Lancer sophomore Majok Deng (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
We will be previewing the winter sport season over the next couple of weeks or so and the responses you see below come directly from the coaches who returned a questionnaire. As you will see, the winter season is comprised of soccer, wrestling and basketball. All three sports deserve equal attention.
We are proud that our site is the only one in Southern Arizona that covered (and is still covering) cross country, swim and dive, small-school soccer, golf, volleyball and football during the fall season. We’ve been covering both boys and girls in programs from the 6A Conference to the 1A Conference.
CIENEGA BOYS BASKETBALL
Head coach: Matt Johnson
2015-16 record: 17-10
Finish: D-II first round
Top returning players:
Andrew Leonard (Senior Shooting Guard)
Jordan Green (Junior Point Guard)
Breven Burnett (Junior Forward)
Alex Muszynski (Senior Forward)
“We are a senior heavy team and return three starters from last year’s team.”
TUCSON GIRLS BASKETBALL
Head coach: Annette Gutierrez
2015-16 record: 25-4
Finish: D-II second round
Returners:
Tucson High’s senior class this year are Alize McCormick and Andreena Chavez, both bring dynamic shooting and passing at the guard position. Tucson also has starting junior guard Angelica Chavez, along with an improved junior and sophomore class.
“The Lady Badgers will be young, with potential, and a new challenge moving to 6A. GO BADGERS!”
CIENEGA WRESTLING
Head coach: Marty Niblo
2015-16 finish: D-II 15th
Returning state qualifiers/placers:
Bobby Tellez, 6th State 2016
Nate Johnson, State Qualifier 2016
Caleb Calaway, State Qualifier 2016
Addison Bliss, State Qualifier 2016
David Melkumov, 5th State 2016
Skyler Cavanaugh, 6th State 2015, State Qualifier 2016
SALPOINTE BOYS BASKETBALL
Head coach: Brian Holstrom
2015-16 record: 20-9
Finish: D-II second round
Salpointe Men’s Basketball returns six key contributors from last year:
Sr. PG Isaac Cruz- led team in assists
Sr. SG Cameron Miller- first team all-section last year
Sr. F Alec McCall- led team and entire section in rebounding (10.4 per game)
Jr. SG Rylan O’Brien- shooter that came on strong at the end of last year.
So. G/F Majok Deng- averaged 10 ppg and 7 rpg as a freshman, being recruited by Pac 12 and major D-1 schools.
Sr. F Jackson Breshears- Missed most of last season with injuries but has many D-2 and D-3 High Academic schools recruiting him for basketball. We’re hopeful he will be outstanding this year.
“I’m really excited for our senior leadership this year…they are competitive and hungry. Alec McCall is coming off a knee injury from summer but appears to be getting back into form. If we stay healthy, we have talent and depth.”
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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com
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