THE BEST

NIGHT
IN ARIZONA
SPORTS

6 . 5 . 16
ORPHEUM THEATRE
GUEST SPEAKER CARSON PALMER
PARTNERS

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WELCOME

Mi-Ai Parrish

Carolyn Stack Phillips

President and Publisher

Republic Media

Executive Director,
Valley Chevy Dealer Association

Welcome to the inaugural azcentral.com Arizona Sports

Awards, where we are excited to celebrate the efforts and
successes of high school athletes. High school sports
knits together communities and families and is embedded
in the memories of so many Arizonans.
Tonight is a special evening, as we salute some of the best
high school athletes and share stories of the passion it
takes to be a competitor.
Thank you to Carson Palmer and our sponsors for being a
part of our memorable night. And thank you to our athletes
and coaches, their families and fans for sharing your love
of sports and your dedication.
Congratulations and enjoy!

Greetings athletes, families, friends and fans:

What a great night for Arizona high school sports. On behalf of the
Valleys 14 Chevrolet dealerships, I want to thank you for allowing the
Valley Chevy Dealer Association to help recognize some of the finest
high school athletes in the state.
Congratulations on being the best of the best, but also for being a
champion among your peers and in your communities.
The Valley Chevy Dealer Association has long supported high school
sports, and other youth and charitable programs in Arizona. We are
committed to making a difference here in Arizona.
This year, Chevy is proud to introduce the innovative Teen Driver
safety feature available in the 2016 Chevy Malibu.
We continue to sponsor youth baseball and soccer programs and
support teachers at every level through the GM Educator Discount,
which provides special pricing below MSRP.
While we celebrate your accomplishments tonight, its your future
that looks to shine so bright.

Introduction..................................................................................................................4
Season Recap...............................................................................................................5
Guest Speaker: Carson Palmer....................................................................6
All-Arizona Player of the Year................................................................. 7-11
All-Arizona Coaches of the Year.....................................................................12
Thank You Sponsors............................................................................................13
At-Large Awards.............................................................................................. 14-19
Photos......................................................................................................................20-21
Courage Award........................................................................................................ 22

Unsung Hero Award............................................................................................ 23

Outstanding Team Award.............................................................................. 24
High Achiever of the Year.............................................................................. 25
Fan Experience........................................................................................................26
Coach of the Year..................................................................................................27
Female Athlete of the Year..........................................................................28
Male Athlete of the Year................................................................................29
Credits and How to Follow...........................................................................30

THE BEST NIGHT

IN ARIZONA SPORTS
3

INTRODUCTION TO THE ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Thank you for making first year a success

Johanna Huybers azcentral sports
A year ago, a group of azcentral journalists started talking
about a way to celebrate high schools athletics. More than
just selecting All-Arizona teams, Players of the Year and
Coaches of the Year.
The idea to do an awards show for high school studentathletes has been tossed around by azcentral journalists for
a while. Now, the first Arizona Sports Awards event is here.
Over the past year, we asked athletic directors, coaches,
parents, fans and student-athletes to participate in the
Arizona Sports Awards, from nominating an athlete, Unsung
Hero or voting for their school in the Fan Experience
contest. The azcentral sports team traveled across Arizona
to introduce the program and ask for help in spreading the
word about the awards.

school and serve presenting sponsor KFCs chicken and

sides.
We continued to honor Players and Coaches of the Year
in every sport, even adding a few sports we may not have
honored in the past. Each of those athletes will be honored
tonight.
Then, we took it a step further and added at-large
awards. The Best Comeback Award finalists are especially
impressive, each returning from a significant injury or illness
to participate in the sport they love. All of our finalists are
deserving, and choosing a winner was the hardest part of
this process.
All of the at-large finalists have amazing stories, including
off-the-field and behind-the-scenes awards such as the
Unsung Hero of the Year and High Achiever of the Year.
For the first time, azcentral sports will honor an Overall
Male Athlete of the Year and an Overall Female Athlete of
the Year. I am excited to have such talented and worthy
finalists for the inaugural award in Jacob Swift, Michael
Bibby, Justice Summerset, Khalia Lanier, Allie Schadler and
Taylor Ruck.
Please take time to read the bios on each of the Players of
the Year and the finalists for the at-large awards. They each
deserve their time in the spotlight, and I hope this night will
be a cherished part of their memorable high school careers.
The participation from family, friends and fans doesnt stop
just because the event is here.

