Raymundo Frasquillo File Photos/Gila Herald: Safford’s Robert Abalos was named 3A South Region Coach of the Year and Brianna Camarena was named 3A South Region Offensive Player of the Year.
Thatcher’s Thompson named 3A South Region Defensive Player of the Year
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – While the Safford girls basketball team might not have made the playoffs this year, team members were recognized with individual awards, including the 3A South Region Coach of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year.
3A South Region Coach of the Year
Safford head coach Robert Abalos was named the 3A South Region Coach of the Year. Abalos led Safford to a 4-3 region record for fourth place in the region, and a 5-5 conference record.
3A South Region Offensive Player of the Year
Brianna Camarena was announced as the 3A South Region Offensive Player of the Year. Camarena finished with the most points on her team with 323 points and was second on the team in points per game with 12.9 (Hannah Shade – 13.1), and tied for the lead for assists per game with 2.1 (Brynzee Hansen with 33 total assists).
3A South Region Player of the Year: Molly Garnand, Pusch Ridge
3A South Region Defensive Player of the Year
Thatcher’s Ashlyn Thompson was selected as the 3A South Region Defensive Player of the Year. Thompson led the Eagles with 13 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.8 steals per game on average.
3A South All-Region 1st Team:
Haley Nicholas, Thatcher; Jaiden Davis, Thatcher; Makenzie Sweet, Thatcher; Hannah Schade, Safford; Vienna Elliott, Pusch Ridge; Noelle Mulvanny, Pusch Ridge.
3A South All-Region 2nd Team:
Lexi Lucas, Safford; Brynzee Hansen, Safford; Macey Carter, Thatcher; Hannah Johnson, Pusch Ridge; Marie Gomez, Sabino; Gabby Oliver, Palo Verde Magnet.
3A Local Honorable Mention:
Jasmyn Rios, Safford; Alexis Rope, Safford; Camilla Smith, Safford; Regan Palmer, Thatcher.
