Southern Arizona Early Season Standouts Pt. 2

Many new faces stepped up as we got the 2025/26 girls basketball season started. As we gear up for the second half of the high school season I wanted to take a moment to highlight players who broke out and started making a name for themselves. Here are some girls who are making noise in Southern Arizona.    A hidden gem here in Southern Arizona, Amarillas hard work starting to pay off after recently receiving an offer from South Mountain College. The talented forward is having a dominant season for the Red Wolves. Amarillas averages a double double every game with 16.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. As a dominant defender in the post she adds 2.2 blocks per game as well. She is talented on both sides of the ball and has the size and skill to impact at the next level. Her latest offer is just the beginning of her recruitment.     Nelson is arguably one of the top true point guards in the 2027 class. She sets the pace of the game and is rarely if ever rattled by defensive pressure. She makes strong accurate passes while being double teamed and is just a dynamic playmaker. On the season she is averaging 11.7 points, 2.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. A highly effective player on both sides of the ball. Nelson has received her first offer of what I believe will be many to play at Pima College in Tucson, Arizona.     Wexler has had a tremendous off-season where she was named MVP at the Southern Arizona Showcase which included many top prospects from Southern Arizona. Shes off to a great start for the Rangers. She has six double doubles on the season with her best game of the season coming against Poston Butte where she finished with 22 points and 21 rebounds. On the season shes averaging 15.8 points, 3.2 assists, 9.9 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1 block per game. Wexler is working her way up the rankings an d continues to show she a top 2027 prospect in the state.     Yanez continues to have a strong start to the season. Shes been a key reason why the Blue Devils are off to a 10-1 start and have won both of their in season tournament championships. Most recently scoring a game high 18 points against Wasilla a powerhouse team from Alaska. Yanez on the season is averaging 10.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1 block per game. She is scoring 49 percent from the field and is dominant in the paint. Yanez is impressive with every showing and is under recruited.     Silvester is a high energy and highly effective player for the Mustangs. A very notable two way player in the 2027 class. She had her best game of the season against Scottsdale Saguaro where she put up 31 points, 11 rebounds and 8 steals. Very vocal and aggressive on ball defender. Silvester on the season is averaging 15.9 points, 2.5 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.9 steals per game. She still an "unknown" player to many but her play speaks for itself and I expect to see Silvesters name rise in the 2027 rankings before the season is over     A freshman making the list of top early season breakout players. McRae broke out at the Sunnyside Inferno Invitational where here ability to rebound the ball was one of the top at the event. She plays very mature and physical in the paint. She is currently averaging 4.8 points, 1 assist, 9.7 rebounds per game. She is currently ranked 7th in the 6A conference in rebounds and is in the top 50 for rebounds in the state. McRae is setting the tone for what looks to be the start of an incredible high school career. Still early but McRae could see herself with post season region honors.     When you watch Verdugo play the first thing you notice is her passion playing the game. She gives her all every possession of the game. and when shes on the bench shes cheering on her teammates on the court. Shes leading the Caballeros with 13 points, 1.4 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. Very effective with her movement on the court. Plays well in all areas, impacting the game on both sides. Finishes strong through contact and makes momentum shifting plays. A player who is fun to watch for an entire game.     Clark is one of my favorite players to watch simply because she plays defense with a PASSION. Shes a highly effective on ball defender averaging 4.4 steals per game and forcing many more with her relentless pressure. She adds 10.3 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. She see the court extremely well especially in transition. Quick to find her outlet after a steal from her opponents. thought shes not the top scorer for her team when you watch Pueblo play you can see how many of their points come from Clarks defensive play.     No question Medina is on of the top two way guards in the state. She has one of the best defensive and just overall IQs I've seen this season. Making high level reads and executing on them. Shes put up 11.3 points, 4.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game. She is on of the most consistent players on her production every game. Very tough. Will drive the lane and score through tough contact, get up shake it off then knock down the free throw and the get a steal the very next play. Nothing seems to phase her. Shes a tone setter and makes great on court adjustments. Just another hidden gem in a talented Sunnyside roster.

Many new faces stepped up as we got the 2025/26 girls basketball season started. As we gear up for the second half of the high school season I wanted to take a moment to highlight players who broke out and started making a name for themselves. Here are some girls who are making noise in Southern Arizona.