So I was bored today and decided to go through the schedule and rank my Ten most important games remaining in each conference. Obviously, the season isn't even halfway done but a few of the teams that are open division/conference championship contenders have started to separate themselves. These games are factoring in impact to conference, region, and open division rankings based on when they're played that's why a game played on 11/3 may have more weight than a game played on 9/29. But certain factors will go in why an earlier game will be ranked higher such as incoming transfers, possible rankings and win/loss records at the time of the game.

6A
1. Centennial at Liberty (11/3): As of right now this looks like the biggest game in the state this year. This game could have not just implications on the top seed in the open but could very well have major national ranking implications. Through three games Liberty has looked like the top team in the state and Centennial hasn't been far behind. This could be a 1/2 matchup and a possible open final preview.

2. Centennial at Chandler (10/6): This is Centennial's toughest test before Liberty and their game to trot out all of their transfers against the second-best team in the state. Chandler has been a thorn in the side of the Coyotes and with Ca'Lil Valentine could solidfy themselves as the team to beat alongside Liberty.

3. Hamilton at Chandler (11/3): Yes, the battle for Arizona Ave is only #3 right now. That can obviously change as the season goes on, but this looks more like a 2/6 matchup as opposed to the 1/3 and 2/3 matchups that are ranked above it.

4. Highland at Chandler (9/22): This is how Highland proves it belongs, yes they beat Basha but they struggled against Lone Peak. And this Chandler defense should be rested and ready for the physical Hawks attack. If Highland can win this or keep it close in a loss, they show they can win the open.

5. Saguaro at Liberty (10/20): The rematch of one of the best playoff games in state history. Liberty with a win should cruise into their rivalry game against Centennial. Saguaro will be fully loaded and ready to roll at the Lions den.

6. Basha at Hamilton (10/6) This will be Hamilton's first test after getting rolled by Liberty. Basha will be facing their toughest test since their close win over Saguaro. The winner of this one could set themselves up with a home game in the open and the loser may end up with three losses and a road trip in round one.

7. Mountain Pointe at Salpointe Catholic (10/20): This game could be play-in game for the 8th seed in the open or for the top seed in the 6A bracket. Either way Christian Clark vs Elijah Rushing is must see TV!

8. Salpointe Catholic at Brophy Prep (11/3): Winner of this game could be the final open spot if everything shakes out the way it should.

9. Williams Field at Perry (10/20): Most likely this game is for seeding but with a win, Perry keeps themselves alive for an open spot needing a win in their final two games to clinch one.

10. O'Connor at Pinnacle (10/20): The winner of this one could keep themselves in contention in the open division or could be the difference in seeding the 6A bracket.


5A
1. Higley at Desert Mountain (10/27)
2. Horizon at Desert Mountain (9/29)
3. Higley at Desert Edge (9/15)
4. Desert Edge at Cactus (10/27)
5. Marana at Buena (9/29)
6. Cactus at Millennium (11/3)
7. Sunnyslope at Campo Verde (10/5)
8. Central at Camelback (11/3)
9. Skyline at McClintock (9/29)
10. Cactus Shadows at ALA Gilbert North (10/13)

4A
1. Mica Mountain at Canyon Del Oro (10/13)
2. Yuma Catholic at Northwest Christian (11/3)
3. Bradshaw Mountain at Lee Williams (11/3)
4. Northwest Christian at Eastmark (9/22)
5. Arcadia at Arizona College Prep (11/3)
6. Marcos De Niza at Snowflake (10/13)
7. Buckeye at Thunderbird (10/20)
8. Bradshaw Mountain at Coconino (9/29)
9. Youngker at Peoria (9/28)
10. Thunderbird at St Mary's (11/3)

3A
1. Mohave at Sabino (10/27)
2. ALA West Foothills at Paradise Honors (9/29)
3. ALA West Foothills at Sabino (10/13)
4. Paradise Honors at Valley Christian (9/22)
5. Thatcher at Sabino (10/6)
6. Paradise Honors at Valley Christian (9/22)
7. Morenci at Pusch Ridge (10/6)
8. Blue Ridge at Safford (9/22)
9. Winslow at Page (10/20)
10. Florence at Ben Franklin (10/13)

2A
1. Scottsdale Prep at Scottsdale Christian (10/6)
2. Santa Cruz Valley at Pima (10/27)
3. San Tan Charter at Chandler Prep (9/22)
4. Arizona Lutheran at Trivium Prep (9/28)
5. Veritas Prep at Parker (10/6)
6. Globe at Miami (9/15)
7. Trivium Prep at Tonopah Valley (9/15)
8. Heritage Academy Laveen at Trivium Prep (9/22)
9. Bisbee at Camp Verde (10/27)
10. Cortez at Glendale Prep (10/27)

It's been 4 years since I've seen either Perry or Millennium play in person. This week, I'll be in Goodyear to see the 2-0 teams battle.

