#315 - 🏆 From Underdogs to Champions with Coach Steve Solita 🦁

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!!

🎙️ Main Event Girls Basketball Round Robin Preview 🏀👑In this episode, Jeff and Reyes dive into the buzz surrounding the upcoming main event round robin, breaking down key teams, star players, and lingering questions as programs prepare for the summer time. 🔥📈🏔️ Horizon Honors (18-12, 3rd in Region)🧩 Biggest Strength: Return ALL impact players💫 Key Players:​Alicia Londono (So.) — 18 pts in her playoff debut, a perfect 4-4 from deep!​Audrianna Anglada — 14 pts, 3-5 from three.They played a solid zone last year and return a tight-knit squad that knows how to play together.📈 High Point Last Season: Big-time playoff performance vs. Rancho.Payson (27-7, 1st in Region, Conference Runner-Up)🔻 Key Losses: Redford, Sarnowski, Deschaaf, Whaley, Ramirez.🤔 Big Question: They lost a lot — but there's no doubt the returners are leveling up.📈 High Point Last Season: Making it to the conference championship game.📚 Cicero Prep (17-10, 2nd in Region)🔻 Key Losses: Just 1 senior.💫 Key Returner: Kira Meyers – ready to take it to another level.📈 High Point Last Season: Top-tier regional finish and strong overall record.🌲 Camp Verde (12-14, 5th in Region)🔻 Key Losses: Lydia Bleak, Jazz Torres💪 Key Returners: Shanell Russell, Angel Russell, Siva, ClancyThis team brings back experience and underrated toughness.📈 High Point Last Season: Played competitively in a tough region.Glendale Prep (16-6, 1st in Region)🔻 Key Losses: 5 seniors — Pettingill, Caspers, Moore, Hawkins, Senna Smith💫 Key Returner: Solomon — elite athlete stepping into a bigger role.📈 High Point Last Season: Finished season 14-2⚔️ Valley Christian (19-10, 2nd in Region)🔻 Key Loss: Arianna Maurer💫 Returners: Ellie Phillips, Abby Grier, Addison KrupnickStrong core returning, expect a deep playoff run if they stay healthy.📈 High Point Last Season: Nearly winning the region.🟣 EVAC🔻 Losses: No seniors on the roster — lost 70% of scoring from last season.💫 Players to Watch:​Cambria Botma (Jr.) — double-double machine​Kati Loy & Gracie Winkler (Soph.) — scoring replacements​Lily Ortman (Jr.) — the X-factor, does everything​Janie Fender & Corinne Anderson (Jr.) — need to turn up the intensity🔥 High point of the season: Won state title for CAA

In this episode, host Jeff sits down with Coach Steve Solita, head coach of Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, to unpack the Lions’ incredible journey from a #11 seed to state champions. 🥇 Coach Solita shares the highs and lows of the season, his path to the program, and the power of faith, leadership, and culture that transformed his team. 🙏🏽💪🏽🛠️ Hard work and attitude are the foundation of any winning team.🤝 Culture matters — it’s the glue that holds championship teams together.💥 Adversity isn’t the enemy — it’s fuel for greatness.👴🏽➡️👦🏽 Senior leadership guided the way during their playoff push.🙌 Faith and character were at the core of the team’s identity.🧠🎯 Strategic adjustments during key moments made the difference.🚌✨ Road trips helped build strong team chemistry.💭🧍🏽‍♂️ A positive mindset kept them grounded and focused.🏠💛 Community and family support meant everything.📈👀 Next season brings big expectations—but the culture is ready to meet them.🎧 Tap in to hear how belief, unity, and toughness turned Pusch Ridge into a championship program. This one’s for the culture! 🔥🏀💙

SummaryIn this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes reflect on the success of their third annual showcase, highlighting standout players and the community's support. They discuss the impressive performances of various athletes, the importance of college coaches attending, and the contributions of sponsors that made the event possible. The conversation emphasizes the growth of the showcase and the excitement for future events, including the potential addition of a girls' showcase.TakeawaysCommunity support played a vital role in the event's atmosphere.Several players significantly raised their profiles during the showcase.Coaches were impressed by the talent from smaller schools.The hosts expressed gratitude for the support from the small ball community.Players showcased their skills in front of college coaches.The hosts highlighted specific players who stood out during the showcase.

In this episode we sit down with Coach Roundy out of Glendale prep. He is one of the best coaches in small ball, and is just getting started. In this episode we talk about coaching with culture, the uniqueness of GPA, and spotlight some awesome players from the Griffins this past season and the upcoming season. If you love hoop talk you will love this episode!!

SummaryIn this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming ASBP Senior Showcase. They discuss the event details, including the three-point and dunk contests, highlighting standout contestants and making predictions. The conversation also covers the teams participating in the showcase, with insights into the players' skills and potential performances. Takeaways:The ASBP Senior Showcase is a highly anticipated event.The hosts express excitement for the showcase week.1A kids have consistently performed well in past showcases.Noah Adkins is a favorite to win the three-point contest.Melo is expected to surprise in the dunk contest.The home team features a strong lineup of players.Coach Bonner's away team is also stacked with talent.The hosts emphasize the importance of community support for the seniors.The Verl Heap Award will be presented during the showcase.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes discuss the upcoming ASBP Senior Showcase, highlighting the significance of the event for senior athletes and the community. They delve into the logistics of the showcase, express gratitude towards sponsors, and celebrate the achievements of various players who will be participating. Each player is discussed in detail, showcasing their skills, standout performances, and potential for college recruitment.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes celebrate the champions of Arizona high school basketball across various divisions. They discuss the standout performances of the 1A state champion Joseph City Wildcats, the 2A champion Miami Vandals, the 3A champion Snowflake Lobos, and the Copper state champion Phoenix Country Day Eagles. Each team's journey through the season, including high and low points, is analyzed, showcasing the talent and determination of these young athletes. The hosts reflect on the significance of these championships and the impact on the local basketball community.TakeawaysJoseph City Wildcats won their first 1A title in 24 years.Miami Vandals showcased offensive efficiency throughout the season.Snowflake Lobos returned to the top of the 3A for the first time in 28 years.PCD Eagles achieved a historic three-peat in the Copper state championship.The importance of being battle-tested for teams like Joseph City.Miami's standout player Tamia Peitela had a significant impact on their championship run.Snowflake's physicality and defense were key to their success.PCD's Olivia Owens played through illness to secure the championship win.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes recap the thrilling conclusion of the Arizona high school basketball season, highlighting the champions from each division. They delve into the performances of the Gregory School, Rancho Solano, Push Ridge, and Valley Christian, discussing key moments, standout players, and the challenges each team faced on their road to victory. The conversation emphasizes the resilience and talent displayed throughout the season, culminating in a celebration of the champions and their remarkable journeys.TakeawaysThe Gregory School successfully defended their title in the 1A championship.Rancho Solano's victory in the 2A championship marked a significant achievement for the program.Push Ridge made history as the first 11th seed to win the 3A championship.Valley Christian solidified their dynasty with a fourth consecutive championship title.Key players stepped up for each team, showcasing their talent and determination.The importance of teamwork and resilience was evident in all championship games.Coaching strategies played a crucial role in the success of the teams.The road to the championship was filled with challenges and impressive performances.

Tune in as I breakdown these awesome games in the 3A final four for the girls!!