Who are Arizona’s most efficient scorers?
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INTRODUCTION: Arizona boasts some tremendously talented scorers. Two players this past season connected on over 200 two-point field goals and both shot over 50%. Here are profiles of the five top leaders in two-point shots. GABRIELLA SANCHEZ – is a…
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Continue ReadingINTRODUCTION: Arizona boasts some tremendously talented scorers. Two players this past season connected on over 200 two-point field goals and both shot over 50%. Here are profiles of the five top leaders in two-point shots.
GABRIELLA SANCHEZ – is a power forward and center for Tucson Magnet High School who led the state of Arizona in two-point field goals made in 2022-23. Shit hit on 247 out of 421 attempts or 59% of her shots. A 6-1 senior, her scoring average has increased every year in her four varsity seasons: 6.1 as a freshman, 9.0 as a sophomore, 15.1 as a junior, and 23.6 this season. Her rebounding totals have also improved each year: 4.3, 5.3, 10.6, and 11.6. She shot 58% from the field as a sophomore and finished at 59% this year. She has totaled over 1100 career points and won three Player of the Game awards, as chosen by Max Preps in the 2022-23 season.
EVALUATION: Gabriella has developed into an outstanding offensive player, hitting 59% of her two-point attempts this season. Her scoring and rebounding numbers have increased yearly since her freshman season. At 6-1, she has a reputation for being both a fearless and tireless defender. After graduating this spring, she will undoubtedly be playing at the college level.
Ashlynn Chlarson Ashlynn Chlarson 6'2" | C Pima | 2023 State AZ – is a 6-2 senior center who plays for Pima High School and ranks second in the state in two-point field goals made. She connected on 225 of 434 attempts or 52%. She also plays volleyball at Pima and her club team is Arizona Elite. Although Pima lost to Phoenix Country Day in the 2A Championship game this year, Ashlynn had 29 points and 13 rebounds in the game. In the EAC Holiday tournament final played this past December, she had 29 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocked shots. She was named MVP of the All-Tournament team. One scout had this to say: “Ashlynn has a great touch around the basket, keeps the ball high, and finishes in traffic.” She has over 1,200 career points and her scoring average has gone up each season: 3.3 to 10.9 to 13.3 to 20.8.
EVALUATION: Ashlynn has improved her offensive production each year at Pima High School. She averaged 3.3 as a freshman on the varsity and ended this past year, her senior season, averaging 20.8 points per game on 52% shooting. Pima finished 27-3 but lost to Phoenix Country Day in the 2A Championship game. Defensively, she is a nightmare for opponents with her ability to anticipate shots which results in blocked shots. She definitely will be playing at the next level in 2023-24.
Molly Garnand Molly Garnand 6'1" | PF Pusch Ridge Christian Academy | 2023 State AZ – is a 6-1 power forward and center for Pusch Ridge Christian Academy and ranks third in the state in field goals made for her two-point baskets. She made 163 shots in 254 attempts or 46%. In a January win over Florence High School, she went over 1,000 career points. She also plays on the volleyball and track and field teams at Pusch Ridge and is headed to Westmont College next year. Molly’s scoring average has improved each year over her four years at PRCA: 11.2 as a freshman, then 13.3, 15.1, and 16.6. She also plays in spring and summer tournaments for her club team, the Arizona Rattlers.
EVALUATION: Molly is the model of consistency. Her motor is always running, giving 100% at both ends of the floor. During her last three years at Pusch Ridge, she averaged 13.3, 15.1, and 16.6 points per game, respectively. Now a senior, she has become an outstanding shooter as well as a defender. Her long wingspan works well on the defensive end, leading to turnovers, steals, and blocked shots. Molly has already been offered a college scholarship and will be competing at the next level in 2023-24.
Aniyah Riddell Aniyah Riddell 6'1" | PF Desert Vista | 2024 State AZ – is a power forward for Mountain Pointe High School. She finished fourth in the state in two-point field goals made. She hit on 138 of 309 attempts or 45%. She was selected as the 5A SanTan Region Player of the Year. One scout commented on this 6-1 physical post player: “She is one of the best post players in the state of Arizona, regardless of class. She is averaging 16 points and 13 rebounds a game. She can dominate inside and stretch the floor from three. Aniyah will be one of the higher recruited players come spring.” In a regular season win over Williams Field, the 6-1 junior had 20 points and 20 rebounds along with four assists and two blocks. She was also selected as Player of the Game a total of 10 different times by Max Preps.
EVALUATION: Aniyah is one of the best all-around players in the state. She averages a double-double and is a relentless defender. She is also an outstanding rebounder while averaging 16 points per game. On offense, she dominates inside and is almost unstoppable in the paint. She should have a tremendous senior year and will be heavily recruited from colleges across the country.
Emma Dasovich Emma Dasovich 6'1" | PF Valley Vista | 2024 State AZ – is a power forward for Valley Vista High School. The Monsoon recently won their sixth state championship in the last seven years. Emma ranks fifth in the state in two-point field goals made, having connected on 133 of 200 attempts, or an astounding 66%. A junior in the class of 2024, she averaged 11.2 points a game and 5.8 rebounds per contest. The Monsoon’s head coach and member of the Arizona Hall of Fame, Rachel Matakas, called Emma, “a natural team leader.” She and her family recently moved to Phoenix from Minnesota.
EVALUATION: Emma recently moved from Minnesota to the Phoenix area and immediately made an impact with this year’s Valley Vista team. The Monsoon won the 6A State Championship for the sixth time in the last seven seasons. Emma, a junior, averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds in her first year with the Monsoon. She improved her game. both offensively and defensively, throughout the 2022-23 season. Valley Vista will certainly be a contender for another state title in 2024.