Arizona Small Ball Podcast

TIMESTAMPS:Copper tournament: 01:163A: 26:032A: 55:371A: 1:08:02The brackets are set, the gym lights are brighter, and the stakes have never been higher! In this episode of the Arizona Small ball Podcast, we are deep-diving into the Copper Final Four to break down the heavyweights and the hungry underdogs of the 2A and 3A tournaments. 🌵🔥From the dominant legacy of Valley Christian to the "don't-call-it-an-upset" potential of Ben Franklin, we’re analyzing every angle. Can PCD keep up their torrid pace? Will Santan Charter’s stars shine when the pressure is highest? We’ve got the scouting reports you need. 📋🏀In this episode:The Giants: Why Valley Christian’s playoff DNA makes them the team to beat. 🧬Underdog Alerts: Why Ben Franklin and River Valley’s aggressive styles are keeping coaches up at night. 🌙💤Injury Reports: How the health of stars like Isaac Palmer and others could reshape the bracket. 🏥Sleeper Picks: Why Holbrook’s discipline and Yuma Catholic’s full roster make them dangerous dark horses. 🐎The 1A Rematch Madness: Breaking down a bracket full of familiar foes and fresh rivalries. 🔄Whether it’s the electric atmosphere of the crowd or the lockdown defense required to survive and advance, Jeff and Reyes cover it all. Grab your popcorn—the road to the title is getting wild! 🍿🎬

TIMESTAMPS:Copper Tournament: 02:223A: 30:182A: 45:241A: 1:06:02Get your brackets ready! In this high-octane episode of the Arizona Smallball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes are breaking down everything you need to know as the Arizona High School basketball playoffs reach a fever pitch. 🌵🔥The drama is heating up in the Copper Final Four, and the guys aren't holding back on their predictions. Can anyone stop the momentum of Valley Christian, or will Snowflake’s insane depth and conditioning carry them to glory? ❄️💪 We’re also scouting the clash of titans between Pima’s lockdown defense and Tuba City’s explosive offense. 🔒🏀Inside this episode:Bracketology: Deep dives into Valley Christian, Pima, and all of the conference tournaments landscape. 📈The Dark Horses: Why you shouldn't sleep on Fountain Hills or Chinle. 🐎Matchup Breakdowns: How Round Valley’s size creates nightmares for Miami, and why Willcox's ball pressure is a game-changer. 😤Future Stars: A look at Seton Catholic’s young guns and the next generation of AZ talent. ✨From aggressive zone defenses to the "win or go home" coaching strategies, we’re covering the tactical battles that will decide who cuts down the nets. Whether it's rebounding battles or transition play, the road to the championship goes through us! 🎤🏀

In this Episode I break down the elite 8 for the girls copper tournament!!

TIME STAMPS:Copper Tournament: 1:58 - 44:343A: 44:34 - 1:02:152A : 1:02:15 - 1:20:501A: 1:20:50 - EndIn this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive deep into the intensity of the Arizona high school basketball playoffs, with a primary focus on the Copper Tournament. The guys preview the brackets, break down key matchups, and discuss which teams may have been dealt especially tough draws.They identify potential Cinderella teams and dark horses, debate coaching strategies, and analyze how defensive and offensive efficiency could decide close games. The conversation then expands into 3A, 2A, and 1A pool play, highlighting just how competitive and unpredictable postseason basketball is across the state.Key Takeaways & Playoff Talking Points:👀 Pima is a sleeper team that could make noise in the playoffs.🧨 Fort Thomas has the makeup of a true Cinderella story.⚔️ Valley Christian presents a difficult matchup for ALA.😬 Pusch Ridge draws a challenging first-round opponent.🏆 Gilbert Christian remains a constant postseason threat.💪 Parker has a strong chance to advance in their matchup.🔥 Snowflake continues to post eye-popping offensive numbers.🧠 Beating the same team twice — especially on the road — is never easy.⚖️ Yuma Catholic looks complete and balanced heading into the playoffs.🌵 Safford emerges as a dark horse in 3A.😤 Florence plays with a chip on its shoulder.⚠️ Ironwood is a dangerous playoff opponent nobody wants to see.📊 Cerebro projection: ALA West Foothills has a 60% chance to win.🏠 Madison Highland is extremely tough to beat on their home floor.🎙️ Listen Now:Brackets are set, pressure is on, and every possession matters. Jeff and Reyes break down who’s favored, who’s dangerous, and where the surprises could come from as playoff basketball tips off across Arizona. 🔥🏀

