AZSPORTSNETWORK

Hello 1A sports fans!!!

Wow what a day to wake up to and be excited about the 1A classification so lets get started:

GBB: Salt River 67 Gilbert Christian 38! Wow I really thought just maybe that the GC team might put up a better fight but I had mentioned before that they are struggling in the PG position and this would really come into play. However their coaches felt they would find their way as playoffs come to pass. I think SR sent a huge message to the defending state champions that right now the 1A race goes thru them and Gila Bend. Coach Lytle has made sure his team is being tested all year as they continue to play one of the hardest 1A GBB schedule in the state of AZ. They came off the win vs 3A Coolidge earlier in the week after disposing of SanCarlos over the weekend. Getting it done for SR is once again Ramirez who scored 30pts and Newton with 17! This game was over from the beginning as they went up by 11 and increased their half-time lead to 20 at the half.

GBB: Gila Bend 67 St. Augustine 22! I know that their main player was injured but that really would not have mattered in this game. GB showed over the Christmas Break that they have taken their game to the next level. Leading the way for GB was Fernandez with 21, Alex Wirtsberger 14 and Ashley Wirtzberger rounding out the scoring with 13. The GB team must really stay focused as they have what looks like a very weak end of the year schedule. It doesn't have to hurt their team but it is an issue that the coaching staff has to deal with to keep them sharp and peaking come tournament time.

GBB: Gila Bend and Salt River: here is a hint to as how these teams may improve as the season gets near playoff time. Right now you need to keep an eye on the other role players for each team. So far GB has 3 players contributing more often than SR does in tough games and this will be huge when it comes to the playoffs or when and if these 2 teams meet again. It is my opinion that whatever team gets more contribution from more than their 2 top players will have the edge come tournament time.

GBB: St. Austine Catholic: They lost to Tanque Verde, normally a game they should have won but their top player is out with a bad ankle injury that she injured during the holiday break. This is huge for them as they need to get back to the winning ways to keep up with the powerpoints in the South Division!

GBB: Rock Point: While some teams are thinking the 1A state championship is a 2 team show, Rock Point has quietly shown they are in the mix as well. They are dominating the North is fine fashion while the other teams beat up on themselves. So keep an eye come tournament time for this team.

How the West Was Won: As you know the South Division is not having a regional tournament and will send the top 4 teams based on powerpoints to the state playoffs. This could get very interesting as the season winds down. I am not in favor of this format but it is what it is.

Boys Basketball: While people are following the exploits of Gilbert Christian, St. Gregs and Valley Union, people better start loking up North! Joe City is a very strong team but even though they have a shot at the state title, the team to watch up North is St. Michaels! They are cruising so far this season after playing a very good schedule. They have impressed me with victories over Many farms 2x this season. many Farms is a very good team and if they can stay with the fast Many Farms team then this shows me they can hang with GC who presses all of the time.

BBB: #2 St. Gregs vs #3 Valley Union: This Friday we will broadcast live from Valley Union as we have Vu vs St. Gregs, whcih is a rematch of last years 1A State Championship game. This will really tell us how close or far these teams are in talent. While GC cruises thru an easier schedule these teams will play another game later in the year.