Southern Arizona All Junior First Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The AIA season saw some talented juniors step up and became a big part of their teams success on the varsity level. These ladies showed out, many being key factors to their teams making playoff runs and securing region championships. Here are my picks for the Southern Arizona All Junior First Team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["788466"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca232e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson might've been the best pure point guard this season in Southern Arizona. Her ability to run the offense and see the court were second to none. She consistently made plays and great passes despite being double covered most of the time. Doesn't get rattled despite the pressure. She was a very effective scorer scoring on 40% of her field goal attempts and 38% from the perimeter. She moves very well defensively dictating the pace opposing guards would play. Nelson was selected as the 4A Kino Region Player of the Year. She will return a long with the entire team next season in hopes of securing a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["800943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca2391"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kollasch was selected to the 4A Kino Region First Team after finishing with 9.7 points, 1.7 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. A fierce competitor who plays every possession at a high level. She has the size, strength and skill to guard every position if needed. A vocal leader whether on the court or bench. Her strong leadership is visible on the court. Impacts the game at a very high level. Kollasch is every bit of a next level player and still has another year to get better. The Lancers are going to be a team on a mission this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196468"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca23d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Caballeros needed someone to come in this season and just be dominant on the court. Verdugo answered the call leading the team in points, rebounds and field goal percentage. Verdugo was selected to the 5A Southern Region First Team after averaging 13.7 points, 1.7 assists, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Plays with purpose on both ends of the court. She has a lengthy wingspan that allows her to deflect passes and block shots. She can dribble and drive scoring through contact and drawing the foul. She scored 110 free throws this season. A high impact player who will gain the attention of college coaches this off season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1844127,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Abby Silvester","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sahuarita High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca246f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I don't think a player had more of a breakout season than Silvester did. She stepped up and took over for the Mustangs this season earning herself the 4A Gila Region Player of the Year. She shot 40% from the field scoring 15.4 points per game. She has a good three ball but scored very well attacking the paint. A high energy player who hustles every possession. Great defensive ability creating chaos for opposing guards the length of the court. She did a tremendous job on the boards grabbing 6.9 per game and accounting for nine double doubles on the season. Expect Silvester to have a terrific senior season that should see her attract the attention of college coaches.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196508"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca24b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After recapping the season in my opinion, no player impacted a teams success more than Espinoza did. She finished the season with 24 double doubles which ranked 31st in the nation. Her 15.6 rebounds per game ranked her 58th in the nation. She plays every possession at a high level and her motor just doesn't stop. She was selected as 5A Southern Region Defensive Player of the Year. Very physical player who had 2.5 blocks and 3.6 steals per game. Espinoza is arguably the top 2027 Southern Arizona prospect at her position and coaches are taking notice. At the end of her junior season Espinoza had 797 points, 1048 rebounds, 260 steals and 151 blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["772666"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca24f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In a year that saw Chief lead the Falcons on a deep playoff run she earned 5A Sonoran Region Player of the Year. One of the top overall 2027 prospects in the state. Chief can impact in the post with her strength and excellent post footwork or spacing out the floor knocking down the three ball. She averaged 10 points, 3.7 assists, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. What makes Chief a special player is she can simply do it all. Her skill, speed, strength and IQ allows her to be able to fill in and play any position. Chief helped lead the Falcons to a final four appearance in the 5A State playoffs. Expect her to have the Falcons back in it again next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197321"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca2534"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wexler was selected to First Team 6A South Region after averaging 16 points, 2.6 assists, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Wexler is a top competitor who plays at a very high level. I've had the opportunity to see Wexler practice and its no different than watching her in a game, great leadership and high level performance. Wexler has a strong handle and can shoot very well off the dribble or the pass. Wexler is one of my favorite 2027 college prospects who will be sought after from coaches this upcoming season. A high academic player who impacts at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1196451"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca256f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Safo was selected as Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the 6A South Region. Safo was highly effective scoring 16.6 points per game and having 3.7 assists on the offensive end. A skilled dribbler with a quick step that allowed her to slice through the defense and score at the basket. She was just as effective on the defensive end averaging 9.9 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. She accounted for 14 double doubles on the season. Safo is a player coaches need to catch this off-season. A high academic player who has a high ceiling and can positively impact at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["837943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca25ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a fan of defensive playmakers watching Medina play is always exciting. She averaged 4.0 steals per game including a season high 12 against Gila Ridge. A relentless on ball defender who is a nightmare for opposing guards. Patient on the offensive end allowing plays to develop and making high level reads against the defense. Her 5.6 assist per game ranked fifth in the state. Medina thrived in physical games scoring the ball well through contact. One of the top facilitators in the state. Medina was selected as the 6A South Region Co-Defensive Player of the Year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":1844260,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Layla O'Rourke-Slone","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Sahuaro High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69f423cca2621"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Layla shined in her first varsity season for the Sahuaro Cougars. She earned a spot on the 4A Kino Region Second Team in what I feel was the most talented region in Southern AZ. Her physical play in the post and skills helped her notch 11 double doubles on the season including her game against Tucson High where she finished with 21 points and 16 rounds. Layla averaged 10.5 points, 1.8 assists, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. She has great footwork in the post and a high percentage floater she can score off of. She cuts well and moves around the floor with purpose. A lot to look forward to should she continue this trend of development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->