Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Thatcher’s Olivia Lunt shoots over Duncan defenders during the EAC Tourney. Lunt was chosen as the 3A South Central Region Defensive Player of the Year.
Girls coach Griffin is coach of the year
By Jon Johnson
THATCHER – While the Thatcher girls basketball team’s stellar season was cut short in the opening round of the state playoffs, the team was recognized for its contributions.
Thatcher head coach Dennis Griffin was named the 3A South Central Coach of the Year after leading Thatcher to a region title and 20-6 record.
Joining Griffin on the podium is senior power forward Olivia Lunt, who was selected as the 3A South Central Region Defensive Player of the Year. Offensive player of the year and regional player of the year went to Loanne Billon, of ALA-Ironwood, and Brooklyn Pablo, of Coolidge, respectively.
Joining Lunt on the 3A South Central All-Region 1st Team are Ashlyn Thompson and Haley Nicholas. Aubrey Pace and Jade Griffin were named to the All-Region 2nd Team, while Macey Carter and Jaiden Davis were Honorable Mentions.
On the boys’ side of things, Tanner Palmer was named the 3A South Central Region Defensive Player of the Year. Coolidge took coach of the year and region player of the year with Dave Glasgow and Mark Clegg Jr. winning those, respectively, and the offensive player of the year went to Joel Becerra, of San Tan Foothills.
Joining Palmer on the 3A South Central All-Region 1st Team is Bradley Curtis. Hudson Griffin and Brandon Napier were named to the All-Region 2nd Team, and TJ Reed was an Honorable Mention.
Thatcher is scheduled to play No. 1 Valley Christian on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the 3A State Quarterfinals in Prescott Valley at the Findlay Toyota Center.
Update: Thatcher fell in a heartbreaker against No. 1 Valley Christian, 53-59.