Perry has outscored its opponents 117-19 this season and is coming off a 66-6 shellacking of Spring Valley Nevada. Junior QB Diesel Taylor has thrown 4 TD passes each game (giving him 8) with 0 interceptions. It's been a team effort as 9 different Pumas have a reception through 2 games and 6 different players have registered a sack (team has 7).

Millennium has allowed just 20 total points and is coming off a 21-20 win over Campo Verde, which was decided by the Tigers making all 3 of their PATs (Campo missed one). Senior QB Titus Johnson has 447 passing yards and 4 TDs. He's completed 68 percent of his passes. The MHS defense held Campo to just 95 yards passing last week (29 attempts).

Will Perry dominate once again? The Arizona Varsity spread on this one is 16.5 for the Pumas and so far a couple members of the staff think that's too many points. I'll be on hand to find out.

Horrendous week of picks last week, shook up the standings quite a bit.
New Leaderboard
1. JJ Digos 10-6
2. Gridiron 9-7
T3. Cody Cameron 8-8
T3. Zach Alvira 8-8
5. Jacob Seliga 7-7
6. Eric Newman 3-5

Week 3 let's go!! Staff please input your picks directly into article in the dashboard by Friday 8 am. Everyone else in message boards tell us your picks down below!!

8. Sunnyslope +12.5 @ Brophy
7. Skyline +10.5 @ Mesa
6. Perry -16.5 @ Millennium
5. Sabino +3.5 @ Mica Mountain
4. Peoria -8.5 @ ALA West Foothills
3. Marana +9.5 @ Higley
2. Red Mountain - 10.5 @ Desert Ridge
1. ALAQC - 7.5 @ ALAGN

ArizonaVarsity Friday Film Session 9/8/23

via @codytcameron

Come read about Marcos de Niza's Braesen Leon, Corona del Sol's Raiden Vines-Bright, and Coconino's Prayer Young-Blackgoat

Putting together a thread for news and notes for how all our players out in the world are doing.

Here's a Twitter thread of some of the best plays of week 1

Login to view embedded media

This replaced the State 48 Power 48, which we did for years. Posting the week to week reveal shows below.

Preseason show, including interviews with Higley's Chansyn Mapa and Desert Mountain's Ryan McDonough:

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Standings: 1. Cody (6-2) 2. Chris (5-2) 3. Digos (5-3) 4. Zach (4-3) 5. Seliga (3-4). 6. Brett (2-6)

Let's Rock!!!

1. (1-1) Thatcher -9.5 @ (2-0) Valley Christian
2. (2-0) Canyon del Oro +5.5 @ (2-0) Bradshaw Mountain
3. (0-1) Desert Edge -8.5 @ (1-0) Notre Dame Prep
4. (1-0) Highland +6.5 @ (1-0) Basha
5. (0-1) Sunnyslope +2.5 @ (1-0) Apollo
6. (1-0) Mountain View +13.5 @ (1-0) Saguaro
7. (1-0) Corona Del Sol +16.5 @ (1-0) Centennial
8. (1-1) Snowflake +10.5 @ (1-0) Cactus

Going out to Scottsdale this week to see a pair of senior QBs coming off stellar debuts to the 2023 season.

I'll be at Saguaro as the Sabercats play their home opener against Mountain View.

Mountain View is coming off a 40-20 win over last week's #15 team, Queen Creek. Somehow, that wasn't enough for Ralph & Chilly to reward the Toros with a spot in this week's Arizona Varsity Top 25. Jack Germaine returned for Mountain View after missing the last half of his junior year with a knee injury. He went 22-of-37 for 344 yards and had 4 TD passes to 4 different receivers. On defense, Mountain View intercepted 5 passes.

Saguaro defeated ALA-Queen Creek last week, 49-35 and the Sabercats find themselves ranked #5 in this week's poll. It was the first game without Jason Mohns as head coach since 2011 and Zak Hill began his Sabercat coaching career with a win. Mason Bray waited for his time, earned the starting job during the spring, and then delivered with 309 yards and 5 TDs on 21-of-34 passing against the Patriots. Jakobi Spence had 6 catches for 102 yards and scored 2 TDs.

This one is the Fiesta Bowl Friday Night Showdown and I should see a lot more points than the 13 I witnessed at Centennial last Friday. Figuring the over/under for this one has to be around 70. In our picks segment, the Sabercats were installed as 13.5 point favorites. Are people overlooking the Toros? Will Saguaro overlook the Toros (they have a big rematch next week against Basha)? We'll find out Friday night (weather permitting) at SHS!

We’re back! Ladies and Gentlemen the football season is upon us and that means it’s time for our year tradition, the Ocho! Where all of us here at Arizona Varsity will be releasing our weekly picks for the Open Division playoffs and you all get to see it first as a subscriber to the forum.

Thank you for supporting Arizona Varsity and feel free to chime in with your own picks and ask any questions that you may have!


MY first question for all of you is, Who do you have in the Open Division Championship game?