TIME STAMPS:Copper Tournament: 2:17-46:253A: 46:25 - 1:05:492A: 1:05:49-1:27:221A: 1:27:22 - EndIn this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive headfirst into Arizona high school basketball playoff season, with a major focus on the Copper Tournament. The guys break down bracket predictions, key matchups, and potential Cinderella teams, while analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and paths to a deep run.The conversation then expands into the 3A, 2A, and 1A Conference Tournaments, highlighting just how competitive and unpredictable playoff basketball is across the state. Using Cerebro projections, Jeff and Reyes put numbers behind the matchups and debate where the model might be right — or wrong. 👀📊Copper Tournament Breakdown 🏆❄️ Snowflake enters as the clear favorite⚔️ Pima vs Alchesay sets up as a tough, physical battle👀 Joseph City vs Window Rock is one of the most intriguing matchups🤝 Fountain Hills vs St. John’s feels evenly matched🏔️ Tuba City is expected to overpower Round Valley3A, 2A & 1A Tournament Predictions (Cerebro 📊)🔥 Show Low — 74% chance vs Florence🧱 Chinle — 90% chance vs River Valley🏆 Monument Valley — 80% chance vs Ben Franklin⚖️ Gilbert Christian — 56.5% chance vs Thatcher👑 Kingman Academy — 60% chance vs Wilcox💪 Valley Sanders — 70% chance vs SCA🌵 San Simon — 75% chance vs Hayden⚡ Horizon Honors — 59% chance vs Pinon🔥 Williams — 57.8% chance vs The Gregory School🎙️ Listen Now:It’s win-or-go-home time. Brackets are set, predictions are flying, and Cinderella stories are waiting to happen. Jeff and Reyes break down who’s favored, who’s dangerous, and why playoff basketball in Arizona never disappoints. 🔥🏀

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes recap the latest action across Arizona high school basketball, breaking down key games, standout teams, and what’s coming next as playoff season approaches.The guys spotlight the upcoming ASBP Senior Showcase on March 21st, highlight teams making late-season runs in 1A and 2A, and analyze the ever-chaotic 3A landscape. With postseason brackets looming, this episode is all about momentum, matchups, and which teams are becoming real threats when it matters most. 👀🔥Key Takeaways:🎉 The Arizona Small Ball Podcast Senior Showcase tips off on March 21st.🔥 Williams had a standout week in 1A, turning heads late in the season.📈 The Gregory School is peaking at exactly the right time.💪 Fort Thomas continues to thrive as a dangerous underdog in the copper.👀 Scottsdale Christian is a must-watch team in 2A.🧱 PCD’s defense is locking teams down and keeping scores low.🌀 Thatcher’s unique style makes them a nightmare matchup.🚀 Ben Franklin is riding a winning streak with key victories.😤 Bourgade Catholic is emerging as a legitimate playoff threat.🔥 Valley Christian is playing strong basketball heading into postseason play.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes break down the latest action across Arizona high school basketball as the playoff picture begins to take shape. The conversation covers key game recaps, standout performances, and early playoff predictions, with a focus on momentum heading into a critical week of games.The guys highlight Miami’s rise as a potential playoff threat, San Carlos’ resurgence, and the continued dominance of Snowflake. They also dive into big matchups like Payson vs Gilbert Christian, Valley Christian’s impressive week, and multiple results across 1A–3A that could impact postseason seeding.Episode Highlights & Talking Points:📈 Miami emerging as a legitimate playoff threat⚔️ Horizon Honors vs PCD delivers a competitive, high-level matchup🔥 San Carlos surging late while Snowflake continues to dominate💪 Payson and Valley Christian showing grit and competitiveness👀 A crucial upcoming week that could reshape playoff positioning🏀 Rivalry debate: Valley Christian vs Gilbert Christian🚀 Valley Christian caps off an impressive week📊 Page battling in the crowded 3A North😲 1A upset: Williams knocks off Mogollon🧱 PCD with a big win over Cicero Prep👧 Spotlight on Camp Verde girls basketball📈 ALA showing steady growth and improvement

