In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down a growing trend across Arizona small-ball basketball — a LOT of teams are playing zone. The guys dive into who’s thriving against it, who’s weaponizing it, and what it’s revealing about teams across 1A–3A.

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Fountain Hills — Different Right Now 🔥

    •    Defending extremely well

    •    Playing confident, connected basketball

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Palo Verde — CONFIDENT & ATHLETIC 💪

    •    Shooting 43% from three

    •    Playing with swagger and trust

    •    Zone defense clicking at a high level

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Bourgade Catholic — ZONE + POISE 🧠

vs Northwest Christian

    •    Northwest struggled to make plays late

    •    Bourgade stayed true to their identity

    •    Aggressive zone defense + confidence

    •    Led by Malik and Rushing

    •    Created good looks using double stagger screens

vs ALA Ironwood

    •    Bourgade went up 20+

    •    Ironwood struggled to generate quality looks

    •    Zone pressure dictated the entire game

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Gilbert Christian — KNOWING WHO YOU ARE 🎯

    •    Offense led by Burke

    •    Hit 39 three-pointers vs Northwest

    •    High percentage of their threes come from the corner

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Valley Christian over Coolidge Thatcher & Snowflake — ELITE DEFENSE 🔒

    •    Controlled the matchup

    •    Holding teams to 50 points per game

    •    Scoring 72 points per game

    •    Complete teams on both ends

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Scottsdale Christian vs NVCA — HOOPERS SHOWING OUT 🏀

    •    Cash

    •    Dom

    •    Huddy

All three playing at a very high level right now

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Rock Point vs Cibecue — SCORING PUNCH 💥

    •    Begay, Begay, Yazzie, and James

    •    Combine for 60 points per game

    •    Offensive firepower on full display

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Coolidge over Florence — RIVALRY GRIT ⚔️

    •    Preston Dees lead the way

    •    Florence is tough and well-coached

    •    Physical rivalry game with a great atmosphere

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Horizon Honors over San Carlos

    •    Horizon withstands a 22-point 4th quarter from San Carlos

    •    Composure late seals the win

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Pima over Pusch Ridge — MENTALITY GAME 🧠

    •    Played fast

    •    Ripped off 8 straight transition points in the 3rd quarter

    •    Screened well and punished mistakes

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1A NOTES 🔥

    •    Fort Thomas is #4 in the open!!

    •    Joseph City riding a 7-game winning streak

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LISTEN NOW 🎙️

Zone defenses are everywhere — but not everyone is ready. Jeff and Reyes break down who’s adjusting, who’s exposed, and what it all means moving forward in Arizona small-ball basketball.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down the teams and players that really showed out last week across Arizona small-ball basketball. From dominant weeks to statement wins, this episode highlights who’s trending up and why it matters.

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Fountain Hills — BIG WEEK 🔥

    •    🏆 3 wins in one week

    •    Handled half-court zone pressure and trapping

    •    Defended the pick-and-roll at a high level

    •    Held firm against post mismatches

Key Players:

    •    ⭐ #10 Smith (guard)

    •    💪 #32 Smith (post)

    •    ⚡ #3 Taliyah — downhill attacker, strong handle, confident shot

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Phoenix Country Day — Statement Week 🔥

    •    Dominant performances across the board

    •    ⭐ Elsa Termansen: 27 points, 22 rebounds

    •    Controlled the glass and dictated tempo

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Malc — Rolling Right Now 🚀

    •    Led by Tanner Banks

    •    Balanced scoring with 4 other players averaging ~7 points

    •    Aggressive, athletic guards creating chaos up top

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Chinle — OT WIN OVER SHOW LOW 😤

    •    Gritty overtime victory

    •    Defensive toughness and composure late

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Show Low — Still a Factor 👀

    •    Despite the OT loss, had a good week

    •    This team will matter come February

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St. John’s — ON FIRE 🔥🔥

    •    Momentum building fast

    •    Playing confident, connected basketball

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Page — HERE THEY COME 📈

    •    Trending up at the right time

    •    Back in the conversation

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Tuba City — Still Steady 💪

    •    Continues to compete at a high level

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St. John Paul II — Winning Their Way 🧠

