By Jon Johnson
PIMA – First, it was winning the 2A State Boys Basketball Championship and being named game MVP, and now Pima’s Keegan Corona has been named the 3A East Region Offensive Player of the year.
Corona was named co-Offensive Player of the Year with Leandro Simbolo of San Carlos.
Coach of the Year went to Open Division Champion San Tan Charter’s Kyli Crooms. STC was also awarded Player of the Year in Peyton Lubash. San Carlos’ Leshawn Browning was named Region Defensive Player of the Year.
As the starting point guard, Corona was the soul of the Pima team and led them offensively in points and assists. Whenever the Roughriders needed a bucket, the ball was in the hands of number 14, either taking a big shot or making a play and leaving it for a teammate with an open shot, but the ball touched his hands.
In addition to the recognition for Corona, Pima landed the most members (4) of any team on the 2A East All-Region 1st Team.
2A East All-Region 1st Team
Pima: Keegan Corona, Joel Mattice, Tanner Smith, and Charles Richardson.
San Tan Charter: Peyton Lubash, Kristo Jackson, and Dylan Vargas.
San Carlos: Leandro Simbolo and Leshawn Browning
Arete Prep: Harrison Kremer
2A East All-Region 2nd Team
San Tan Charter: Jason Gremillion, Jachin Reynolds, and Tori Street.
Lincoln Prep: Connor Mewhinney and Dionte James.
San Carlos: Herschel Thompson Jr.
Gilbert Classical: Blake Carlson
2A East Honorable Mentions
San Carlos: Talen Pechuli, Emica Sanchez, Cameron Stevens, and Brian Valentio.
Leading Edge Academy – Gilbert: Nolan Davis, Anthony Gonzales, and Joel Gonzales.
Lincoln Prep: Karson Smith and Ishmael Zahid.
Arete Prep: Brady Conklin and Jack Glascock.
Chandler Prep: Marshawn Britt and Grant Hopper.
Gilbert Classical: Jayden Yates.
Miami: Kris Tarango.
Pima: Stratton McRae.
San Tan Charter: Bryce Whiting.
