Roughrider girls first in 2A statewide rankings
By Raymundo Frasquillo
TRI-COUNTIES – Several area home games in different class levels are on tap this week.
Morenci hosts Benson on Tuesday, Jan. 27; Thatcher hosts Safford on Wednesday, Jan. 28; Willcox hosts San Miguel on Friday, Jan. 30; Fort Thomas hosts Joseph City on Jan. 30 and Saint Michael on Saturday, Jan. 31; Duncan hosts Ray on Jan. 30; and Pima has three road games this week.
This week (Jan. 26-31)
In the 1A East Region, Fort Thomas visits Ray, Duncan visits Hayden, and Cicero Prep hosts Superior on Jan. 27; Hayden hosts Valley Lutheran on Jan. 29; Duncan hosts Ray, and Cicero Prep hosts Hayden on Jan. 30; and Ray hosts San Manuel on Jan. 31.
Non-region pairings include Valley Lutheran visiting 1A South Region Sells Baboquivari on Jan. 27; Cicero Prep hosting 2A Valley Region Phoenix Country Day School on Jan. 28; Superior hosting 1A West Region Phoenix North Valley Christian on Jan. 29; Fort Thomas hosting 1A Central Region Joseph City on Jan. 30; and Fort Thomas hosting 1A North Region Saint Michael and Valley Lutheran visiting Dishchii’bikoh on Jan. 31.
For the 2A East Region, Pima visits Lincoln Prep, San Carlos visits Leading Edge, and Gilbert Classical hosts San Tan Charter on Jan. 27; and Pima visits San Carlos, Miami hosts San Tan Charter, and Leading Edge visits Chandler Prep on Jan. 30.
Non-region pairings include Miami visiting 2A West Region Avondale Saint John Paul II Catholic on Jan. 26; Miami hosting 2A South Region Tucson Saint Augustine Catholic on Jan. 27; Miami visiting 3A Central Region Globe and Chandler Prep hosting 2A West Region Glendale Trivium Prep, San Tan Charter visiting 2A Valley Region Tempe Prep on Jan. 28; San Carlos visiting 3A South Region Safford and Lincoln Prep hosting 2A West Region Glendale Prep on Jan. 29; Lincoln Prep visiting 2A Central Region Scottsdale Prep and Gilbert Classical hosting 2A South Region Tucson Saint Augustine Catholic on Jan. 30; and Pima visiting New Mexico Silver on Jan. 31.
In the 2A South Region, Morenci hosts Benson, Santa Rita hosts Tombstone, and Desert Christian visits Bisbee on Jan. 27; Morenci visits Tombstone, Willcox visits Desert Christian, Benson hosts San Miguel, and Bisbee visits Saint Augustine on Jan. 29; and Willcox hosts San Miguel on Jan. 30.
Non-region pairings include Willcox visiting 1A South Region Saint David and Tombstone hosting 1A South Region Patagonia on Jan. 26; Saint Augustine visiting Miami on Jan. 27; Benson visiting 2A West Region Phoenix North Valley Christian, Desert Christian visiting 1A West Region Glendale Desert Heights Prep, Bisbee hosting Tucson’s The Gregory School, and Saint Augustine visiting Gilbert Classical on Jan. 30.
For the 3A South Region, Pusch Ridge hosts Tanque Verde, Safford visits Sabino, and Palo Verde Magnet visits Thatcher on Jan. 26; Safford visits Thatcher and Palo Verde Magnet hosts Empire on Jan. 28; Tanque Verde hosts Thatcher on Jan. 30; and Pusch Ridge visits Safford on Jan. 31.
Non-region pairings include Empire hosting 1A South Region San Simon on Jan. 26; Pusch Ridge hosting Queen Creek American Leadership – Ironwood on Jan. 28; Safford hosting 2A East Region San Carlos on Jan. 29; and Sabino hosting 4A Gila Region Douglas on Jan. 30.
No. 1 Pima – 63, No. 17 Miami – 46 (Jan. 23)
One of six second-quarter 3-pointers allowed Miami to come within two, 31-33, with 58 seconds remaining in the first half. But a 22-5 third-quarter outing helped Pima build a cushion and secure a region win. Pima led 21-11 after the first quarter, 36-31 at halftime, and 58-36 heading into the fourth quarter.