    •    Playing well within their system

    •    Aggressive zone and full-court pressure

    •    Still waiting on a true measuring-stick game

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Round Valley — Frontcourt DOMINANCE 🧱

    •    ⭐ Kelci Walker & Addison Poston:

    •    47 points combined

    •    21 rebounds combined

    •    💪 34 team rebounds

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Duncan vs Cicero Prep

    •    Tough, physical small-school battle

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Fort Thomas — Handles Business 💪

    •    Strong win over Salome

    •    Consistency and depth showing

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SNOWFLAKE — LOUD STATEMENT ❄️🔥

    •    Another reminder of who runs the room

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Pima vs Pusch Ridge

    •   STATEMENT WIN BY THE ROUGHRIDERS!!

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LISTEN NOW 🎙️

From dominant weeks to momentum builders, Jeff and Reyes break down who showed out — and who’s building something real heading into the heart of the season.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down a loaded stretch of games across small ball — focusing on how games were decided, who had answers late, and what we’ve learned about these teams moving forward.

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Mogollon vs Fort Thomas

Fort Thomas controlled this one from start to finish, leading by around 9 points most of the game and stretching it to 11 in the third quarter.

Mogollon stayed alive through:

    •    💪 Offensive rebounds

    •    🎯 Timely three-pointers

They clawed back late with stops and free throws, but Fort Thomas always had an answer.

    •    🔥 Johnson, Wesley, Bryce, and Cody proved too much down the stretch

    •    ⚡ Fort Thomas pushes the ball relentlessly and never lets you get comfortable

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Joseph City vs Valley Sanders

Joseph City put on a defensive clinic, holding Valley Sanders to 18 second-half points.

    •    🧱 Defense set the tone all night

    •    ⭐ Audrey: 29 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 9 steals

    •    💪 Amber: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals

Notable Milestone:

    •    🎉 Both Neils reached 1,000 career points

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Phoenix Christian vs Rancho

Rancho separated late with an awesome fourth quarter, outscoring PC 19–8 to pull away for a 53–42 win.

    •    🧱 Rancho dominated the glass 44–18

    •    🎯 Shot 40% from three (PC shot 20%)

    •    💥 Mushawar and Brown: 21 points combined, 14 and 13 rebounds

Looking Ahead:

    •    📅 Jan 19 looms as a big test

    •    Coach C has this group playing at a very high level

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Round Valley @ Pima

The difference was the opening stretch — Pima came out rolling.

    •    ⚖️ Extremely balanced scoring

    •    🧠 8 different players contributed offensively (rare at this level)

Round Valley positives:

    •    🎯 Shot the ball well

    •    💪 Rebounded well

Difference-maker:

    •    🚨 18 turnovers proved costly

Big Picture:

As the schedule toughens, Pima looks like a team that will be in the mix late in the year.

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Page @ Window Rock

A massive week for Page, picking up wins over Chinle and Window Rock.

    •    📈 Right back in the regional conversation

Cerebro Simulation (last 6 games):

    •    4–2 finish projected

    •    Wins over Monument (2x), Ganado, Chinle

    •    Losses to Tuba City and Window Rock

Projected regional finish:

    •    6–4 in region play

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Seton Catholic vs Valley Christian

Early on, Valley went with an aggressive trapping zone.

    •    🎯 Seton responded by shooting it well

    •    💥 5 threes in the first half

    •    DiScala hit 2 early

Second-half adjustments:

    •    🚀 Goncharoff and Phillips attacked the rim

    •    Goncharoff hit 2 big threes and had a strong overall game

Defensive breakdowns both ways:

    •    Valley left DiScala too much space

    •    Seton had weak-side lapses allowing Ellie Phillips uncontested drives

Key Players & Moments:

    •    ⭐ Boelher showed versatility — size, length, and perimeter scoring

    •    🔥 DiScala scored 20+

    •    🔥 Ellie Phillips finished with 24

Final-minute chaos:

    •    Stops on both sides

    •    Ellie Phillips steal → turnover

    •    Multiple empty possessions

    •    Ellie seals it late at the free throw line

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down a loaded slate of boys games across 1A–3A, diving into what actually decided each matchup. From execution and defensive game plans to rebounding dominance and shot-making, this episode is all about separating noise from reality.

