#344 - Seton Catholic’s Surge, River Valley Undefeated, Fort Thomas Dominance & ALA West Foothills Pace 🔥🏀

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera dive into another action-packed week of Arizona high school basketball! 🏀🔥They spotlight the red-hot rise of the Seton Catholic Sentinels ⚔️, who continue shaking up the rankings with wins over top teams. The guys also celebrate River Valley’s undefeated streak 🚀, and break down the dominance of Fort Thomas 💪 in their league.The fast-paced, high-octane style of ALA West Foothills ⚡ gets major attention, along with Pima’s strong win over Scottsdale 🏆. The hosts also highlight Gilbert Classical’s solid start 📈 and Ben Franklin’s resurgence now that key players have returned 🔄🔥.From elite teams rising to sleepers emerging, the landscape of Arizona small-school hoops is as competitive as ever. 👀🏀

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera break down the newest storylines across Arizona high school basketball. They highlight Wickenburg’s surprising hot start, the intense matchup between Horizon Honors and Fountain Hills, and Rancho’s continued strength on both ends of the floor.The guys also dive into the dominance of the Snowflake girls, Tuba City’s sharp, disciplined play, and the emergence of Valley Christian’s rising stars. The episode closes with a recap of the high-speed showdown between San Carlos and Fort Thomas, followed by St. John’s impressive run in the PCD Tournament.🚀 Wickenburg is off to a surprising and impressive start.⚔️ Horizon Honors vs Fountain Hills delivered a competitive, high-level game.🔥 Rancho continues to show discipline and strong execution.❄️ Snowflake Girls look dominant early — a true title contender.🏔️ Tuba City is playing sharp, physical basketball with purpose.⭐ Valley Christian is seeing major contributions from rising stars.⚡ San Carlos vs Fort Thomas showcased speed, transition pressure, and crowd energy.🏆 St. John’s leaves the PCD tournament with momentum and confidence.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera dive into another exciting week of Arizona girls high school basketball. They break down standout performances, program-defining wins, rising stars, and the biggest storylines shaping the early season.Jeff and Reyes highlight big-time performances from Morenci, Joseph City, Winslow, Horizon Honors, Lincoln Prep, and Window Rock, while also recapping the electric showdown between Yuma Catholic and Seton Catholic. The guys shine a spotlight on freshman phenom Layla Curtis, and finish with a deep dive into the emotional and intense Battle of the Apaches between San Carlos and Alchesay — a rivalry that never disappoints.💡 Takeaways:🔥 Tiara Jones (Morenci) delivered a standout performance in a tight battle vs Fort Thomas.🧱 Joseph City impressed with elite defensive efficiency in their season opener.🚀 Winslow looks like they’re BACK with major wins over strong opponents.👀 Horizon Honors is emerging as a team to keep a close eye on — deep roster + coaching.💪 Lincoln Prep is on fire to start the season with dominant early performances.🌟 Window Rock’s surprising rise has them competing at a high level already.🏆 Yuma Catholic’s big win over Seton Catholic shows their growth and toughness.✨ Layla Curtis is making waves as a freshman — skilled, calm, and impactful.⚔️ Battle of the Apaches delivered again, with San Carlos’ resilient 4th quarter sealing it.🙌 Community support remains the heartbeat of Arizona high school basketball.🎙️ Listen Now:Week 2 brought breakout stars, rivalry battles, and major early-season statements. Tap in for all the storylines that matter in Arizona girls hoops! 🔥🏀

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera break down a jam-packed week of Arizona high school basketball. From surprise contenders to electric finishes, the guys cover all the early-season movement across 1A–3A.They spotlight Bourgade Catholic’s🔥 strong start, Arete Prep’s unique player recognition system, and Gilbert Christian’s clutch buzzer-beater win. The duo also highlights Palo Verde’s elite athleticism, Seton Catholic’s huge W over Yuma Catholic, and Alchesay’s upward trend after a competitive matchup with San Carlos.Jeff and Reyes share standout player performances, including Joey Benali (Page) and Parker’s aggressive new identity, while also discussing injuries affecting Valley Christian, Fort Thomas’ rise in 1A, and Santan Charter’s impressive start despite missing key pieces.💡 Takeaways:🔥 Bourgade Catholic is rolling early and looks legit.🌟 Arete Prep is gaining attention with their unique player recognition system.🎯 Gilbert Christian’s coaching and late-game execution continue to shine.⚡ Palo Verde’s athleticism is giving opponents problems.🏀 Joey Benaly (Page) is emerging as a must-watch player.💪 Parker is making noise with their aggressive, fearless style.🏆 Fort Thomas looks like a serious 1A contender.🚀 Santan Charter off to a fast start even without full roster strength.📈 Seton Catholic’s win over YC has major ranking implications.🔵 Alchesay trending upward after a strong performance vs San Carlos.🎙️ Listen Now:Another week, another round of chaos, clutch moments, and rising stars in Arizona small school hoops! Tap in, Small Ball fam. 🔥🏀

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera break down an electric Week 1 of Arizona high school basketball. They dive into the biggest matchups, standout performances, and early-season surprises across the state.From dominant showings to gritty wins, the guys highlight strong starts from teams like Page, Show Low, Fountain Hills, and Tuba City.Jeff and Reyes emphasize the importance of resilience, composure, and adapting quickly in the opening weeks — setting the tone for what promises to be a wild and exciting year of small school hoops.🎙️ Listen Now:The season is officially underway — and the Small Ball community is already buzzing. Tap in to hear who impressed, who surprised, and what Week 1 means for the road ahead!

