Arizona Small Ball Podcast

⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Arizona Small Ball Podcast 01:57 🎃 Building the Scariest Arizona Small Ball Scenario 09:44 👻 Girls' Scariest Matchups of the Season 12:09 🏀 Seton Catholic vs. Holbrook Preview 17:10 🔥 Valley Christian vs. Page Preview 23:40 ❄️ Tuba City vs. Snowflake Preview 30:55 💪 Arizona Lutheran vs. San Carlos 35:33 👑 Fountain Hills vs. Pima 41:51 🏀 St. John's vs. Chinle 46:28 🎃 Fort Thomas vs. St. David 52:24 👻 Scary Matchups: Boys' Basketball Preview 53:31 🏀 Fountain Hills vs. Payson 01:00:31 🔥 Valley Christian vs. Coolidge 01:06:58 🚌 Gilbert Christian at Chinle 01:13:25🏆 Santan Charter vs. Palo Verde 01:21:14 ⚡ Rancho Solano at Horizon Honors 01:28:18 👀 Scottsdale Christian vs. Pima 01:39:56 💪 Fort Thomas vs. San Carlos 01:43:36 🎯 Valley Lutheran vs. Gregory School 🎙️ EPISODE SUMMARY It's the most frightening night of the Arizona small-ball basketball season! 🎃👻 Jeff and Reyes build their ultimate Scariest Arizona Small Ball Night , breaking down the girls' and boys' matchups that could have teams shaking in their sneakers. In this they preview some of the scariest matchups for the upcoming season! 🤖🏀 🔥 GIRLS' MATCHUPS: THE NIGHTMARES BEGIN 🏀 Seton Catholic at Holbrook — Seton Catholic brings a young roster and an impressive 21-8 true-road record since 2022-23. Cerebro predicts Seton Catholic 55, Holbrook 45 . 💪 Valley Christian vs. Page — Valley Christian's 25-3 home record since 2023 meets Page's 18-9 road mark. ❄️ Tuba City at Snowflake — This rivalry is always a battle. Tuba City leads the recent head-to-head series 4-3. 🔥 Arizona Lutheran at San Carlos — San Carlos has been dominant at home, going 30-3 over the past three seasons. 👑 Fountain Hills vs. Pima — Two programs with the potential to make noise, and a matchup that could set the tone for the season. 🐾 St. John's at Chinle — The hosts don't see eye to eye on this one! Cerebro predicts St. John's 50-44, while Reyes backs Chinle. 🎃 St. David vs. Fort Thomas — Another matchup that divides the guys, with different opinions on who comes out on top. 🏀 BOYS' MATCHUPS: WHO'S AFRAID OF THE ROAD? 🏠 Payson at Fountain Hills — Fountain Hills brings a strong home-court atmosphere and a 26-7 home record, while Payson improved to 7-3 on the road last season. Reyes and Jeff break down the contrasting defensive styles, returning guards, and big men. Cerebro narrowly favors Payson 53-51 , but Jeff is picking Fountain Hills. ⚡ Valley Christian vs. Coolidge — Keep an eye on Turner Armstrong, who averaged 13.5 points and seven assists as a freshman. Valley Christian brings an established program into a new era under head coach Coach DeBoer, with Coach White joining the staff. Jeff calls the coaching group one of the best in Arizona small ball. 🚌 Gilbert Christian at Chinle — That's a four-and-a-half- to five-hour road trip! Chinle's 39-10 home record makes this a tough assignment for Gilbert Christian's young, defense-minded roster. Could this be a statement win? 🏆 Palo Verde at Santan Charter — Santan Charter has a loaded roster, but the guys expect a competitive game. The keys are limiting live-ball turnovers, taking good shots, managing momentum, and finding ways to contain Ortiz and White. ⚡ Rancho Solano at Horizon Honors — Questions surrounding reported transfers add intrigue, but Horizon Honors has dynamic guards. 👀 Scottsdale Christian at Pima — A rivalry with a coaching twist. Coach Napier takes over a Pima program he knows well, while the guys discuss Scottsdale Christian's loaded talent. 💪 Fort Thomas vs. San Carlos — The defending 1A champion faces a familiar opponent. Fort Thomas must replace 42 points lost through key departures. 🎯 The Gregory School vs. Valley Lutheran Returning star Razzin Smith leads the conversation for Gregory, while Valley Lutheran brings a new coach, size, athleticism, and promising summer form.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast , hosts Jeff and Reyes gear up for one of the biggest weekends of the summer as they preview the upcoming Arizona Small Ball Main Event Tournament . What started as a 16-team event has grown into a 28-team showcase spread across three gyms , bringing together some of the top small-school programs from around the state. 🔥🏀 The guys break down the tournament format, discuss key teams and players to watch, and share their picks for favorites, dark horses, and the hottest teams entering the event based on last season's performances. Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or fan, this episode serves as your complete guide to Main Event weekend. 🏀 The Growth of Main Event From 16 teams to 28 teams Expanded across 3 gyms One of the premier summer events for Arizona small-school basketball 📋 Tournament Format Friday Pool Play Saturday Bracket Play 🥇 Gold Bracket 🥈 Silver Bracket 🥉 Bronze Bracket 🔥 Favorites to Win It All Which teams enter the weekend as championship contenders? Who has the talent, depth, and experience to make a run? 👀 Dark Horse Teams Programs flying under the radar Teams capable of surprising the field Potential breakout performances 📈 Hottest Teams from Last Season Teams carrying momentum into the summer Programs looking to build on successful campaigns Which squads are ready to take the next step? ⭐ Players to Watch Returning stars Emerging talent Future impact players who could steal the spotlight

In this special episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast , hosts Jeff and Reyes preview the upcoming Arizona Small Ball Main Event Girls Basketball Tournament . From tournament logistics and team capsules to mascot rankings and championship predictions, this episode is your complete guide to one of the most exciting girls basketball events of the summer. 🏀🔥 The guys break down every participating team, spotlight key players to watch, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and identify potential dark horses capable of making a deep run. Along the way, they have some fun ranking mascots and debating which teams have the best branding, adding classic Small Ball personality to the conversation. 🏆 Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or fan, this episode has everything you need before tip-off. 🔥🏀👑

In this podcast we highlight each of the players participating in our 4th Annual Senior ShowCase!! We talk about the 3 point contestants and pick who we think will win for the boys and the girls. We also break down the Senior game for the boys and the girls and pick who we think will win!!