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Valley Lutheran vs The Gregory School

Valley Lutheran executed at a high level offensively, especially in transition and within their half-court sets. They consistently played through second and third reads, generating clean looks — and they made them count.

    •    🧨 JoJo Sayegh explodes for 38 points

    •    🎯 9 made threes

    •    🏀 Game-winner

Burning Question:

If you’re a Flames fan… how are you feeling right now? 👀🔥

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Hayden vs Fort Thomas

Hayden struggled to keep pace with Fort Thomas, as the Apaches controlled the game with depth and physicality.

    •    💪 Five Fort Thomas players in double figures

    •    🔥 Wilson & Dosela combine for 42 points

    •    🎯 Dosela shoots 45% from three

    •    🧱 53 team rebounds (22 offensive)

Fort Thomas imposed their will early — and never let up.

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PCD vs ALA

The pregame storyline was ALA’s toughness and physicality. After the game, the narrative flipped.

    •    🛑 PCD’s defense was the difference

    •    Length and physicality disrupted ALA’s sets

    •    Constant deflections, bumped cutters, and contested shots

    •    PCD competed for all 32 minutes

    •    ⭐ JD Jones leads all scorers with 18

This was a defensive statement from Country Day.

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Fountain Hills vs San Tan Charter

San Tan’s pressure was effective early, especially with Jachin at the top creating chaos and middle penetration.

    •    ⚡ San Tan scored early off press and tempo

    •    Fountain Hills countered in the half court

    •    Anytime Wade touched the ball, good things happened for FH

Key Difference:

    •    🚀 Transition points

    •    San Tan mixed coverages: full-court press, man, half-court zone

    •    Constant pace changes kept Fountain Hills guessing

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Valley Christian vs Seton Catholic

A chess match from the opening tip.

    •    🎯 Valley face-guarded KJ with Max and Moose

    •    🛑 Seton doubled Colby

    •    Valley handled the pressure better and took what was given

Key Moments:

    •    💪 Valley dominated the offensive glass

    •    🔥 Max slicing through the lane and finding Morganfield

    •    🎯 Calvin knocks down a corner three late in the 3rd

    •    Shots falling opened everything up

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Palo Verde vs Coolidge

Zone vs zone. Adjustments decided this one.

    •    🏃 Coolidge scored early in transition

    •    🛑 Palo Verde slowed the game in the second half

    •    Forced Coolidge into tough half-court shots

Then the floodgates opened:

    •    🔥 Rashad hits 5 threes

    •    🎯 Team hits 7 threes in the second half

    •    📊 Palo Verde goes up 45–29 with 4 minutes left

Burning Question:

Have we overlooked Palo Verde? 👀🔥

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down the burning questions surrounding key girls matchups across 1A–3A. From pace control and defensive efficiency to youth vs experience, these games will be decided by details.

3A MATCHUPS

Valley Christian @ Seton Catholic — Friday, Jan 9
Burning Questions:

• Can Seton Catholic’s youth stay poised against Valley Christian’s style of play?

  • Valley Christian ranks #6 in offensive efficiency in 3A

  • Seton relies heavily on youth: 3 freshmen and 1 sophomore

  • Bowler, DePuccio, Iber, and Di Scala combine for 32 of 48 points

  • Seton averages 17 turnovers per game

• Can Valley Christian find rhythm against a strong young defense?

  • Seton Catholic is #9 in defensive efficiency

Page @ Window Rock — Saturday, Jan 10
Burning Questions:

• Who can get the most stops?

  • Both teams are near the bottom of 3A defensive efficiency

  • Both are Top 12 in offensive efficiency across small ball

    • Window Rock: #1

    • Page: #12

• This is a huge game for Page, currently last in the 3A North

2A MATCHUPS

Round Valley @ Pima — Tuesday, Jan 6
Burning Questions:

• Can Round Valley limit Pima’s transition scoring?