For the game, Pima totaled 25 field goals (four 3-pointers) plus 13-21 free throws compared to 14 field goals (ten 3-pointers) plus 8-9 free throws by Miami.
Junior Morgan Russell tallied 21 points on nine field goals plus 3-4 free throws, junior Hanna Ashby 16 on five field goals plus 6-7 free throws, and freshman Taylor Ashby 10 on four field goals plus 2-4 free throws. Senior Macy Allred and junior Page Ashby added seven apiece, junior Cheyanne Alder four, and sophomore Jailey Talley two.
For Miami, junior Tamia Pietila netted 28 points on eight field goals (six 3-pointers) plus 6-6 free throws. Senior Audreanna Carlyle added eight points, sophomore Tessa Roberts four, and both junior Olivia Chacon and freshman Xandri Thompson three each.
No. 23 Morenci – 68, No. 16 Willcox – 48 (Jan. 22)
Morenci broke a 13-13 opening quarter deadlock by scoring eight unanswered early second quarter points. The Wildcats never trailed thereafter as they pulled away from the visiting Cowgirls, and turned in a 22-5 second quarter outing to lead 35-19 at halftime. The Wildcats led 51-37 heading into the fourth quarter.
For the game, Morenci totaled 30 field goals (four 3-pointers) plus 4-7 free throws compared to 20 field goals (two 3-pointers) plus 6-23 free throws by Willcox.
Junior Tiara Jones recorded a game-high 35 points on 15 field goals (one 3-pointer) plus 4-7 free throws, senior Rozlyn Funari 12 on six field goals, and junior Mayeli Salazar 12 on five field goals (two 3-pointers). Sophomore Jaylianna Guzzo added three points, and sophomores Khloee Kouts, Arisela Salazar, and Arwa Abdulqader two apiece.
For Willcox, junior Paislee Adams had19 points on seven field goals plus 5-15free throws and senior Darielys Ruiz 15 on six field goals (two 3-pointers) plus 1-4 free throws. Sophomore Clariz Gomez added six points, senior Addison Burright four, senior Evelyn Galaz and sophomore Jackie Ramirez two each. Junior Brisa Salcido did not score on 0-2 free throws.
1A No. 1 Fort Thomas (13-1 seeding, 17.4322 rating)
Fort Thomas (21-4 overall, 14-1 seeding, 5-0 region) is averaging a 52-37 (1,311-918) score per game or a 15-point margin, both through 25 games.
A 14-member roster includes five seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen. The seniors are Leia Begay (23), Kaylee Benally (0), Makayla Chapman (25), Raeleigh Hawkins (15), and Tawnee Jones (30); juniors Kynnedee Bryce (45), Corey Cody (10), Jamie Johnson (14), and Alycia Sanchez (5); sophomores Carmen Antonio (34), Kirah Moses (44), and Leilynn Wesley (3); and freshmen Jalayah Johnson (50) and Aaliyah Peter (53).
The Lee Haws-coached Apaches are competing in the 8-member 1A East Region with the Duncan Wildkats, the Kearny Ray Bearcats, the Phoenix Valley Lutheran Flames, the San Manuel Miners, the Scottsdale Cicero Prep Centurions, the Superior Panthers, and the Winkelman Hayden Lobos.
1A No. 4 Duncan (12-3 seeding, 8.6723 rating)
Duncan (17-7, 12-3, 4-1) is averaging a 38-24 (913-576) score per game or a 14-point margin through 24 games,
A 9-member roster includes a senior, four juniors, a sophomore, and three freshmen. The senior is Karleigh Capel (14), with juniors Lily Ford (20), Sofia Harris (15), Heidi Miller (22), and Paisley Patton (23); sophomore Haley Bigler (50); and freshmen Emma Harris (5), Dusty Rodriguez (11), and Josie Wright (4).
The Eldon Merrell-coached Wildkats are competing in the 8-member 1A East Region with the Fort Thomas Apaches, the Kearny Ray Bearcats, the Phoenix Valley Lutheran Flames, and the San Manuel Miners, the Scottsdale Cicero Prep Centurions, the Superior Panthers, and the Winkelman Hayden Lobos.