I have Liberty and Hamilton facing off!

Let's Party!!! Put your answers below so Seliga can copy and paste into article form by midnight Thursday. Winner get's a $1,000,000 from Ralph Amsden this year. Loser has to do the 24-hour pancake challenge at IHOP.

1. Desert Edge +2.5 @ Centennial
2. Hamilton +4.5 @ Liberty
3. O’Connor -7.5 @ Chaparral
4. Campo Verde +6.5 @ Higley
5. Marana +13.5 @ Salpointe
6. Snowflake -7.5 @ Bradshaw
7. Apache Junction +8.5 @ Peoria
8. Paradise Honors -10.5 @ Mohave

Potpourri of Coaching Thoughts...Continued...

It's that time...the last post reached a hundred views, so someone must be paying attention. Time for another.

As promised, I will go to the high school level, where I spent many years, and give my thoughts on administrations, parents, club ball scene, head coaches pay, and pay/respect for assistant coaches.

Administrations- all coaches can expound at great length on this topic. The main job of a principal and an athletic director in athletics is to hire and support good coaches. The primary reason so many coaches quit annually is not "to spend more time with the family". That is coach-speak for the administration doesn't support me. A good principal and AD will have a copy of the philosophies of all their coaches and have read and understood them. A red flag for any administrator is a coach who does not have a written philosophy, or a coach who does not adhere to their own written philosophy. A red flag for a prospective coach are principals or AD's who never ask for or question a coach on their philosophy. Another red flag for coaches is an interview "committee" which has parents, players, other teachers, etc. Your most important support comes from the principal and the AD- period. They need to be the decision makers for your job and need to understand your philosophy. Generally, a good coaching philosophy is a set of life skills that go beyond the sport, and is also a road map for creating a successful, competitive program. I had twelve different principals in my twenty plus years of high school coaching and only two of them had any interest in discussing my coaching philosophy- Dr. Kathy Back at Camelback, and Dr. Harold Slemmer at Mountain Pointe. Both were excellent administrators who, once they understood my philosophy and discussed with me, gave our program outstanding support. Both only lasted two years for me before moving on to other jobs. The rest of the principals I had never showed any interest in discussing philosophy. And, I had fourteen different athletic directors in that span, and only ONE ever had any discussion with me on my coaching philosophy- Dick Baniszewski at Mountain Pointe. These days, Athletic Directors are assistant principals who many times get shoved into a job that they don't really want. Sports involve a lot of after-school hours and competitive situations that many administrators don't like. I had a bunch of ADs who would have rather not had the job. And, of course, they had no interest in discussing coaching philosophies. "Just don't bring me problems" was their most common refrain. Incredibly, only one of the twenty six administrators I mentioned asked "what would it take to have the best program in the state?" Support from administration means knowing your coaching philosophy, agreeing with it, helping you get what you need to implement it, and holding you accountable to it. Anything less means it is the moment "to spend more time with the family".

Parents- the necessary evil. Here is a list of do's and don'ts:
DO- be supportive of your child by giving them a pat on the back, whether they play or not.
DO- listen to your child talk about how they feel they are doing.
DO- be there to support their commitment with rides, punctuality, and whenever possible, financial support.
DO- help the booster club by volunteering time or money to help the program. Your child appreciates that kind of involvement.
DO- attend games, no matter if your child plays a little or a lot, or not at all. If they are hurt and cannot play, go to the game anyway. It teaches your child a lot about commitment.
DO- encourage your child to talk to the coaches about how they are doing and how they can improve.
DO- communicate with coaches in the appropriate manner and time if you have a desire to talk about YOUR child's attitude and abilities, and how they are doing generally. Call and make an appointment, or send an email or text.
DO- sit in the stands and be supportive of the team.

DON'T- be an antagonist if your child complains about their place on the team. Statements like "I know you're better than Bob, the coach must be nuts", are harmful. Encourage your child to communicate with the coach.
DON'T- sit in the stands and bitch and moan about the coaching, the players, or the officials. You may think that will do some good. It does not. I had many players tell me privately how embarrassed they were about this kind of behavior by their parents.
DON'T- go above the coach the first time there is a problem. The AD and the principal will generally ask "have you spoken with the coach?"
DON'T- try to talk to coaches about playing time. If you have sat through every practice and game, then the coach may be willing to share his thoughts on that issue. If not, then you must trust the coaches who are with your child everyday. Many kids come home and tell their parents that they don't know why they are not playing. That is usually incorrect, as the coaches have probably shared that information with the players on a daily basis. The child just doesn't want to talk about it with their parents. There are a lot of things that teenagers don't want to share with their parents, face it. I have three children and I heard "I don't know" a lot.
DON'T- try to talk to a coach about your child just before a game, during halftime, or immediately after a game. They will not appreciate that.
DON'T- try to talk to a coach about your child during practice, either. Make an appointment.
DON'T- expect a booster club to be a vehicle by which coaches favor one player over another. It is not.
DON'T- lend your "expertise" without being asked. I was at South Mountain CC one year watching my son play against another valley Juco. A parent approached me prior to the game and said to watch the opponent's offense. He said "you need to run this at Mountain Pointe". After that college was pounded by SMCC by about 30, I cruised by the parent on the way out and said "are you sure you me to run that?" It was a subtle way to let the parent know how unappreciated his advice was.

