The National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) announced the 2017 High School Academic All-Americans on Wednesday afternoon.

Arizona led the way with 26 Academic All Americans this year, according to a statement from the NHSCA. Virginia came next with 16. The student-athletes averaged a 3.9 GPA, with 50 students coming in with a 4.0 or better.

Jayce Cunha competes in the sport of wrestling at Mountain View Marana for coach Paul Ponce. He is a three-time state place winner, finishing 4th as a sophomore, 4th as a junior and winning the title as a senior. Jayce had a 2017 season record of 28-4 and a career record of 107-26. He has a 3.7 GPA and is ranked 88 in his class of 429 students.

Marcus Castillo competes in the sport of wrestling at Mountain View for coach Paul Ponce. He placed 3rd in his state wrestling championships as a freshman and was the 2017 state champion. Marcus had a season record of 38-2 and has a career record to date of 59-6. He has a 3.4 GPA and would like to study Sports Medicine in college.

Andrew Cota competes in the sport of wrestling at Mountain View for coach PJ Ponce. He is a two-time state place winner, finishing 3rd as a sophomore and 2nd as a junior. Andrew had a 2017 season record of 42-8 and has a current career record of 102-34. He has a 3.5 GPA and is ranked 111 in his class of 472 students. He would like to major in engineering in college.

Franky Renteria competes in the sport of wrestling at San Manuel for coach Manny Yubeta. He is a two-time state place winner, finishing 2nd as a junior and 1st as a senior. Franky had a 2017 season record of 60-3 and a career record of 173-27. He has a 3.4 GPA and is ranked #8 in his class of 73 students. Franky will attend the University of Arizona pharmacy school.

COMPLETE LIST AT AZPreps365.com

2017 GIRLS TENNIS ALL-STARS
BEACH VOLLEYBALL ALL-STARS
2017 SOFTBALL/BASEBALL All-FRESHMAN TEAM

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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and he was awarded the Ray McNally Award in 2017 and he 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. Andy was named a Local Hero by the Tucson Weekly for 2016. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com