The Arizona Small Ball podcast wraps up the high school basketball season with a comprehensive recap of the championships across various divisions. The hosts discuss the standout performances, controversies, and the overall atmosphere of the games, highlighting all the conference and copper champions. They reflect on the growth of programs and the impact of community support, while also teasing future content and interviews with coaches.

In this episode of the Arizona Small Ball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive into the excitement surrounding the Copper championship matchups for both girls' and boys' basketball. They analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the competing teams, Snowflake and Tuba City for the girls, and Valley Christian and Santan Charter for the boys. The hosts share their predictions and insights, emphasizing the importance of experience, emotional play, and tactical execution in these high-stakes games.

In this episode of the Arizona Smallball podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes discuss the recent decision by the AIA to place Coolidge's entire athletic program on probation due to incidents during a basketball game. They explore the implications for the players, the community, and the accountability of athletic programs. The conversation also touches on Snowflake's unexpected advancement to the state finals and the potential impact on Coolidge's players moving forward. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the importance of treating others well in sports and the need for change within the athletic community.

In this episode of the Arizona Smallball Podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes preview the Final Four matchups for both the girls' and boys' 3A conferences. They discuss team performances leading up to the finals, analyze key players, and make predictions on who will advance to the championship games. The conversation highlights the intensity of the playoffs, the strategies employed by different teams, and the significance of experience in high-stakes games.

In this episode we break down the final 4 for the 2A Conference in the boys and the girls. We break down the games that these teams won to get to this point and give our prediction for the finals for the boys and the girls!!

In this episode of the Arizona Smallball podcast, hosts Jeff and Reyes dive deep into the upcoming 1A Championship games for both boys and girls basketball. They discuss the exciting matchups, including the rematch between St. David and Fort Thomas, and reflect on the journey of the teams leading up to the finals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and community in high school basketball, while also providing insights into the strengths and strategies of the competing teams. The hosts share their predictions and express their excitement for the championship games ahead.

TIMESTAMPS: Copper tournament: 01:16 3A: 26:03 2A: 55:37 1A: 1:08:02 The 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: 02:22 3A: 30:18 2A: 45:24 1A: 1:06:02 Get 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 - 44:34 3A: 44:34 - 1:02:15 2A : 1:02:15 - 1:20:50 1A: 1:20:50 - End In 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: 2:17-46:25 3A: 46:25 - 1:05:49 2A: 1:05:49-1:27:22 1A: 1:27:22 - End In 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 Valley 3A, 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 right Great help defense and strong closeouts Constant communication on defense Setting lots of ball screens Making smart passes and decisions Playing together with confidence Led by Hewitt, Wallace, and Pardazi Team shooting 34% from three Hewitt at 37% , others right behind at 35–34% Scottsdale Christian Academy — PICK & ROLL MASTERY 🎯 Cash, Huddy, and Dom all shooting it well Huddy shooting 44% from three Hit an insane buzzer-beater to end the 1st quarter vs Rancho Offensively: Run pick-and-roll extremely well Spain action off it to free Huddy Dom makes great reads and can score off the dribble Defensively: Threw a Box-and-1 vs Rancho Enough weapons around Huddy to punish coverage Glendale Prep— ROLE CLARITY & CUTTING 🧠 Led by Daniel and Talan Daniel: 14 pts, 5 ast, 5 reb, 4 st , 30% from three Talan: 16 pts , shooting 40% from three , 59 made threes on the season Jumped out fast vs NVCA Constant cutting and screening Marcus Edwards and Dylan Lincoln are vital pieces who fit perfectly Pima — TOUGH, FAST, AND PHYSICAL 💪 Consistent transition buckets Guards like Thompson and Corona pushing pace Scores in the paint Out-rebounds opponents Mentally tough One of the most solid defensive teams in small ball Hayden — SIZE, ZONE & SECOND CHANCES 🧱 Physical 1–3–1 zone with great size Aggressive offensively Pass-and-cut offense Looking to get the ball inside to Hong Key Engine: Garner: 17 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg 30 rebounds per game as a team Tons of second-chance points Palo Verde — STYLE PROOF 😤 Ultra-aggressive identity Held Ben Franklin to 32% shooting Ben Franklin shot 19% from three , Palo Verde 13% Palo only took 8 threes compared to Ben’s 27 Palo shot 58% from two This team can win: In track meets In backyard brawls In cage matches On the moon 🌕 — good luck Payson — GAMERS 🔥🔥 Huge week with wins over Gilbert, San Tan, Snowflake, and Ironwood Elite shot challenges Active hands Outstanding help-the-helper defense Finishes possessions Creates extra possessions Pressing with discipline: Never out of control Uses pressure to force turnovers, then gets set Depth & toughness: Omar, Manny, Dane, Peyton , plus bench contributors ready to go Signature play: Ironwood has a 3-on-1 break Omar hustles back , walls up Three Payson players crash back to rebound Payson comes up with the ball That’s who they are.

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 screens vs 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 • Huddy All 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 mismatches Key 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.