#354 - 🎄🏀 BOYS HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: COUGARS, BORDERS & NEW YEAR’S BATTLES 🔥🎆

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the heart of holiday tournament season 🎄🏀, previewing some of the biggest Christmas and New Year’s tournaments across Arizona.The guys break down the Cougar Holiday Classic, Battle on the Border, Coyotes Basketball Invitational, and the Epic Tourneys New Year’s Classic, discussing why these events matter, how they shape momentum, and which teams could use a strong showing to redefine their season. Along the way, they share predictions, spotlight contenders, and engage directly with the Small Ball community. 👀🔥🏔️ Mogollon stands out as a team to watch thanks to size, toughness, and competitiveness.🐾 Coolidge is favored at the Cougar Holiday Classic, thriving in their new playing style.💪 Thatcher remains a strong contender with consistency and experience.⚔️ Battle on the Border is a huge opportunity for teams like The Gregory School to build momentum.🏆 Yuma Catholic is expected to make a strong run in the Battle on the Border.🐺 Coyotes Basketball Invitational gives teams like Arete Prep a chance to test themselves against tougher competition.🧱 Valley Lutheran earns respect for steady play and competitive spirit.🎆 Epic Tourneys New Year’s Classic features evenly matched teams, making predictions wide open and unpredictable.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes preview two major upcoming tournaments that could shape the rest of the season — the Coyotes Basketball Invitational 🐺🏀 and the Epic Tourneys New Year’s Classic 🎇.The guys break down why these tournaments matter, which teams are under the most pressure, and how strong performances (or struggles) could impact momentum heading into league play. Along the way, they spotlight key players, debate favorites, and identify dark horses ready to make noise when the lights are brightest. 👀🔥🐺 Coyotes Basketball Invitational features several teams that will define the season early.👀 Arizona Lutheran is a must-watch team in the Coyotes Invitational.🎆 Epic Tourneys New Year’s Classic brings together a diverse and competitive field.⚠️ Coolidge needs to build momentum and confidence in tournament play.🏆 Lincoln Prep is undefeated, but the real test comes against tougher competition.🔧 Payson has potential but must improve when facing top-tier teams.⭐ Layla Curtis is a standout player built for tournament moments.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera break down their Top 16 rankings for Arizona high school boys basketball — and trust us, it wasn’t easy. 😤🏀The guys dig into the challenges of ranking teams across different regions and schedules, balancing eye test 👀, results 📊, and consistency. To keep things fun, they add a holiday twist 🎄 by handing out Christmas gift ideas for each team.🏀 The Top 16 boys teams across Arizona🤯 Why ranking teams is tougher than it looks🎁 Christmas gift ideas for every program🔥 Strong opinions, laughs, and Small Ball debates🙌 Respect for the grind of players and coaches statewide

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera unveil their Top 16 rankings for Arizona high school girls basketball — and it’s not as easy as it sounds. 😅🏀The guys dive into the challenges of ranking teams based on performance, strength of schedule, and consistency, while keeping things light with a fun twist 🎁 — Christmas gift ideas for each team. Packed with humor 😂, insight 🧠, and genuine appreciation for the players and programs across the state ❤️🏀, this episode blends analysis with the personality that makes Arizona Small Ball what it is.🏀 The Top 16 girls teams across Arizona🤯 Why ranking teams is harder than it looks🎄 Christmas gift ideas tailored to each program🙌 Appreciation for players, coaches, and communities

In this episode, hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera are breaking down the fierce competition and standout performances across the Arizona high school girls' basketball scene. This isn't just a recap; it's an insider's look at the teams dominating the courts and the players making waves! This week, we zoom in on the powerhouse performance of Joseph City at the Round Valley Tournament, analyzing how they simply overwhelmed the competition. We'll also dissect the secrets behind Lincoln Prep's red-hot start and explore why Snowflake's incredible rebounding stats (an average of 38 boards per game! 🤯) are a major key to their success.Plus, hear exciting updates on:Horizon Honors' rising confidence after a massive win over the defending champions!Gilbert Christian's inspiring comeback story.Yuma Catholic's resilience and 3A division dominance.👑 Joseph City's Dominance: They weren't just good at the Round Valley Tournament; they showcased impeccable talent and teamwork that promises a potential deep run.🚀 Lincoln Prep's Hot Start: Discover how their depth and balanced approach make them a serious contender this season.❄️ Snowflake's Board Control: We break down why averaging 39 rebounds per game is a game-changer and a significant factor in their success.💪 Gilbert Christian's Comeback: Analyzing the key players stepping up to fuel their strong resurgence.😈 Yuma Catholic: Proving to be a formidable and resilient opponent in the challenging 3A division.Cinderella potential as the Copper tournament approaches.✨ Player Spotlight: Tamia from Miami is averaging a breathtaking triple-double—learn why she is the standout player of the moment!From potential Cinderella stories to players averaging triple-doubles, Jeff and Reyes cover the competitive landscape with expert insights. Tune in to catch all the excitement! 🔥

The Arizona Small Ball Podcast is back with an action-packed episode! Join hosts Jeff Luera and Reyes Herrera as they dissect the thrilling high school basketball showdowns from the recent Round Valley Round Ball Tournament and previous matchups from the week. This week, we break down the most intense matchups: 🏆 Payson vs. Holbrook in a nail-biting final, and Fort Thomas demonstrating serious resilience against Pima. We shine a spotlight on standout performances from teams like Ben Franklin, River Valley, and the dominant San Tan Charter. Plus, we analyze the broader competitive landscape of Arizona hoops, emphasizing the crucial difference home court advantage makes and tracking the impressive development of rising stars across various programs. 📈The second half of the season is heating up, and we set the stage for what’s next! Tune in now for the deepest dive into Arizona Small Ball action!What's Inside This Episode:🏆 Championship Showdown: The thrilling conclusion of Payson vs. Holbrook and For Thomas V Pima!📈 Rising Stars: Tracking improvement for River Valley, Valley Lutheran, and Yuma Catholic.🔥 Undefeated Watch: A shoutout to the impressive 8-0 start for Coolidge.🔊 Atmosphere Analysis: The unique home-court energy at San tan Charter.Don't miss a minute of the action. Subscribe and listen today! 👇

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. 🔥🏀