Pay, assistant coaches respect, and the club scene next time...

The season for the big schools kicks off this week and after continuing my offseason last Friday, I'll be out at games weekly once again. Starting up this thread again so people know where we'll be.

Going to the one of the big marquee showdowns in the West Valley this Friday and it'll be at Centennial HS in Peoria. I imagine I'll be parking in one of the neighborhoods close to the school and walking in because it should be a big crowd as the Coyotes host Desert Edge with Open implications (yes, in Week 1!).

Desert Edge went 8-4 last season and made the 5A quarterfinals. The Scorpions are led by junior QB Hezekiah "Budda" Millender, who passed for 3,000 yards and 35 TDs last year. His main target is UMass commit Kezion Dia-Johnson (695 yards & 7 TDs in 7 games). The line is particularly impressive with OT Jalayne Miller. The sophomore is 6-5, 320 and will anchor a line that weighs in at 280, 240, 270, and 270.

Centennial was 8-3 last year and made the Open Division. This is the 53rd year of coaching for Richard Taylor (32nd at Centennial). I expect to see a pair of senior backs for the Coyotes in Sa'Mar Turner (6.4 yards/carry) and Tony Greer. It's also a chance to see two-way players Noah Carter (DE/WR) and Kenny Worthy (CB/WR). Carter is a Washington commit and Worthy has 13 college offers.

The anticipated matchup of the night is Dia-Johnson running routes with Worthy covering him. Desert Edge will have a different look midway through the year (when transfers become eligible), but it should be a very competitive and exciting Friday night for football in Peoria.

Desert West

Cactus: 6-4 LWLLWWWWLW L to Sunnyslope, O’Connor, DMtn, Desert Edge

Desert Edge: 10-0 WWWWWWWWW

Millennium: 7-3 WWLWWLWWWL L to Perry, Desert Edge, Cactus

Canyon View: 5-5 LWWLWLLLWW L to Horizon, Queen Creek, Cactus, Millennium, Desert Edge

Sunrise Mountain: 4-6 WLWLWWLLLL L to DMtn, Liberty, DEdge, Cactus, Millennium, Canyon View

Verrado: 3-7 LWLWWLLLLL L to DMtn, Mtn View, Sunrise, Cactus, Millennium, CView, DEdge

Northeast Valley

Desert Mountain: 10-0 WWWWWWWWWW

Notre Dame: 6-4 WLWWLWLWWL L to Desert Edge, Brophy, Higley, Desert Mountain

Higley: 8-2 WWWLWWWWLW L to Desert Edge, Desert Mountain

Horizon 5-5 WWWLLLLLWW L to Pinnacle, Millennium, DMtn, NDP, Higley

ALA Gilbert-North: 5-5 WWLWWLWLLL L to ALA-QC, Higley, DMtn, NDP, Horizon

Cactus Shadows: 3-7 LWWLLLLLLW L to Camelback, Boulder Creek, the Region

Northwest

Apollo: 9-1 WLWWWWWWWW L to Sunnyslope

Willow Canyon: 7-3 WWLLWWWLWW L to Horizon, Millennium, Apollo

Ironwood: 3-7 LLWLLWWLLL L to Browne, Central, Kellis, Verrado, Desert Vista, Willow Canyon, Apollo

Goldwater: 3-7 LWLLWLLWLL L to NDP, AJunction, Verrado, Apollo, Ironwood, MRidge, Willow

Agua Fria: 2-8 WLLWLLLLLL L to Canyon View, North Canyon, Tolleson, Region, Cactus Shadows

Central Valley

Kellis: 9-1 WWLWWWWWWW L to Sunnyside

North Canyon 3-7 WLWLLLLLWL L to Goldwater, Skyline, Central, Westview, Kellis, West Point, Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley 4-6 LLLLWWWLLW L to Central, Cienega, Casa Grande, ALAGN, Kellis, West Point

West Point 3-7 LLLLLLWWWL L to Skyline, Cactus Shadows, Tolleson, Apollo, Sunrise Mountain, Kellis, Westview

Westview 4-6 LLWLLWLWLW L to Millennium, Chavez, North, Willow Canyon, Kellis, Paradise Valley

Cibola 0-10

San Tan

Sunnyslope 8-2 WWWLLWWWWW L to Notre Dame Prep, Desert Edge

Skyline 4-6 WLLWLWWLLL L to Westwood, Mesa, ALAGN, Campo Verde, Gilbert, Sunnyslope