1A State Rankings
State rankings for the Top 24 of 39 teams as of noon on Jan. 23 were Fort Thomas (13-1 seeding, 17.4322 rating) No. 1, Joseph City (13-1, 13.6915) No. 2, Saint David (12-1, 11.9158) No. 3, Duncan (12-3, 8.6723) No. 4, Ash Fork (12-2, 6.6033) No. 5, Scottsdale Cicero Prep (10-4, 5.7671) No. 6, Heber Mogollon (7-5, 4.2209) No. 7, and Salome (12-2, 4.1210) No. 8.
Colorado City El Capitan (8-3, 4.0237) was No. 9, Dishchii’bikoh (9-6, 2.5802) No. 10, San Simon (8-5, 0.9324) No. 11, Tucson’s The Gregory School (9-3, 0.2418) No. 12, Elfrida Valley Union (8-4, minus 0.2197) No. 13, Williams (7-6, minus 0.5894) No. 14, Sells Baboquivari (7-5, minus 2.5484) No. 15, and California Winterhaven San Pasqual (7-5, minus 3.6694) No. 16.
Kearny Ray (7-5, minus 4.5161) was No. 17, Rock Point (4-10, minus 4.6504) No. 18, Phoenix Great Hearts Anthem (8-4, minus 4.7106) No. 19, Teec Nos Pos Red Mesa (6-7, minus 4.8833) No. 20, Grand Canyon (7-6, minus 5.7750) No. 21, Winkelman Hayden (5-8, minus 7.8682) No. 22, Peach Springs Music Mountain (5-8, minus 8.3527) No. 23, and Flagstaff Basis (6-6, minus 8.7567) No. 24.
Rankings for the other three 1A East Region members were Valley Lutheran (4-9, minus 12.0371) No. 27, Superior (4-9, minus 12.2564) No. 28, and San Manuel (2-11, minus 18.4622) No. 35.
1A East Region Standings
Standings in the 1A East as of Jan. 24 are Fort Thomas (21-5 overall, 14-1 seeding, 5-0 region), Duncan (16-8, 12-3, 4-1), Kearny Ray (10-10, 8-6, 3-1), Scottsdale Cicero Prep (14-4, 11-3, 3-2), Winkelman Hayden (6-19, 6-8, 3-2), Phoenix Valley Lutheran (4-13, 4-10, 2-5), Superior (4-11, 4-11, 1-5), and San Manuel (5-13, 2-12, 0-5). 3-3/4-1 32-56
Region results are Fort Thomas over Superior (75-14, Dec. 16), Hayden (69-23, Jan. 6), Duncan (44-33, Jan. 13), Cicero Prep (40-33, Jan. 21), and Valley Lutheran (63-27, Jan. 23); Duncan over Superior (39-9, Jan. 6), Valley Lutheran (40-9, Jan. 8), Cicero Prep (40-28, Jan. 17), and San Manuel (48-17, Jan. 20); Ray over Valley Lutheran (56-15, Dec. 12), Hayden (36-30, Jan. 20), and Superior (40-29, Jan. 23); Cicero Prep over Valley Lutheran (42-18, Jan. 6), Ray (35-29, Jan. 9), and San Manuel (44-17, Jan. 23); Hayden over San Manuel (48-32, Dec. 16) and Valley Lutheran (39-35, Jan. 13); Valley Lutheran over San Manuel (49-39, Jan. 16) and Superior (49-30, Jan. 20); and Superior over San Manuel (38-26, Jan. 13).
2A No. 1 Pima Roughriders (11-0 seeding, 19.5823 rating)
Pima (19-3 overall, 13-0 seeding, 4-0 region) is averaging a 53-25 (1,165-553) score per game or a823-point margin through 22 games.
A 13-member roster has three seniors, five juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen. The seniors are Macy Allred (22), Alana Apodaca (33), and Maddi Dwyer (13); juniors Cheyanne Alder (5), Hanna Ashby (14), Page Ashby (30), Shante Butler (43), and Morgan Russell (42); sophomores Audrey Brimhall (32), Kera Clifford (15), and Jailey Tilley (10); and freshmen Taylor Ashby (21) and Jacey Tilley 11().