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down the boys teams that are hitting their stride at exactly the right moment. From defensive execution to shot-making, chemistry, and toughness, these teams are trending up as the season tightens.Horizon Honors — CONNECTED & CONFIDENT 🔥Doing all the little things rightGreat help defense and strong closeoutsConstant communication on defenseSetting lots of ball screensMaking smart passes and decisionsPlaying together with confidenceLed by Hewitt, Wallace, and PardaziTeam shooting 34% from threeHewitt at 37%, others right behind at 35–34%Scottsdale Christian Academy — PICK & ROLL MASTERY 🎯Cash, Huddy, and Dom all shooting it wellHuddy shooting 44% from threeHit an insane buzzer-beater to end the 1st quarter vs RanchoOffensively:Run pick-and-roll extremely wellSpain action off it to free HuddyDom makes great reads and can score off the dribbleDefensively:Threw a Box-and-1 vs RanchoEnough weapons around Huddy to punish coverageGlendale Prep— ROLE CLARITY & CUTTING 🧠Led by Daniel and TalanDaniel: 14 pts, 5 ast, 5 reb, 4 st, 30% from threeTalan: 16 pts, shooting 40% from three, 59 made threes on the seasonJumped out fast vs NVCAConstant cutting and screeningMarcus Edwards and Dylan Lincoln are vital pieces who fit perfectlyPima — TOUGH, FAST, AND PHYSICAL 💪Consistent transition bucketsGuards like Thompson and Corona pushing paceScores in the paintOut-rebounds opponentsMentally toughOne of the most solid defensive teams in small ballHayden — SIZE, ZONE & SECOND CHANCES 🧱Physical 1–3–1 zone with great sizeAggressive offensivelyPass-and-cut offenseLooking to get the ball inside to HongKey Engine:Garner: 17 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg30 rebounds per game as a teamTons of second-chance pointsPalo Verde — STYLE PROOF 😤Ultra-aggressive identityHeld Ben Franklin to 32% shootingBen Franklin shot 19% from three, Palo Verde 13%Palo only took 8 threes compared to Ben’s 27Palo shot 58% from twoThis team can win:In track meetsIn backyard brawlsIn cage matchesOn the moon 🌕 — good luckPayson — GAMERS 🔥🔥Huge week with wins over Gilbert, San Tan, Snowflake, and IronwoodElite shot challengesActive handsOutstanding help-the-helper defenseFinishes possessionsCreates extra possessionsPressing with discipline:Never out of controlUses pressure to force turnovers, then gets setDepth & toughness:Omar, Manny, Dane, Peyton, plus bench contributors ready to goSignature play:Ironwood has a 3-on-1 breakOmar hustles back, walls upThree Payson players crash back to reboundPayson comes up with the ballThat’s who they are.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, Jeff and Reyes break down the girls teams that are finding their rhythm at the perfect moment. From defensive intensity to improved guard play and balanced scoring, these programs are trending up as the season tightens.St. John’s — JUICE & BALANCE 🔥Playing with energy and confidenceGuards have improved dramaticallySharp, intentional offensive executionCreate second chances and win 50/50 ballsDefense has been impressive all seasonTeam Identity:Extremely balancedAveraging 19 steals per gameNot always the most efficient, but very toughPage — PLAYMAKERS STEPPING UP 📈Franklin playing at a high levelStrong contributions from Savannah and BrownTsingine is the difference makerPlaying with confidence and purposePhoenix Country Day — TOUGH & COMPOSED 💪Madison Gordon leading the wayShot 3-for-4 from three in the 1st quarter and early 2ndDefends well and scores just enough to stay in every gameExcellent ball movement vs pressureKey Moment:Against San Carlos, 4 minutes into the 3rdMultiple passes against pressureEnds with a Madison three at the top — composure on displayPima — AGGRESSION BOTH WAYS 🔥Led by AshbyHyper-aggressive on offense and defensePushes the ball constantlyCompletely overwhelmed Leading Edge with pressure and paceRound Valley — FRONTCOURT PRESENCE 🧱Physical and competitiveConsistently controls the glassTrending up late in the seasonAsh Fork — PRESSURE & PRODUCTION 😤Led by Isabella AcostaSupported by Vazquez, Staples, and NixonAveraging 35 rebounds per game24 steals per gameAcosta finished with 11 stealsDefensive Identity:Aggressive zonePressure up topTook Salome out of their interior dominance