Campo Verde 5-5 LLWLLWLWWW L to Higley, Millennium, Highland, Desert Mountain, Sunnyslope

Gilbert 5-5 WLLWLLWWWL L to ALAGN, Canyon View, Snowflake, Sunnyslope, Campo Verde

Dobson 1-9 WLLLLLLLLL W vs Cibola

McClintock 3-7 WLWLLLLLW L to Marcos, Cienega, Browne, Skyline, Campo Verde, Gilbert, Sunnyslope

Metro

North 5-5 LWLWLWLWLW L to ALAGN, St Mary’s, Apollo, Camelback, Central

Camelback 7-3 WWLLWWWWWL L to Desert Edge, Chavez, Central

Central 9-1 WWWLWWWWWW L to Mountain Pointe

Browne 4-6 WWWLLLLLLW L to Casteel, Kellis, Camelback, Central, North, South Mountain

South Mountain 2-8 WLLLWLLLLL L to Willow Canyon, Ironwood, McClintock, Central, Fairfax, Camelback, Browne, North

Fairfax 1-9 LLLLLLWLLL W vs South

Southern

Marana 8-2 LWLWWWWWWW L to Salpointe, Cienega

Cienega 7-3 LWWWWWLWWL L to Desert Ridge, Sunnyside, Marana

Sunnyside 6-4 LWWLWLWWLW L to Apollo, Mica Mountain, Marana, Buena

Buena 7-3 WWWWWLLLWW L to Desert View, Marana, Cienega

Desert View 5-5 LLWWWWWLLL L to Willow Canyon, North, Marana, Cienega, Sunnyside

Casa Grande 4-6 LWWWWLLLLL L to Corona
Del Sol, Region

Sonoran
Ironwood Ridge 3-7 WLLLWWLLLL W vs Seton Catholic, Flowing Wells, Tucson

Flowing Wells 2-8 LLWWLLLLLL W vs Amphitheater, Sahuarita

Mountain View Marana 6-4 LLLLWWWWWW L to Gilbert, Horizon, Sunrise Mountain, Marana

Nogales 1-9 LLWLLLLLLL W vs Rio Rico

Tucson 3-7 LLLLLLWWLW W vs Maricopa, Flowing Wells, Nogales

Maricopa 4-6 LLWLLWLLWW L to McClintock, Browne, Casa Grande, Mesquite, Tucson, Mountain View Marana

Team Standings (Sorted by projected record)

1. Desert Edge 10-0
2. Desert Mountain 10-0
3. Apollo 9-1
4. Kellis 9-1
5. Central 9-1
6. Sunnyslope 8-2
7. Marana 8-2
8. Higley 8-2
9. Millennium 7-3
10. Willow Canyon 7-3
11. Camelback 7-3
12. Cienega 7-3
13. Buena 7-3
14. Cactus 6-4
15. Notre Dame Prep 6-4
16. Mountain View Marana 6-4
17. Sunnyside 6-4
18. Desert View 5-5
19. Canyon View 5-5
20. Horizon 5-5
21. ALA Gilbert North 5-5
22. Campo Verde 5-5
23. Gilbert 5-5
24. North 5-5
25. Sunrise Mountain 4-6
26. Paradise Valley 4-6
27. Westview 4-6
28. Skyline 4-6
29. Browne 4-6
30. Casa Grande 4-6
31. Maricopa 4-6
32. Verrado 3-7
33. Cactus Shadows 3-7
34. Ironwood 3-7
35. Goldwater 3-7
36. North Canyon 3-7
37. West Point 3-7
38. McClintock 3-7
39. Ironwood Ridge 3-7
40. Tucson 3-7
41. Agua Fria 2-8
42. South Mountain 2-8
43. Flowing Wells 2-8
44. Dobson 1-9
45. Fairfax 1-9
46. Nogales 1-9
47. Cibola 0-10

Premier
Basha 9-1 WWWWWWLWWW L to Hamilton

Chandler 8-2 WWWWWWWLWL L to Basha, Hamilton

Hamilton 9-1 LWWWWWWWWW L to Liberty

Casteel 7-3 WWWWWLWLLW L to Chandler, Hamilton, Basha

Perry 6-4 WWWWWLLWLL L to Hamilton, Chandler, Basha, Casteel

Central
Brophy 5-5 WWLLWLWLWL L to Sunnyslope, Chap, Basha, Corona, Salpointe

Corona 5-5 WLLLWLWWWL L to Cen10, pinnacle, Chandler, Salpointe, Casteel

DV 2-8 LLWLLLLWLL L to Perry, WField, Hamilton, Chap, Salpointe, Brophy, Corona, MP