The Roy Corona-coached Roughriders are competing in the 9-member 2A East Region with the Chandler Lincoln Prep Lightning, the Chandler Prep Titans, the Gilbert Leading Edge Spartans, the Gilbert Classical Spartans, the Gilbert San Tan Charter Roadrunners, the Miami Vandals, and the San Carlos Braves.
2A No. 19 Willcox Cowgirls (7-3 seeding, 3.2138 rating)
Willcox (13-7, 8-3, 4-1) is averaging a 45-37 (895-737) score per game or an 8-point margin through 20 games.
A 13-member roster has three seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, and three freshmen. The seniors are Addison Burright (11), Evelyn Galaz (23), and Darielys Ruiz (3); juniors Paislee Adams (13), Leslie Barraza (21), Ruby Figueroa (4), and Brissa Salcido (22); sophomores Annel Arredando (2), Clariz Gomez (20), and Jackie Ramirez (10); and freshmen Lauren Bennett (14), Grace Flanders (1), and Lia Villa (5).
The Susie Prichard-coached Cowgirls are competing in the 9-member 2A South Region with the Benson Bobcats, the Bisbee Pumas, the Morenci Wildcats, the Tombstone Yellow Jackets, and the Tucson schools Desert Christian Eagles, Saint Augustine Catholic Wolves, San Miguel Vipers, and Santa Rita Eagles.
2A No. 23 Morenci Wildcats (6-7 seeding, 1.0339 rating)
Morenci (10-14 overall, 6-8 seeding, 4-0 region) is averaging a 38-42 (918-1,008) score per game or a 4-point deficit through 24 games.
A 13-member roster has four seniors, three juniors, and six sophomores. The seniors are Adriana Carbajal (12), Rozlyn Funari (10), Jaliyah Hernandez (44), and Jamie Turner (2); juniors Tiara Jones (20), Mayeli Salazar (5), and Kaylee Wiggins (13); and sophomores Arwa Abdulqader (11), Jaylianna Guzzo (1), Khloee Kouts (4), Tracy Mianda (24), Aiyanna Merino (3), and Arisela Salazar (14).
The Albert Ortega-coached Wildcats are competing in the 9-member 2A South Region with the Benson Bobcats, the Bisbee Pumas, the Tombstone Yellow Jackets, the Willcos Cowgirls, and the Tucson schools Desert Christian Eagles, Saint Augustine Catholic Wolves, San Miguel Vipers, and Santa Rita Eagles.
2A State Rankings
State rankings for the Top 24 of 48 2A members as of noon on Jan. 23 were Pima (11-0, 19.5823) No. 1, Bullhead City Mohave Accelerated (13-0, 17.0757) No. 2, San Carlos (10-0, 16.8726) No. 3, Saint Johns (10-2, 16.2224) No. 4, Phoenix Arizona Lutheran (12-0, 15.2513) No. 5, Eagar Round Valley (12-2, 14.6106) No. 6, Avondale Saint John Paul II Catholic (12-0, 12.4019) No. 7, and Fountain Hills (15-0, 12.0875) No. 8.
Kingman Academy (9-3, 10.3725) was No. 9, Wickenburg (12-1, 9.0123) No. 10, Sanders Valley (9-4, 7.8656) No. 11, Phoenix Horizon Honors (8-6, 7.6911) No. 12, Scottsdale Rancho Solano Prep (10-2, 7.6676) No. 13, Chandler Lincoln Prep (11-1, 7.1864) No. 14, Phoenix Country Day School (7-3, 6.3379) No. 15, and Pinon (8-5, 4.5729) No. 16.
Miami (6-5, 3.9749) was No. 17, Scottsdale Christian (7-4, 3.38237) No. 18, Willcox (7-3, 3.2129) No. 19, Phoenix Christian (8-4, 3.2129) No. 20, Bisbee (6-2, 2.3469) No. 21, Many Farms (8-4, 1.5347) No. 22, Morenci (6-7, 1.0339) No. 23, and Benson (6-6, 0.8411) No. 24.
