#324 - 🏀🤣 Layups, 3-Pointers & Slam Dunks: Wild Basketball Tryout Stories! 🔥👟

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.

The Arizona Small Ball Podcast announces the introduction of the Verl Heap Award, an award that recognizes the most outstanding player in Arizona small ball. The award aims to encourage student athletes to be the best version of themselves on and off the court. The award is named after Verl Heap, a coaching legend at St. John's who won eight state titles and had a successful career as a player, coach, and Father. The criteria for the award include exceptional skill, sportsmanship, leadership, impact on team success, and character and integrity.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes trade their scariest, funniest, and most unforgettable basketball tryout stories — from both the player and coach sides. They talk about the pressure of making a team, the chaos of evaluating players, and the outrageous moments that only happen when the gym lights flicker on for tryout week.💡 Takeaways:🏀 The stress of tryouts brings out the best — and funniest — sides of players.😂 Jeff and Reyes share hilarious excuses players have used to get out of drills.🧠 Insight into how coaches actually view effort, attitude, and preparation.😳 One story turns dangerous fast, proving youth sports are never predictable.📚 A reminder: Preparation beats panic — and confidence counts for more than flash.💥 Story Segments:🏀 Layups — quick, funny moments from tryouts that’ll have you shaking your head.🎯 3-Pointers — unbelievable tales that hit nothing but net.🚀 Slam Dunks — the wildest stories that left everyone speechless.🎧 Listen Now:From excuses and chaos to courage and comedy, this episode is pure ASBP gold. Tune in and relive the madness that makes basketball tryouts unforgettable! 💪👻🏀

In this Halloween-themed episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the spooky side of Arizona high school hoops! From bone-chilling rivalries to monster performances, the duo breaks down the scariest matchups in both boys’ and girls’ basketball this season.💡 Takeaways:🧢 A fun debate over the scariest mascots and coaches in small school basketball🏀 Girls’ basketball heats up with Horizon Honors vs. Miami — a can’t-miss matchup📅 December is shaping up to be the month to watch for girls’ hoops❄️ Snowflake vs. Coolidge brings powerhouse energy to the court⚡ San Carlos’ electric guards face off in a fiery rivalry with Alchesay📈 The Gregory School matchup could help San Carlos climb in PowerPoints💪 Pima shows grit and toughness in their Clash of Titans against Push Ridge🔁 Phoenix Country Day seeks revenge vs. Palo Verde after last year’s nail-biter🧩 Yuma Catholic and Valley Christian both undergo major changes — watch this space🚨 Ben Franklin could be a real threat to Gilbert Christian’s new look🧱 Joseph City’s defense gives Fort Thomas nightmares in 1A play🎃 Girls’ Basketball🏀 Miami vs. Horizon Honors — a key early-season test❄️ Snowflake vs. Coolidge — powerhouse programs collide🏔️ Page vs. Snowflake — a high-altitude showdown🔥 Boys’ Basketball🦅 Valley Christian vs. Payson — small-ball speed vs. mountain muscle🐺 Ganado vs. Valley Sanders — intensity from start to finish💥 Snowflake vs. Valley Christian — a 3A battle of titans⚡ San Carlos vs. The Gregory School — guard play that shocks the state💪 Pima vs. Push Ridge — toughness meets talent🔁 Phoenix Country Day vs. Palo Verde — revenge on the line🚀 Phoenix Christian vs. Yuma Catholic — athleticism on full display🧩 Valley Christian vs. Yuma Catholic — a new era for both teams🎯 Ben Franklin vs. Gilbert Christian — styles clash in the East Valley🧱 Joseph City vs. Fort Thomas — defense wins the night🎧 Listen now to hear Jeff and Reyes break down all the spooky stats, scary-good players, and terrifyingly tough schedules around Arizona high school basketball!💬 Follow the Arizona Small Ball Podcast for more coverage, rankings, and community stories each week.Link to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/azsmallball

In this episode we talk about the teams competing in the main Event for the boys! We talk through teams that are "the hunted, the hunters, and dark horses in the tournament. We also discuss who we think is gonna have the gym BUZZING this weekend, and who we expect to go nuclear!!! Don't miss out!!