MPointe 7-3 WWLWWWLWLW L to Centennial, Corona, Brophy

Salpointe 6-4 WLWWWWLLLW L to Bishop Alemany, Liberty, MPointe, Saguaro

NE Valley
Centennial 7-3 LWWWWWLWWL L to DEdge, Chandler, Liberty

Chap 4-6 LWLWWLLLLW L to OConnor, DMtn, Pinnacle, Saguaro, Liberty, Centennial

Liberty 9-1 WWWWLWWWWW L to Corona Centennial

Pinnacle 7-3 WWWWWWLWLL L to Liberty, Centennial, Saguaro

SagU 7-3 WWLWWLWLWW L to Basha, Centennial, Liberty

Fiesta
Chavez 4-6 LWWWLWLLLL L to Chandler, MP, Mesa, Mtn View, Tolleson, DRidge

DRidge 7-3 WLWLWWWWWL L to Hamilton, WField, Highland

Mesa 4-6 LLWWLLLWLW L to Red Mtn, VV, Hamilton, Tolleson, DRidge, Mtn View

Mtn View 4-6 LLWLLWWLWL L to QCreek, SagU, Basha, DRidge, Tolleson, Red Mtn

Tolleson 6-4 LLWLWWLWWW L to SRidge, Pinnacle, Perry, DRidge

Westwood 2-8 LWWLWLLLLL L to Basha, Red Mtn, Mtn View, Chavez, DRidge, Tolleson, Mesa

East Valley
ALA QC 3-7 LWWLLLWLLL L to Saguaro, OC, Pinnacle, MP, Highland, WField, QC

Highland 8-2 WLWWLWWWWW L to Basha, Chandler

QCreek 6-4 WLLWWWWLLW L to Casteel, Liberty, Red Mtn, Highland

Red MTN 6-4 WWLWLLWWLW L to DRidge, WField, Highland, Hamilton

WField 6-4 LWWWWLLLWW L Brophy, QCreek, Highland, Perry

Desert Valley
BCreek 3-7 LLLWLWLWLL L to Casteel, ALA-QC, Hamilton, Cen10, OC, Chap, SRidge

Mtn Ridge 1-9 LLLLLLLLWL L to Highland, Chandler, WField, Cen10, QC, BC, VV, SR, OC

O’Connor 8-2 WLWWLWWWWW L to Basha, Liberty

SRidge 4-6 WLLLLLLWWW L to Chap, Salpointe, Saguaro, Perry, OC, Apollo

VVista 2-8 LWLLLLWLLL L to MPointe, DVista, Salpointe, Casteel, Willow Canyon, Boulder, OC, SRidge

6A Standings by Record

1. Liberty 9-1
2. Hamilton 9-1
3. Basha 9-1
4. Chandler 8-2
5. Highland 8-2
6. O’Connor 8-2
7. Centennial 7-3
8. Saguaro 7-3
9. Pinnacle 7-3
10. Mountain Pointe 7-3
11. Casteel 7-3
12. Desert Ridge 7-3
13. Salpointe 6-4
14. Perry 6-4
15. Williams Field 6-4
16. Tolleson 6-4
17. Red Mtn 6-4
18. Queen Creek 6-4
19. Brophy 5-5
20. Corona 5-5
21. Chavez 5-5
22. Mtn View 4-6
23. Mesa 4-6
24. Chap 4-6
25. SRidge 4-6
26. ALA QC 3-7
27. Boulder 3-7
28. Westwood 3-7
29. DVista 2-8
30. VVista 2-8
31. MRidge 1-9