In this action-packed episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera break down an explosive first week of Arizona high school basketball! 🎉 From nail-biters to breakout performances, the guys highlight the games and teams that set the tone for an unforgettable season ahead.They dive into NPA’s🔥 performance against Rancho, PCD’s OT thriller vs Fountain Hills, and the fast-paced showdown between Gilbert Christian and ALA West Foothills ⚡. Jeff and Reyes also examine the down-to-the-wire matchup between Page and Show Low, plus Joseph City’s strong showing 💪 against The Gregory School.💡 Expect:🚨 Big-time performances🔥 Week 1 surprises🧨 High-energy matchups💪 Early contenders emerging⚔️ Underdogs making noise🎙️ Listen Now:If Week 1 is any indication… Arizona small school hoops is about to be WILD this year. Tap in and relive the chaos!

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the excitement of Week 1 in Arizona girls high school basketball! 🎉 They break down the good, great, and best matchups of the week, previewing key games, analyzing new rosters, and sharing predictions for how the season will tip off.The conversation focuses on early chemistry, standout players, and which teams could make an immediate statement. From revamped squads to powerhouse programs returning talent, this episode sets the stage for an electric opening week. 👀💡 Takeaways:🦅 Phoenix Country Day debuts a new look and fresh identity this season.💪 Valley Sanders returns key players and looks strong out of the gate.🔵 Alchesay is expected to shine, especially on their home floor.🏔️ Tuba City enters Week 1 as a projected top contender for the season.😬 Show Low faces challenges after major player losses, especially in their matchup against Page.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the madness of Week 1 in Arizona high school basketball! 🎉 They break down the good, great, and best matchups of the week — previewing key games, analyzing new rosters, and sharing predictions for how the first week of hoops will play out.The guys discuss turnover management, early-season chemistry, and which teams could make a statement right out of the gate. From up-and-coming programs to powerhouse contenders, this episode sets the tone for the season ahead. 👀💡 Takeaways:🏀 Parker and Kingman Academy rematch from last season.💪 Empire looks to evolve from competitive to contender status this season.⚡ NFL Yet impresses early with athleticism and raw potential.🎒 Gilbert Christian’s youth could bring excitement — and a few first-game mistakes.🏆 The Gregory School enters as a copper division run favorite in the 1A with serious firepower.🧱 Fountain Hills’ defense continues to be one of the toughest in the state.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the top storylines shaping Arizona high school girls basketball this season. From new coaching leadership to breakout players and powerhouse programs, the duo breaks down the excitement, challenges, and rivalries that make the girls’ side of small school hoops so special.TOP STORYLINES FOR THE UPCOMING SEASONCAMP VERDE COWBOYS AND COACH HARRISA new era begins in Camp Verde under Coach Harris. The hosts discuss his leadership style, the Cowboys’ team identity, and what to expect as they build toward a playoff push.ISABELLA ACOSTA AND ASH FORK’S PLAYOFF POTENTIALAsh Fork’s standout guard Isabella Acosta continues to impress. Jeff and Reyes explore how her playmaking and leadership could lift her team into postseason contention.JOSEPH CITY GIRLS AND THE COPPER TOURNAMENTThe Joseph City girls look to make a statement early. The Copper Tournament could reveal just how deep this group can go against top-tier competition.3A NORTH RESERVATION TEAMS SHOWDOWNThe 3A North remains one of the most competitive regions in Arizona. The hosts highlight key matchups and the intense rivalries that define reservation basketball.SETTING REALISTIC GOALS FOR PHOENIX COUNTRY DAYThe legacy of Phoenix Country Day continues under a new chapter. Jeff and Reyes talk expectations, development, and what realistic success looks like this season.SNOWFLAKE’S DEFENSE AND CHAMPIONSHIP POTENTIALSnowflake’s defensive strength separates them from the pack. The duo breaks down why the Lady Lobos could be serious contenders for a state title.TAMIA PIETILA: PLAYER OF THE YEAR CONTENDERTamia Pietila’s all-around game puts her firmly in the 2A Player of the Year conversation. Jeff and Reyes analyze her impact and leadership on and off the court.FORT THOMAS VS. JOSEPH CITY: A 1A SHOWDOWNA matchup loaded with intensity and tradition. The hosts preview the upcoming battle between Fort Thomas and Joseph City, a game that could define early-season momentum.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the biggest storylines heading into the new season. From defending champions to underdog contenders, they break down the excitement and unpredictability that defines Arizona small school basketball.TOP STORYLINES FOR THE SEASONPUSH RIDGE’S CHALLENGE AS DEFENDING CHAMPIONSThe hosts discuss whether Push Ridge has the depth, discipline, and mindset to repeat in a stacked field.SCOTTSDALE CHRISTIAN’S POTENTIAL WITH NEW ADDITIONSNew players and coaches make Scottsdale Christian one of the most intriguing teams this season.PAYSON LONGHORNS: A TEAM ON THE RISEThe Longhorns’ transformation continues as they look to make noise in 3A.ALA WEST FOOTHILLS VS. YUMA CATHOLICCan Yuma be challenged this year in the region?3A SOUTH TEAMS AND THEIR POTENTIALA loaded region where every game feels like a playoff matchup.THATCHER’S CEILING AND SOUTH REGION COMPETITIVENESSCan Thatcher rise to the top in one of the most balanced regions in the state?DESERT CHRISTIAN’S LATE-SEASON IMPACTReturning experience makes Desert Christian a dangerous late-season opponent.ZAYTHAN RUFFIN: A CONTENDER FOR 2A PLAYER OF THE YEARZaythan Ruffin’s athleticism and leadership put him in the award conversation early.SELIGMAN’S FUTURE WITHOUT KEY PLAYERSAfter losing core seniors, Seligman looks to rebuild and stay competitive.