• Can Round Valley’s bigs stay productive against Pima’s size?

  • Matchups to watch: Russell vs Ashby

• Guard play could decide everything in this matchup

Phoenix Christian @ Rancho — Friday, Jan 9
Burning Questions:

• Can Phoenix Christian get their offense going against Rancho’s pressure?

  • Pressure, zone, and constant activity

  • Rancho ranks #3 in defensive efficiency in 2A

• Can Phoenix Christian turn this into a Brown one-man show?

1A MATCHUPS

Valley Sanders @ Joseph City — Wednesday, Jan 7
Burning Questions:

• Can Valley Sanders handle and play through the pressure?

  • Joseph City ranks #4 in defensive efficiency in 1A

• Can Joseph City sustain their zone defense against a strong shooting Sanders team?

  • Sanders ranks Top 10 in offensive efficiency (small ball)

Fort Thomas @ Mogollon — Friday, Jan 9
Burning Questions:

• Can Mogollon control the pace of the game?

  • Best in half-court, grind-it-out style

  • 32 rebounds per game

  • Struggle in transition

  • 22 turnovers per game and limited shooting

• Can Fort Thomas apply enough pressure to make Mogollon uncomfortable?

LISTEN NOW 🎙️
These matchups will be decided by pace, pressure, and poise. Jeff and Reyes break down the questions that will shape girls basketball this week across Arizona small ball.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down the burning questions that will decide key matchups across 1A–3A. From efficiency battles to rebounding wars and pace control, these are the details that will swing games this week.

3A MATCHUPS

Palo Verde @ Coolidge — Thursday, Jan 8
Burning Questions:

• How does Coolidge attack Palo Verde’s aggressive zone defense?

  • Palo Verde is #3 in defensive efficiency in 3A

  • Coolidge is Top 10 in offensive efficiency

• Can Palo Verde keep the Dees brothers off the offensive glass?

  • Averaging 8 offensive rebounds per game combined

  • Extra possessions vs a zone could be the difference

Valley Christian @ Seton Catholic — Friday, Jan 9
Burning Questions:

• Can Valley Christian remain disciplined defensively?

  • Valley Christian is Top 10 in defensive efficiency

• Can Seton Catholic get comfortable and find an offensive rhythm?

  • Excellent at reading defenses and taking what’s given

  • Not just about Fauskee — Morris and Reis are big factors

  • 39% team shooting from three

  • Fauskee’s ghost screens and flares are tough to cover

• Can Valley Christian hurt Seton in different ways?

  • Big lineups?

  • Small-ball speed?

Payson @ Alchesay — Saturday, Jan 10
Burning Questions:

• Can Payson control tempo on the road?

• Can Alchesay protect home court and dictate pace?

2A MATCHUPS

San Tan Charter @ Fountain Hills — Thursday, Jan 8
Burning Questions:

• Can Fountain Hills slow down San Tan Charter’s offense?

• Can San Tan simply take care of business in a good-on-good matchup?

PCD @ ALA — Friday, Jan 9
Burning Questions:

• How does ALA handle the JD Jones problem?

• Can PCD match ALA’s physicality and toughness for 32 minutes?

1A MATCHUPS

Hayden @ Fort Thomas — Tuesday, Jan 6
Burning Questions:

• Can Fort Thomas keep Hayden off the offensive glass?

  • Hayden averages 40 rebounds per game

  • 17 offensive rebounds per game

  • All while playing zone

• Can Hayden play at the pace Fort Thomas wants?

The Gregory School @ Valley Lutheran — Thursday, Jan 8
Burning Questions:

• Can Valley Lutheran generate consistent offense in the second half?

  • 29 points per game in the 1st half

  • 19 points per game in the 2nd half

• Can The Gregory School find offensive flow against a Top 10 1A defense?

Key Players to Watch (The Gregory School):

• Devin Dawson

• Chase Butler

• Razz

• Alec Cohen (elite athlete)

LISTEN NOW 🎙️
These games will be decided by answers, not hype. Jeff and Reyes break down the matchups that matter most this week in Arizona small-school basketball.

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