona’s best girls basketball prospects. Ijiwoye has numerous Division-I offers, and it is no surprise, as she is one of the top prospects in the 2024 class. Some of her offers include Clemson, Mississippi State,…

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There has been a resurgence of Coolidge High’s Boys Basketball in recent years, since the return of Hall of Fame Coach David Glasgow. The key player to their success is 2025 Point Guard Carlos Coronado Jr. Coronado’s game has grown on me over the last (4) years, as I got to see his talent as a middle schooler.  Now as a floor-general in high school, he is making a huge impact in controlling the game for his team. Coronado has a tight handle who can break down opposing defenders to either score or hit open teammates. He makes sound decisions…

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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,…

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The Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes are riding a 4-game winning streak riding into Saturday’s contest against Yavapai College. Coach Tasha Washington and her staff are doing a phenomenal job establishing a culture and foundation. One of the players who has been on fire is 5-foot-5 Sophomore Guard Monique Shim.  Shim was recently named the NJCAA National Player of the Week, which is an amazing accomplishment, since it includes hundreds of Junior Colleges across the country. In three games, Shim has a combined 79 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. That’s an average of just over 26 points/game, which is…

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Poston Butte has only been open since 2009, however under the leadership of Head Coach Savannah Bix, the program has made history by qualifying for the playoffs last season and winning a Region Championship. There is no surprise that 2023 5-foot-7 senior guard Adriana Bachman has scored 1,000 career points in her high school career. I had the pleasure to watch Bachman compete over the last three seasons and she is one of my favorite prospects in the state, simply because of her toughness. Bachman is a relentless competitor on both ends of the floor. I have seen her put…

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Dobson has been successful every year, as they keep climbing closer to a state title contender. Coach Henry Bribiescas has employed a high octane, up-tempo system, which results in flustering the opposition. Much of the team’s success this season comes from a strong contribution from 2024 Guard Ahdiyah Chee.  Chee has an excellent feel for the game on both ends of the floor. She utilizes her IQ and feel to make impactful plays on both ends of the court. Chee is a three-level scorer who is a microwave and can heat up fast if left alone. She is also a…

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