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.⸻Fountain Hills — Different Right Now 🔥    •    Defending extremely well    •    Playing confident, connected basketball⸻Palo Verde — CONFIDENT & ATHLETIC 💪    •    Shooting 43% from three    •    Playing with swagger and trust    •    Zone defense clicking at a high level⸻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 screensvs ALA Ironwood    •    Bourgade went up 20+    •    Ironwood struggled to generate quality looks    •    Zone pressure dictated the entire game⸻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⸻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⸻Scottsdale Christian vs NVCA — HOOPERS SHOWING OUT 🏀    •    Cash    •    Dom    •    HuddyAll three playing at a very high level right now⸻Rock Point vs Cibecue — SCORING PUNCH 💥    •    Begay, Begay, Yazzie, and James    •    Combine for 60 points per game    •    Offensive firepower on full display⸻Coolidge over Florence — RIVALRY GRIT ⚔️    •    Preston Dees lead the way    •    Florence is tough and well-coached    •    Physical rivalry game with a great atmosphere⸻Horizon Honors over San Carlos    •    Horizon withstands a 22-point 4th quarter from San Carlos    •    Composure late seals the win⸻Pima over Pusch Ridge — MENTALITY GAME 🧠    •    Played fast    •    Ripped off 8 straight transition points in the 3rd quarter    •    Screened well and punished mistakes⸻1A NOTES 🔥    •    Fort Thomas is #4 in the open!!    •    Joseph City riding a 7-game winning streak⸻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.⸻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 mismatchesKey Players:    •    ⭐ #10 Smith (guard)    •    💪 #32 Smith (post)    •    ⚡ #3 Taliyah — downhill attacker, strong handle, confident shot⸻Phoenix Country Day — Statement Week 🔥    •    Dominant performances across the board    •    ⭐ Elsa Termansen: 27 points, 22 rebounds    •    Controlled the glass and dictated tempo⸻Malc — Rolling Right Now 🚀    •    Led by Tanner Banks    •    Balanced scoring with 4 other players averaging ~7 points    •    Aggressive, athletic guards creating chaos up top⸻Chinle — OT WIN OVER SHOW LOW 😤    •    Gritty overtime victory    •    Defensive toughness and composure late⸻Show Low — Still a Factor 👀    •    Despite the OT loss, had a good week    •    This team will matter come February⸻St. John’s — ON FIRE 🔥🔥    •    Momentum building fast    •    Playing confident, connected basketball⸻Page — HERE THEY COME 📈    •    Trending up at the right time    •    Back in the conversation⸻Tuba City — Still Steady 💪    •    Continues to compete at a high level⸻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⸻Round Valley — Frontcourt DOMINANCE 🧱    •    ⭐ Kelci Walker & Addison Poston:    •    47 points combined    •    21 rebounds combined    •    💪 34 team rebounds⸻Duncan vs Cicero Prep    •    Tough, physical small-school battle⸻Fort Thomas — Handles Business 💪    •    Strong win over Salome    •    Consistency and depth showing⸻SNOWFLAKE — LOUD STATEMENT ❄️🔥    •    Another reminder of who runs the room⸻Pima vs Pusch Ridge    •   STATEMENT WIN BY THE ROUGHRIDERS!!⸻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.⸻Mogollon vs Fort ThomasFort 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-pointersThey 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⸻Joseph City vs Valley SandersJoseph 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 stealsNotable Milestone:    •    🎉 Both Neils reached 1,000 career points⸻Phoenix Christian vs RanchoRancho 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 reboundsLooking Ahead:    •    📅 Jan 19 looms as a big test    •    Coach C has this group playing at a very high level⸻Round Valley @ PimaThe 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 wellDifference-maker:    •    🚨 18 turnovers proved costlyBig Picture:As the schedule toughens, Pima looks like a team that will be in the mix late in the year.⸻Page @ Window RockA massive week for Page, picking up wins over Chinle and Window Rock.    •    📈 Right back in the regional conversationCerebro Simulation (last 6 games):    •    4–2 finish projected    •    Wins over Monument (2x), Ganado, Chinle    •    Losses to Tuba City and Window RockProjected regional finish:    •    6–4 in region play⸻Seton Catholic vs Valley ChristianEarly on, Valley went with an aggressive trapping zone.    •    🎯 Seton responded by shooting it well    •    💥 5 threes in the first half    •    DiScala hit 2 earlySecond-half adjustments:    •    🚀 Goncharoff and Phillips attacked the rim    •    Goncharoff hit 2 big threes and had a strong overall gameDefensive breakdowns both ways:    •    Valley left DiScala too much space    •    Seton had weak-side lapses allowing Ellie Phillips uncontested drivesKey Players & Moments:    •    ⭐ Boelher showed versatility — size, length, and perimeter scoring    •    🔥 DiScala scored 20+    •    🔥 Ellie Phillips finished with 24Final-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.