We received an incredible response of hundreds of

nominations for our weekly, monthly and seasonal awards.
The buzz about the event continued to grow right up to
tonight.
The winning schools in the Fan Experience, Sandra Day
OConnor and Ironwood high schools, got their entire
student body and boosters behind the push to vote. We
joined their pep rallies to present checks for $1,000 to each

We encourage you to join in the conversation tonight, using

the hashtag #ArizonaSportsAwards on all social media
platforms to post photos and more from tonights event.
Well be posting along with you and for those unable to
attend tonight.
Additionally, check out the Arizona Republic on Sunday, June
12, for a special, commemorative section on the Arizona
Sports Awards and the 2015-16 high school year.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Lets do it
again in 2016-17!

SEASON RECAP

Chronicling a remarkable 2015-16 year.

Scott Bordow azcentral sports
A high school athletic season lasts nine months. It ends, at
least in most parts of Arizona, the way it begins, baked by
100-degree days and warm nights.
During that time, championships are won and lost. There
are tears of anguish and tears of joy. Some teams labor in
anonymity, their memories personal ones, of bus rides and
locker room conversations. Others thrust themselves into the
limelight, their victories and losses played out for the public
to see.

pitcher Lainey Stephenson became just the second pitcher in

Arizona high school history to record 1,000 strikeouts. Then,
there was Chandler Seton Catholic sprinter Luke Zuluaga
taking the baton in fifth place in the 4x100 relay at the state
championships and racing past the field with such a burst
that video of his victory spread on social media.

Its impossible to tie a bow around that nine-month season,

around more than 250 schools and thousands of high school
athletes. Where do you start? Who gets mentioned? Who gets
left out?
Consider this, then, what it can only be: Our best attempt to
chronicle the 2015-2016 high school athletic year. To those
teams, coaches and athletes not mentioned, our apology.
Your words and practices, your successes and failures are not
forgotten. They are appreciated, forever.
Where to start? How about the football season, when the
unexpected occurred. A Chandler team didnt win the Division
I state championship. Instead, it was a west-side school,
Peoria Centennial, that proved they can play pretty good
football west of Central Avenue, too.
The football season also gave us one of the most remarkable
performances of the year, Paradise Valleys Daniel BridgeGadd accounting for every one of his teams offensive yards in
the Division III title game. But it was Goodyear Desert Edge
and its sweater-vest wearing coach, Rich Wellbrock, that won
the championship.
The fall season also provided us with indelible moments, from
the Hopi boys cross country team winning its 26th straight
state title to Phoenix Xavier Preps Khalia Lanier being named
the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year, to Phoenix
Greenway High winning the Division II state baseball title in
the last game Matt Denny coached at the school.
Lanier wasnt the only high school athlete to set the bar
high. Some jumped over the bar, like Marana Mountain Views
Justice Summerset, who set the state high jump record by
clearing 7 feet, 2 1/2 inches. Phoenix Veritas Prep softball

There were those athletes who didnt set records or win

state championships but still had remarkable stories to
tell. Like Phoenix Desert Vista boys volleyball player Evan
Johnson, who missed all of his junior season while undergoing
chemotherapy for bone cancer but returned to be an integral
part of a top-ranked team. Or a freshman that few had ever
heard of, Globes B.J. Burries, scoring 68 points in a game.
And what would a high school season be without upsets?
Who expected No. 16 Baboquivari to beat No. 1 Pinon in the
Division V state boys basketball tournament? Or Phoenix
Sunnyslope to upend No. 1 Rincon in the Division II boys state
soccer tournament?
For nine months, the stories pile on top of one another, some
expected, some unexpected. Finally, when the locker rooms
close and the school year ends, we can look back and say,
without question:
What a year it was.

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IN ARIZONA SPORTS
5

GUEST SPEAKER: CARSON PALMER

Adversity never deterred Carson Palmer

Scott Bordow azcentral sports
High school football players dream of playing in the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was destined to
play on Sundays.
In many ways, Palmers playing career took a predictable
path. He won the starting job at USC midway through his
freshman year. He set the school record for completions,
passing yards and passing touchdowns in a career. He won
the 2002 Heisman Trophy Award and the Cincinnati Bengals
made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft.
Thirteen years later - Palmer is still one of the top quarterbacks
in the NFL. Playing for three teams the Bengals, the Oakland
Raiders and the Cardinals , hes thrown for 40,036 yards and
259 touchdowns. Last season, he set career highs in passing
yardage (4,671) and touchdowns (35) in leading the Cardinals to
the NFC Championship game.

rigorous rehab just to get back on the field. And once again,
he came back sooner and stronger than anyone expected.
Palmers maturity and focus has shined through. He is
grounded by his faith and family; he has 7-year-old twins, son
Fletch and daughter Elle, with wife Shaelynn, whom he met at USC.
One last thing about Palmer: After finding out the tendon
used for his first reconstructive knee surgery came from
a cadaver, Palmer had Shaelynn drive him to the local
Department of Motor Vehicles so he could update his drivers
license and become an organ donor.
Ask anyone around the Cardinals: Hes as good of a person as
he is a quarterback.

