5A Southern Girls Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we gear up for Fall Leagues and the upcoming season here are some names on my Arizona 5A Southern Region watchlist.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894481"],"_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-6a8a0acdf19ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elisea comes back for what I expect to be a stellar senior season. A defensive menace who plays physical forcing turnovers and quickly turning them into scoring opportunities. A player with great confidence and an impressive motor. The vocal leader for the Bobcats just came of a season where she made first team all region honors and I don't expect anything different this season. She may even find herself in the DPOY conversation. A player who has shown the ability to compete at the next level.</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-6a8a0acdf19fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Espinzoa is my favorite to win the 5A Southern Region Player of the Year. She's already established herself as not only one of the best rebounders but also one of the top two way players in the state. Espinzoa took home the defensive player of the year honors last season. This year expect more from her on the offensive side but to still be dominant in the post. One of the states leaders in double doubles last season to be right back on that list this season. Great strength, skill and confidence to go with a college size frame. Espinoza will be a highly sought after prospect this 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-6a8a0acdf1a24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Verdugo has been a first team all region selection since her sophomore season. Her upcoming senior season should be no different. Her junior year saw her rack up 13.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Crashes the boards very well and is quick to put back the second chance opportunity. Verdugo plays well through physicality and scores well through contact. Skilled at drawing fouls, Verdugo was top 10 in the state with free throws made at 110. A preseason first team selection who could find herself in the region POY conversation as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197262"],"_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-6a8a0acdf1a46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An incredibly quick guard with a great handle. Has the ability to shoot from well beyond the arc. Makes high level reads and reacts quickly. Great decision maker with a strong pass. Tough competitor who isn't afraid of physicality. One of the few guards who will consistently take a charge. Whitaker returns for her senior season as the lead guard for the Caballeros after averaging 11.8 points per game last season. Look for the Flowing Wells to make a push for a region championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1810128"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1900067,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a8a0acdf1a67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A newcomer to the high school basketball scene. Castaneda has been impressive in my viewings of her. A tough guard who plays with great composure for her age. She has a very skilled handle and great speed to go with it. An effective mid range scorer who can also score very well from the perimeter. Castaneda can impact the game on both sides of the ball at a high level. Will be a freshman of the year candidate here in Southern Arizona.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050010"],"_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-6a8a14410bc3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Munoz is one of the top two-way guards in the Southern Arizona 2028 class. She plays with great confidence, physicality and is just a high impact player on both sides of the ball. She finished her sophomore season averaging 5.7 steals per game which ranked her top 3 in the 5A conference. She led her region in steals and assists per game while also ranking 4th in her region in points per game with 11.8. Expect Munoz to have a tremendous junior season. The 5A Southern is stacked with some top defensive players but expect Munoz to be mentioned with the best of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1900034,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1865156,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a8c97b935ef1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another newcomer in the 5A Southern Region who will make a name for herself pretty quickly. Very strong on the defensive side of the ball. Has great awareness and reacts quickly. Disciplined defender who keeps her opponents from getting to their spots. Leads the offense well and is very poised. Makes strong passes with precision and moves very effectively on the court. There some very talented guard in the 5A Southern. Carlon will be tested every game but will help her develop well long term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1900050,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1900054,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a8c97b935f4f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chavez is a gifted wing who can stretch the floor or dominate in the post. She has good strength, a lengthy wingspan and some great footwork to get the job done. She ended her sophomore year with a stellar performance in a playoff loss to Sunrise Mountain where she accounted for 20 points, 16 rebounds and 8 steals. Chavez continues to improve with every viewing and could wind up being a highly sought after wing in the 2028 class. Expect her to be in the discussions for first team all region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->