⸻Valley Lutheran vs The Gregory SchoolValley 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-winnerBurning Question:If you’re a Flames fan… how are you feeling right now? 👀🔥⸻Hayden vs Fort ThomasHayden 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.⸻PCD vs ALAThe 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 18This was a defensive statement from Country Day.⸻Fountain Hills vs San Tan CharterSan 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 FHKey Difference:    •    🚀 Transition points    •    San Tan mixed coverages: full-court press, man, half-court zone    •    Constant pace changes kept Fountain Hills guessing⸻Valley Christian vs Seton CatholicA 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 givenKey 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⸻Palo Verde vs CoolidgeZone 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 shotsThen the floodgates opened:    •    🔥 Rashad hits 5 threes    •    🎯 Team hits 7 threes in the second half    •    📊 Palo Verde goes up 45–29 with 4 minutes leftBurning 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 MATCHUPSValley Christian @ Seton Catholic — Friday, Jan 9Burning Questions:Can Seton Catholic’s youth stay poised against Valley Christian’s style of play?Valley Christian ranks #6 in offensive efficiency in 3ASeton relies heavily on youth: 3 freshmen and 1 sophomoreBowler, DePuccio, Iber, and Di Scala combine for 32 of 48 pointsSeton averages 17 turnovers per gameCan Valley Christian find rhythm against a strong young defense?Seton Catholic is #9 in defensive efficiencyPage @ Window Rock — Saturday, Jan 10Burning Questions:Who can get the most stops?Both teams are near the bottom of 3A defensive efficiencyBoth are Top 12 in offensive efficiency across small ballWindow Rock: #1Page: #12This is a huge game for Page, currently last in the 3A North2A MATCHUPSRound Valley @ Pima — Tuesday, Jan 6Burning 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 AshbyGuard play could decide everything in this matchupPhoenix Christian @ Rancho — Friday, Jan 9Burning Questions:Can Phoenix Christian get their offense going against Rancho’s pressure?Pressure, zone, and constant activityRancho ranks #3 in defensive efficiency in 2ACan Phoenix Christian turn this into a Brown one-man show?1A MATCHUPSValley Sanders @ Joseph City — Wednesday, Jan 7Burning Questions:Can Valley Sanders handle and play through the pressure?Joseph City ranks #4 in defensive efficiency in 1ACan 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 9Burning Questions:Can Mogollon control the pace of the game?Best in half-court, grind-it-out style32 rebounds per gameStruggle in transition22 turnovers per game and limited shootingCan 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 MATCHUPSPalo Verde @ Coolidge — Thursday, Jan 8Burning Questions:How does Coolidge attack Palo Verde’s aggressive zone defense?Palo Verde is #3 in defensive efficiency in 3ACoolidge is Top 10 in offensive efficiencyCan Palo Verde keep the Dees brothers off the offensive glass?Averaging 8 offensive rebounds per game combinedExtra possessions vs a zone could be the differenceValley Christian @ Seton Catholic — Friday, Jan 9Burning Questions:Can Valley Christian remain disciplined defensively?Valley Christian is Top 10 in defensive efficiencyCan Seton Catholic get comfortable and find an offensive rhythm?Excellent at reading defenses and taking what’s givenNot just about Fauskee — Morris and Reis are big factors39% team shooting from threeFauskee’s ghost screens and flares are tough to coverCan Valley Christian hurt Seton in different ways?Big lineups?Small-ball speed?Payson @ Alchesay — Saturday, Jan 10Burning Questions:Can Payson control tempo on the road?Can Alchesay protect home court and dictate pace?2A MATCHUPSSan Tan Charter @ Fountain Hills — Thursday, Jan 8Burning 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 9Burning Questions:How does ALA handle the JD Jones problem?Can PCD match ALA’s physicality and toughness for 32 minutes?1A MATCHUPSHayden @ Fort Thomas — Tuesday, Jan 6Burning Questions:Can Fort Thomas keep Hayden off the offensive glass?Hayden averages 40 rebounds per game17 offensive rebounds per gameAll while playing zoneCan Hayden play at the pace Fort Thomas wants?The Gregory School @ Valley Lutheran — Thursday, Jan 8Burning Questions:Can Valley Lutheran generate consistent offense in the second half?29 points per game in the 1st half19 points per game in the 2nd halfCan The Gregory School find offensive flow against a Top 10 1A defense?Key Players to Watch (The Gregory School):Devin DawsonChase ButlerRazzAlec 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

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! 👇