The Miami/San Carlos Rivalry did not Disappoint

There are rivalries and then there is the Miami/San Carlos rivalry. Deeply entrenched in the Central Arizona landscape, these two communities that are connected to the Apache Trail and the Apache Nation, come together to play basketball once a year and the intensity and fervor of the game is palpable. Miami came in as the #1 Ranked team in the Arizona 2A Conference, and San Carlos came in Ranked as the #3 team in the 2A Conference.   The game did not disappoint as the teams battled to a 63-63 tie after regulation when San Carlos standout guard [player_tooltip player_id='859874' first='Caylee' last='Longstreet'] hit a 3 pointer with 5 seconds left. The gym was filled to capacity and the ups and downs of the game were felt through the crowd as emotions were high. The game teetered back and forth until the Miami press finally wore down San Carlos who were without their Superstar Guard [player_tooltip player_id='605114' first='Ellysia' last='Cutter'] who fouled out with 4 minutes left in the game. Miami prevailed 76-68 in an exciting and emotional victory.   Miami was without their Superstar Guard [player_tooltip player_id='821247' first='Savannah' last='Pietila'] with an injury. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='821246' first='Leeyah' last='Goss'] went over 1,000 points for her career which was celebrated by both sets of fans during the 2cnd quarter.   Impact Players Miami/San Carlos:    [player_tooltip player_id='605114' first='Ellysia' last='Cutter'] is a prototype Shooting Guard that has deep range on her shot and can score from all 3 levels. She is an underrated passer that has great court vision and awareness. She has a high basketball IQ and she is a very unselfish player. She has tremendous upside and will play on the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='605124' first='Kylee' last='Juan'] is a pure power forward that has excellent skill around the basket on the offensive end. She is a good rebounder and rim protector. She can hit mid range shots consistently. She has a lot of potential to play on the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='859874' first='Caylee' last='Longstreet'] is a terrific shooter. She has deep range on her 3's and she can hit from mid range as well. She is skilled on her drives to the basket and has the ability to create for her teammates. I see her as a point guard on the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='859879' first='Malia' last='Antonio'] is a critical piece to the San Carlos squad. She is a tough defender and rebounder, and can score inside in critical situations. She has a great motor and she has a high basketball IQ. If she continues to develop, she has the potential to be a highly recruited player.     [player_tooltip player_id='673100' first='Tamia' last='Pietila'] is already one of the Top Players in the 2A Conference and is quickly becoming one of the top Prospects in Arizona. She has tremendous ball handling skills, especially under duress. She is a very good passer. What stands out to me is her ability to hit pull up jump shots in traffic as well as hit deep 3's. She is a prolific scorers that will score well over 2,000 points in her career.     [player_tooltip player_id='1197219' first='Aeriana' last='Brown'] is a very good Combo Guard that can play Point Guard on the next level. She has very good court vision and is excellent in transition offense either passing or finishing on the break. She is a very good defender that can cause fits for opponents on the press. She is a fiery competitor that has a great motor.     [player_tooltip player_id='821246' first='Leeyah' last='Goss'] plays a vital role for the Vandals. She picks her spots to get her points but is always looking to make the right pass or get critical rebounds. I see her as a Shooting Guard on the next level, that will be able to help rebound and defend forwards. She went over 1,000 points for her career vs. San Carlos, which is no easy task because they are so balanced offensively.     [player_tooltip player_id='1197227' first='Olivia' last='Chacon'] impressed me with her ability to score on all 3 levels. She was heavily involved offensively and she rose to the occasion in this critical game scoring clutch baskets in a tough environment. She will be a prolific scorer for Miami and has tremendous upside.     [player_tooltip player_id='673101' first='Demetria' last='Dosela'] plays a critical role for the Vandals. She is the rim protector on defense and the inside presence on offense. She has a versatile scoring range but is efficient at getting offensive rebounds and pout backs. She is a good athlete that can get up and down the floor, and is an intriguing college prospect.

There are rivalries and then there is the Miami/San Carlos rivalry. Deeply entrenched in the Central Arizona landscape, these two communities that are connected to the Apache Trail and the Apache Nation, come together to play basketball once a year and the intensity and fervor of the game is palpable. Miami came in as the #1 Ranked team in the Arizona 2A Conference, and San Carlos came in Ranked as the #3 team in the 2A Conference.