In other ways, however, Palmers career trajectory has been

anything but smooth. In 2005, his third year with the Bengals,
he led Cincinnati to its first winning season in 15 years. Then,
on the first play of the Bengals playoff game against the
Pittsburgh Steelers, he completed a 66-yard pass to rookie
wide receiver Chris Henry. But after he released the pass,
Palmer was hit low. An MRI revealed the bad news: Palmer had
torn the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments and
suffered cartilage tears.
Amazingly, Palmer returned in time for the start of the 2006
season and played the next five seasons with the Bengals
before Cincinnati traded him to the Oakland Raiders. His
career appeared to have stalled, but he found a second life in
Arizona, which stole him for two seventh-round picks.
Still, there was trauma to endure. In November 2014, Palmer
re-tore his ACL just two days after signing a lucrative threeyear contract extension. Once again, he had to go through a

Event host: Brad Cesmat of Sports360AZ.com

Brad Cesmat, the CEO of Sports360AZ.com, a digital media company based in the Valley, is the host of the
Arizona Sports Awards.
Cesmat hosts a daily, streaming-video show on Sports360AZ.com and azcentral.com. He also is the
executive producer and host of Brad Cesmat Football AZ on Fox Sports Arizona.
Cesmat has been a radio broadcaster in San Diego and Phoenix and moved to television broadcasting in
2003 in Phoenix. Cesmat and his wife, Chris, have four children. His hobbies include reading, fishing and
body surfing. He also is involved in community projects.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

All-Arizona Players of the Year

The All-Arizona Team is composed of the Players of the Year in each sport, including big schools and small schools
winners in the largest sports. The All-Arizona team represents the best players regardless of division. The azcentral
sports staff consulted coaches and used statistics and observations in making their selections.

Football (Big Schools) Player of the Year

Daniel Bridge-Gadd, Paradise Valley, Senior
Quarterback Daniel Bridge-Gadd led Paradise Valley to the Division III state championship game for the first
time, after throwing for 4,268 yards and 47 touchdowns to set single-season school records. Bridge-Gadd also
ran for 627 yards and 17 touchdowns for the 13-1 Trojans. He was named the Arizona Gatorade Football Player
of the Year. He received a scholarship to the University of Washington this season and graduated early to
enroll in college before spring football.

Football (Small Schools) Player of the Year

Joe Logan, Estrella Foothills, Senior
Running back Joe Logan rushed for 35 touchdowns and had a state-best 2,600 yards as Estrella Foothills
went 10-2 and reached the Division IV state quarterfinals. Logan only played through the fourth quarter in five
games this season, making his numbers even more impressive. He had seven games of at least 200 yards
rushing. Logan will play for Northern Arizona University next season.

Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year

DJ Harris, Desert Vista, Senior
Desert Vistas DJ Harris won the Division I boys state cross country title in 15 minutes, 50.3 seconds, the only
competitor in Division I to break 16 minutes, and led his team to the state title and second-fastest team
cumulative time (1:21:11) in Arizona state meet history. Harris became the third runner in Desert Vista history
to win a state title. He was named the Arizona Gatorade Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year

Allie Schadler, Rio Rico, Junior
Rio Ricos Allie Schadler shattered a 1-year-old state record, winning the Division III girls cross country state
championship in 17 minutes, 4.5 seconds. The previous record was 17:26. This was her third straight state title.
Schadler was the only girl in any of the four divisional state championship races to break 18 minutes. She was
named the Arizona Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Schadler also had another stellar track
and field season.

Boys Golfer of the Year

Trueman Park, Hamilton, Junior
Hamiltons Trueman Park won the Division I state boys golf championship after two intense rounds and a
riveting four-way playoff. He trailed by two strokes entering the final hole in regulation. Park finished the
regular season at No. 51 in the Division I iWanamaker rankings, a deceiving ranking due to playing in American
Junior Golf Association events and other commitments. Park posted only seven qualifying rounds, while most
of his peers accumulated nearly double that.