School - Former Coach - New Coach (previous title)
Chino Valley - Michael Gilpin - Ricky Herrera (Assistant @ Chino Valley)
Tanque Verde - Jay Dobyns - Jeff Bollnow (DC @ Sahuarita)
Westview - John Irish - Sean Moran (HC @ Fountain Hills)
Estrella Foothills - Mike Welch - Michael Spencer (former HC @ Trivium Prep)
Phoenix Christian - Dan Fort - Jason Kindred (3-time Pop Warner COY)
Santa Rita - Tom Joseph - Douglas Smith (DC @ Dysart)
Flagstaff - Sean Manning - Mickey Clements (DC @ Flagstaff)
River Valley - Kevin Hall - Adam King (OC @ Mohave)
Tucson - Malcolm Nelson - Zachary Neveleff (Assistant @ Salpointe)
Saguaro - Jason Mohns - Zak Hill (Assistant @ ALA-Gilbert North)
ALA-Ironwood - Travis Epperson - Loren Dawson (HC @ Austin College)
Ironwood - Chris Rizzo - Tony Stillings (DC @ Ironwood)
Sequoia Pathway - Donnie Margerum - Kerry Taylor (former HC @ San Tan Charter)
Yuma - Bo Seibel - Armando Mosqueda (DC @ Yuma)
Benjamin Franklin - Dave Jefferies - Danny Norris (HC @ Gilbert Christian)
Coconino - Mike Lapsley - Gary Cook (former HC @ Phoenix College)
Scottsdale Christian - Nate Holtz - Mike Sheahan (Assistant @ Notre Dame)
Carl Hayden - Steven Arenas - J.H. Nunez (Assistant @ Willow Canyon)
Highland Prep West - Mario Jimerson - Orlando Chavez
NFL Yet - Ryan Palmer - Marcel Lopez (HC @ Bourgade Catholic)
Bourgade Catholic - Marcel Lopez - Drew Anderson (Assistant @ Maricopa)
Desert Vista - Nate Gill - Scooter Molander (HC @ Eastmark)
Fairfax - Brandon Johnson - Keith Mannie (Freshman HC @ Fairfax)
Fountain Hills - Sean Moran - Peter Schermerhorn (HC in Michigan)
Ray - Jay Wernett - Zac Moore (
Gilbert Christian - Danny Norris - John Carlson (
Chaparral - Brent Barnes - Doug Nisenson (HC @ HS in Colorado)
Nogales - Jake Teyechea - Joshua Jetton (coached in Washington)
Eastmark - Scooter Molander - Travis Dixon (DB Coach @ Higley)
Superior - Joshua Denhalter - Elias Olmos (
San Pasqual - Manny Sanchez - Miguel Rivas (Assistant @ Cibola)
Arete Prep - Brandon Payne - Mike Marino (DC/QB Coach @ Arete Prep)
Morenci - Joe Garcia - Rishard Davis (former HC @ Santa Cruz)
ALA-West Foothills - Tim Su'esu'e Lifuau - Chad Mitton (OC @ ALA-West Foothills)
Mountain Ridge - Doug Madoski - Gavin Lutman (OC @ Cactus Shadows)
Alchesay - Brandon Newcomb - Ramon Acosta (
Valley Lutheran - Brian Porter - Jason Stanfield (
Bisbee - Brian Vertrees - Shawn Holley (HC @ Holbrook)
Holbrook - Shawn Holley - Christopher Starkey (Asst. @ River Valley)
Baboquivari - Pete Delgado - Cody Garcia (Asst. @ Baboquivari)
Cesar Chavez - William Chipley - William 'Ducy' Burwell (former collegiate & semipro player)

The Arizona Varsity staff debates all the time who we think the top 10 football players in the state currently are. I don't want projected best in college, list your best HS Football players right now in order from 1-10! Add 2-3 "Outside looking in" as well!

I think we're in for some really fun in-state recruiting wars with these two staffs. Not entirely fair to compare the two head-to-head (yet) because Jedd Fisch and company have had a few years head start, but which program do you think has a bigger buzz locally right now!?

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Watch the video, let me know your thoughts!!

Most of us have gone out to cover multiple 7's tournaments, showcases, spring practices this off-season. So now I present all of you the question, "Which program do you think will shock the state this year." Can be making a playoff run, maybe upsetting a few powerhouses in the regular season, OR a shocking State Champion prediction. For example I think Salpointe can make a serious run at the 6A title. Loaded defense with a good crop of OL back for the Lancers. Definitely not a "sleeper" team but I doubt many would pick them to win a state title. I also really like the newcomer, ALAGN to make a run at 5A. LOADED at the skills position. Let's hear some of your guys' predictions!

Most of you may already know but Dylan Raiola has left Pinnacle High School to play his Sr. Year in Georgia.

SOOOO

Section-7 qualifier will be very interesting before the real Section-7...

Next weekend we have the 16th annual Best in Basketball Summer Invitational at Mesquite HS June 8-10.

Here is the schedule

If you're looking for a tremendously competitive high school basketball tournament featuring some of the very best teams in Arizona, check out the PrimeTime Invitational at Brophy Prep in Phoenix. Multiple state champions, state tournament runner-ups, and Open Division participants/contenders will be participating in the premier high school summer basketball tournament featuring Arizona schools only. Utilizing the main and auxilary gyms, Brophy Prep is centrally-located, has plentiful parking (free), will be air-conditioned at 71 degrees, and costs $5 for adults to enter. Here is the schedule of games:

Friday, June 9 (pool-play)

Main Gym
3p Desert Mountain vs. Prescott
4p Brophy Prep vs. St. Mary's Catholic
5p Millennium vs. Notre Dame Prep
6p St. Mary's Catholic vs. Perry
7p Valley Christian vs. Millennium
8p Brophy Prep vs. Perry

Auxiliary Gym
3p Notre Dame Prep vs. Valley Christian
4p Sunnyslope vs. Peoria
5p Basha vs. Prescott
6p Peoria vs. Catalina Foothills
7p Desert Mountain vs. Basha
8p Sunnyslope vs. Catalina Foothills

Saturday, June 10 (bracket-play)

Main Gym
10a Silver Bracket Semifinal
11a Silver Bracket Semifinal
1230p Silver Bracket 3rd Place Game
130p Silver Bracket Final
230p Gold Bracket Semifinal
4p PrimeTime Championship Game

Auxiliary Gym
10a Bronze Bracket Semifinal
11a Bronze Bracket Semifinal
1230p Bronze Bracket 3rd Place Game
130p Bronze Bracket Final
230p Gold Bracket Semifinal
4p Gold Bracket 3rd Place Game

Scores, updates, photos, & videos will be posted on Instagram & Twitter (@MonarchSportsAZ). Questions? Contact marcbeasley23@gmail.com

Potpourri of Coach Thoughts...Continued...