The state rankings for the other five 2A South Region members were Tucson Saint Augustine Catholic (6-4, minus 2.9440) No. 26 and Tucson Desert Christian (8-2, minus 3.0483) No. 28, Santa Rita (8-6, minus 4.8892) No. 33, Tombstone (4-8, minus 10.6921) No. 39, and San Miguel (0-14, minus 25.3972) No. 48.
2A East Region Standings
Standings for 2A East Region members as of Jan. 11 were Pima (19-3 overall, 13-0 seeding, 4-0 region), San Carlos (14-6, 11-1, 4-0), Miami (11-10, 6-6, 4-0), Chandler Lincoln Prep (15-5*, 11-2, 3-2), Gilbert Leading Edge (5-9*, 3-9, 1-3), Chandler Prep (5-11*, 2-10, 1-3), Gilbert Classical (9-12, 7-6, 0-4), and Gilbert San Tan Charter (1-12*, 1-12, 0-4).
Region results are Pima over Chandler Prep (47-17, Jan. 9), ; Leading Edge (67-14, Jan. 15), Gilbert Classical (67-26, Jan. 20), and Miami (67-46, Jan. 23); San Carlos over San Tan Charter (67-22, Jan. 12), Gilbert Classical (57-21, Jan. 15), Chandler Prep (78-14, Jan. 20), Lincoln Prep (57-40, Jan. 23);
Lincoln Prep over San Tan Charter (68-10, Dec. 2), Leading Edge (49-31, Jan. 9), and Gilbert Classical (41-19, Jan. 12); Miami over Gilbert Classical (63-23, Jan. 9), Chandler Prep (62-13, Jan. 12), Lincoln Prep (62-28, Jan. 15), and Leading Edge (51-47, Jan. 21); Lincoln Prep over San Tan Charter (68-10, Dec. 2), Leading Edge (49-31, Jan. 9), and Gilbert Classical (41-19, Jan. 12); Leading Edge over San Tan Charter (59-24, Jan. 23); and Chandler Prep over San Tan Charter (45-34, Jan. 15).
2A South Region Standings
Standings for 2A South Region members as of Jan. 24 were Morenci (10-14 overall, 6-8 seeding, 4-0 region), Willcox (13-7, 8-3, 4-1), Tucson Santa Rita (8-6, 8-6, 3-2), Benson (18-6, 7-6, 2-2), Tucson Desert Christian (11-6, 9-4, 2-2), Bisbee (8-7, 6-3, 2-2), Tucson Saint Augustine Catholic (11-8, 7-4, 2-3), Tombstone (5-17, 4-9, 1-3), and Tucson San Miguel (0-14, 0-14, 0-5).
Region results are Morenci over San Miguel (67-18, Jan. 6), Saint Augustine (52-30, Jan. 15), Desert Christian (41-34, Jan. 20), and Willcox (68-48, Jan. 22); Willcox over Benson (48-47, Jan. 6), Saint Augustine (52-29, Jan. 8), Bisbee (59-44, Jan. 15), and Tombstone (59-30, Jan. 23); Santa Rita over San Miguel (52-12, Jan. 8), Benson (45-41, Jan. 15), and Desert Christian (34-33, Jan. 22); Benson over Saint Augustine (60-25, Jan. 20) and Bisbee (51-44, Jan. 22); Desert Christian over Tombstone (34-17, Jan. 6) and San Miguel (68-9, Jan. 15); Bisbee over Tombstone (45-36, Dec. 19) and Santa Rita (52-36, Jan. 20); Saint Augustine over Santa Rita (48-20, Jan. 6) and San Miguel (52-15, Jan. 22); and Tombstone over San Miguel (49-13, Jan. 12).
3A No. 22 Thatcher Eagles (5-7 seeding, 2.0936 rating)
Thatcher (9-12, 5-7, 0-1) is averaging a 38-43 (789-906) score per game or a 5-point deficit through 21 games.