Girls Golfer of the Year

Alisa Snyder, Xavier Prep, Senior
Xavier Preps Alisa Snyder came in as the No. 18 player in Division I, according to iWanamakers rankings, but
won the Division I state championship, shooting a 7-under-par 137. She became the fifth straight individual
state champion to come from Xavier Prep, which also won its 33rd team championship. Snyders next stop will
be at the University of Michigan, with dreams of reaching the LPGA Tour.

THE BEST NIGHT

IN ARIZONA SPORTS
7

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

All-Arizona Players of the Year

Badminton Player of the Year
Karen Guo, Desert Vista, Senior
Desert Vistas Karen Guo won her second straight badminton singles title, but this seasons path was more
difficult and more rewarding to get through. She faced stiff competition but ended up on the winning side
when it mattered. Working hard is part of Guos makeup, as evidenced by her 4.0 GPA and her desire to pursue
a college degree in engineering. She also won Badminton Player of the Year in 2014.

Big Schools Girls Volleyball Player of the Year

Khalia Lanier, Xavier Prep, Senior
Xavier Prep outside hitter Khalia Lanier collected 496 kills, which was seventh in the state, despite playing
fewer sets than all but three other players in the top 30. She even fought through an ankle injury that forced
her to miss the Nike Tournament of Champions in October. Lanier was named the National Gatorade Player of
the Year. She will attend USC after being the No. 1 recruit, ranked by PrepVolleyball.com.

Small Schools Girls Volleyball Player of the Year

Julisa Carrizosa, Greenway, Senior
Phoenix Greenway outside hitter Julisa Carrizosa racked up 372 kills and was also third on the team in digs
with 221, in her only season at Greenway. Carrizosa led Greenway to a 40-1 record and the Division III state
championship. The team won 33 consecutive matches to start the season. Carrizosa will play at Phoenix
College next season with sights on moving up to a Division I university.

Boys Swimmer of the Year

Mark Jurek, Chandler, Senior
Chandlers Mark Jurek went back-to-back-to-back in finals races at the state swimming championships, a feat
nobody could recall had been tried before when he went straight from swimming second leg in Chandlers fifthplace 200-yard medley relay finish to winning the 200 freestyle in 1 minute, 37.36 seconds, to winning the 200
individual medley in 1:47.86. Jurek, who also was the Boys Swimmer of the Year in his sophomore season, will
swim at USC.

Girls Swimmer of the Year

Taylor Ruck, Chaparral, Sophomore
Chaparrals Taylor Ruck became the youngest Arizona Olympian (15 years old) since 1992 when she was named
to the Canadian swim team for the Rio Olympics. This capped a standout sophomore season when she won
the 200 state title in 1:46.51, breaking the 1:46.76 time she swam last year. She also defended her state title
in the 500, winning in 4:45.17. She also swam on Chaparrals 400 free relay team that set a state record.

Big Schools Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Michael Bibby, Shadow Mountain, Senior
Shadow Mountains Michael Bibby averaged 19.3 points, five assists, four rebounds and 2.7 steals, making 45
percent of his shots and won a second Division II state championship, a season after coming back from a
knee injury. Bibby followed in his dads footsteps, and Mike Bibby was named the Coach of the Year. He had a
29-point game in a loss to Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep, a national all-star high school team.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

All-Arizona Players of the Year

Small Schools Boys Basketball Player of the Year
Reed Myers, Scottsdale Christian, Freshman
Scottsdale Christians Reed Myers was instrumental in leading the Eagles to the Division III state
championship, averaging 12.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 steals this season. Myers broke into
the starting lineup with another freshman and showed no signs of intimidation throughout the season. In his
second varsity game, he hit a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime and a game-winning 3-pointer in the
second OT.

Big Schools Girls Basketball Player of the Year

Sarah Barcello, Seton Catholic, Sophomore
Seton Catholic guard Sarah Barcello averaged 16 points (leading the team), 5.8 rebounds (ranked third) and
about two steals per game. She was influential in helping Seton Catholic to a 31-1 record and No. 26 national
ranking by MaxPreps and No. 10 by USA TODAY. Seton Catholic won the Division II state championship, and was
invited to play in the Dicks Sporting Goods High School Nationals. Barcello had eight points in that game.

Small Schools Girls Basketball Player of the Year

Najiyyah Pack, South Mountain, Senior
South Mountain guard Najiyyah Pack averaged 26.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.8 steals and 3.2 assists per game,
which led South Mountain to the Division III state championship. Pack chose New Mexico State because she
is slated to become the starting shooting guard in her freshman season. She was named the Arizona Gatorade
Girls Basketball Player of the Year, the first winner from South Mountain.