I usually wait until at least 100 people have read my last blog before moving on to another. Sometimes that happens pretty quick, but other times, like this time, it doesn’t. I must admit to being a little disappointed in the response for the last one, as I had hoped to get some book recommendations from someone. I read a lot and am always looking for something good from the basketball world, the sports world, biographies, and/or historical features. I am still waiting…

I have a few thoughts this time, starting with junior college basketball. I have done several posts on the subject, since I spent almost half my coaching career at that level. I called it the “netherworld” of basketball in the Phoenix Metro area, as people seem to know or care very little about it. Let me present some recent events as proof. Central Arizona College recently cancelled their men’s basketball program for next year. I haven’t seen a whisper on that subject in the media and it didn’t stir up much interest on this website. I mean, what happened down there?? Can you imagine if ASU cancelled their men’s basketball program? I also saw that the new Yavapai College coach resigned after one year. The only statement from the college was that it was a “personnel matter”. No kidding. What happened? Mark Bunker left Scottsdale to take the head job at Western New Mexico, an NCAA D2. I like Mark, he is a great guy, and I wish him all the best. Some places are a coaching graveyard, and Silver City is Boot Hill. But, I know Mark will work hard. The point is, when he left SCC for the new job, there wasn’t a bit of coverage locally- just a few things on social media. And Mesa, once a national powerhouse in men’s basketball, is sliding into Division II. It is something the Athletic Director has wanted for many years, but I resisted on historical and sentimental grounds. The administration doesn’t care one way or the other, and the public is generally ignorant of the differences between Division I and Division II junior college sports. The first year I came to Mesa, the Athletic Director was a gentleman named Jeff Fore. He is now in that position at Park University in Gilbert. He showed me plans for a mid-size arena that was projected to be built at Fiesta Mall in Mesa. The plans also included housing and shops, and Jeff had serious discussions with the then-mayor of Mesa about the project. I even sat in on a few. We, as a D1 junior college program, would share the arena with other events, which meant that the City of Mesa and MCC would have to do some serious marketing. Among the other tenants of the new arena that was mentioned was a hockey team. This was in 2008. Jeff was fired after one year, the new AD was not the same kind of thinker, and the college outside of Jeff never got interested in participating in this project. Why would they, since they had an enrollment of almost 40,000 students with practically no full time faculty? Now, in 2023, I see Fiesta Mall once again being mentioned as a possible site for a hockey team- the Coyotes. MCC will be completely out of that picture.

A lot of people thought MCC was funded differently for basketball than the other Maricopa schools, since we were D1 NJCAA. The assumption from the public and very limited media interest was simply that we were D1 and, thus, we operated on a D1 budget. I even had assistant coaches from other juco’s in the Valley and coaches from four year schools mention that to me. The truth was that all the Maricopa schools were funded for basketball exactly the same. So, money was always an issue. Fundraising became 70% of the job on a daily basis. We wanted to sell banner space for local businesses, but our AD didn’t like the look of advertising banners in the gym. He instead filled the gym with championship banners from MCC’s glorious past. If you ever go in there, you’ll notice the western wall is covered with golf banners of various descriptions, which caused us to nickname the gym “the Caddyshack”. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a dime for any of those banners. The Fiesta Bowl, at the height of their involvement with us, gave us 10k a year, and they gave us a large banner to hang in the gym. One year, the AD had the wall where the Fiesta Bowl banner hung re-painted, and the banner disappeared. I was told officially that the banner just vanished and no one knew what had happened, but word around the maintenance shack was that the banner was tossed on orders. The space was soon filled by golf banners. Caddyshack.

Another time, I suggested selling warm-ups and jersey space to advertisers. This was around 2010, and the idea just seemed too far fetched for the AD. He pointed out that neither the NBA nor the NCAA did that, and that it would be unbecoming to the ideals of athletics to have advertising sold onto jerseys. Now, as you know, NBA jerseys have advertising, and NILs have taken the colleges by storm, soon to be followed by jersey advertising, I’m sure. High schools will most certainly go there someday, as well. I also suggested chair coverings where the players sit to have advertising, but that was nixed for the same reasoning.

In-state travel and meals aside, we estimated that it would cost 50k annually to run a first class D1 program, of which MCC was providing around 12-15k, depending on whether we needed new jerseys in a particular year. So, that’s why so much of my time was spent trying to raise money.

Then there are the high schools. Annually, there are thirty or forty openings in Arizona for head coaches. This website memorializes this with the “Coaching Carousel”. Why is this an annual event? Hints- administrations, parents, club ball scene, pay, pay and respect for assistant-coaches. I will broach these subjects next time.