A 12-member roster lists seven seniors, three juniors, and two sophomores. The seniors are Clara Barron (5), Leah Bryce (13), Ragan Buhr (23), Indiana Jones (3), Makenzi Lunt (11), Emry Nelson (2), and Claire Palmer (1); juniors Taylor Henrie (33), Sarah Sampson (4), and Jaiden Wakefield (12); and sophomores Jocelyn Lunt (14) and Brinlee Skousen (10).
The Brandon Lunt-coached Eagles are competing in the 7-member 3A South Region with the Safford Bulldogs, along with the Tucson schools Empire Ravens, Palo Verde Magnet Titans, Pusch Ridge Christian Lions, Sabino Sabercats, and Tanque Verde Hawks.
3A No. 27 Safford (4-7 seeding, minus 1.6475 rating)
Safford (8-13, 5-7, 2-0) is averaging a 32-43 (680-909) score per game or an 11-point deficit through 21 games.
A 14-member roster has five seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen. The seniors are Mika Durazo (2), Savannah Gonzales (10), Jazzlyn Mortensen (3), Cambree Reynolds (0), and Alexis Rope (20); juniors Makenna Macario (23), Leticia Ogas (1), Andrea Todd (5), and Lily Vise (4); sophomores Kailana Beck (12), Alecia Torres (15), and Sophia Vise (11); and freshmen Milee Carter (21) and Khloe Clark (25).
The Mia Carter-coached Bulldogs are competing in the 7-member 3A South Region with the Thatcher Eagles, along with the Tucson schools Empire Ravens, Palo Verde Magnet Titans, Pusch Ridge Christian Lions, Sabino Sabercats, and Tanque Verde Hawks.
3A State Rankings
The 3A State Rankings for the Top 24 of 43 teams as of noon on Jan. 23 were Snowflake (13-0 seeding, 27.4451 rating) No. 1, Tuba City (12-2, 22.8932) No. 2, Dort defiance Window Rock (11-3, 18.3911) No. 3, Chandler Valley Christian (11-2, 15.6794) No. 4, Show Low (9-4, 15.1182) No. 5, Page (9-6, 14.5745) No. 6, Tucson Pusch Ridge Christian (10-2, 14.0779) No. 7, and Yuma Catholic (12-1, 13.8616) No. 8.
Chinle (8-7, 13.6708) was No. 9, Whiteriver Alchesay (6-6, 12.5442) No. 10, Kaayenta Monument Valley (8-5, 12.1626) No. 11, Payson (11-4, 10.2810) No. 12, Gilbert Christian (8-3, 10.0304) No. 13, Chandler Seton Catholic Prep (10-4, 10.0053) No. 14, Holbrook (4-8, 7.6205) No. 15, and Kingman (9-4, 5.3554) No. 16.
Coolidge (6-5, 3.8224) was No. 17, Winslow (4-9, 3.3479) No. 18, Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin (9-6, 3.0453) No. 19, Waddell American Leadership – West Foothills (6-6, 2.6826) No. 20, Lakeside Blue Ridge (3-8, 2.1956) No. 21, Thatcher (5-7, 2.0936) No. 22, Ganado (3-10, 0.9904) No. 23, and Phoenix Bourgade Catholic (9-6, 0.7241) No. 24.
3A South Region Standings
The 3A South Region standings as of Jan. 24 are Tucson Pusch Ridge Christian (13-4 overall, 11-2 seeding, 3-0 region), Safford (8-13, 5-7, 2-0), Tucson Sabino (11-13, 7-8, 3-1), Tucson Tanque Verde (2-11, 2-11, 1-2), Tucson Palo Verde Magnet (3-15, 3-11, 1-3), Thatcher (9-12, 5-7, 0-1), and Tucson Empire (4-17, 2-12, 0-3).
Region results to date include Pusch Ridge over Palo Verde Magnet (64-14, Jan. 16), Sabino (48-27 (Jan. 19), and Thatcher (44-35, Jan. 21); Safford over Palo Verde Magnet (54-33, Jan. 13) and Empire (49-22, Jan. 20); Sabino over Empire (54-16, Jan. 16), Palo Verde Magnet (35-28, Jan. 20), and Tanque Verde (49-24, Jan. 21); Tanque Verde over Empire (39-26, Jan. 13); and Palo Verde Magnet over Tanque Verde (45-41, Jan. 23).