Big Schools Boys Soccer Player of the Year

Joshua Drack, Hamilton, Junior
Hamilton forward Joshua Drack steered Hamilton to its second Division I boys state championship this
season, scoring 25 goals and assisting on 12 others. Not long after Drack led Hamilton to 19 wins and its first
championship since 2012, he was on his way to play for the Portland Timbers academy. He also has played for
the Real Salt Lake Arizona Academy in Casa Grande.

Small Schools Boys Soccer Player of the Year

Jorge Ruiz, Yuma Catholic, Senior
With some maturity and literal growth, Yuma Catholics Jorge Ruiz finished the season with 25 goals and 24
assists in 18 games to lead Yuma Catholic to its second straight Division III state title. His senior season
was the culmination of four years of progression and lessons learned. Ruiz had a new found confidence this
season, which pushed him to strive to meet the potential he sought after a Dallas tournament last year.

Big Schools Girls Soccer Player of the Year

Kelsey Turnbow, Pinnacle, Junior
After moving to the Valley from Washington because of her fathers job transfer, Pinnacles Kelsey Turnbow
brought skill to the field as a forward, scoring 33 goals to lead her team to the Division I state quarterfinals.
She was a two-time Washington Gatorade Player of the Year. Turnbow is graduating early, and she is starting
college and playing soccer at Santa Clara University in January 2017.

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9

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

All-Arizona Players of the Year

Small Schools Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Leah Carillo, Fountain Hills, Senior
Fountain Hills Leah Carillo helped the team win its second state title in three years. A four-year varsity starter,
she was named the Small Schools Girls Soccer Player of the Year for the second consecutive season after
tallying 16 goals and 25 assists. She helped build the Fountain Hills program, along with Small Schools Girls
Soccer Coach of the Year, Alison Mabery. Carillo will play for the University of Arizona next season.

Wrestler of the Year

Jacob Swift, Deer Valley, Senior
Deer Valleys Jacob Swift went 179-0 in his high school career, holding the state wrestling record for
consecutive victories. Swift is just the second Arizona high school wrestler to capture four state titles (at
126, 138, 152 and 170 pounds) while remaining undefeated in his career. Swift jumped two weight classes each
season and set school records in multiple categories, including career pins (106), career takedowns (480) and
single-season wins (53).

Boys Ice Hockey Player of the Year

Austin Mills, Sandra Day OConnor, Senior
Thanks to Austin Mills 17 goals and 29 assists, Sandra Day OConnor won its second consecutive state title.
His performance on the ice commands the captain title he earned, but his shy personality contradicts the loud
persona of a team leader. Mills and his team play in the Arizona High School Hockey Association because ice
hockey is not sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association. He was named the AHSHA Player of the
Year.

Big Schools Baseball Player of the Year

Nick Brueser, Hamilton, Junior
The power-hitting Stanford commit keyed Hamiltons Division I championship season, hitting .442 with 46
hits, 32 runs scored, 23 walks, nine home runs with 49 RBIs. The defensive first baseman was named a 2016
first-team Louisville Slugger Preseason High School All-American. He was named to USA Baseballs 2015 17U
national developmental team and participated in the New Balance Area Code Underclass Games in Long
Beach, Calif., in August.

Small School Baseball Player of the Year

David Avitia, Alhambra, Junior
Phoenix Alhambras David Avitia powered his team to its first state baseball championship, hitting .528 in
32 games. He had a .943 slugging percentage for the Division III champions. Last year, when Alhambra was
playing at the highest division, Avitia made first-team All-Division I by azcentral sports, hitting .494 with 36
RBIs. He had a .913 fielding percentage and threw out 13 of 15 baserunners who attempted to steal off of him.

Big Schools Softball Player of the Year

Mara Kemmer, Desert Vista, Senior
Mara Kemmer did it all for a 30-win Phoenix Desert Vista team. As the leadoff hitter, she hit .533 with 65 hits,
47 runs scored and 23 RBIs. She struck out only twice in 129 at-bats. In the circle, Kemmer had a 14-3 record
and 1.59 ERA in 101.1 innings pitched. She opened the season with a five-inning, no-hitter in a 10-0 win against
Chandler Basha. She will play at UNLV next season.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

All-Arizona Players of the Year

Small Schools Softball Player of the Year
Nic Conway, Catalina Foothills, Sophomore
Tucson Catalina Foothills Nic Conway went 23-6 with a 1.06 ERA during a breakout sophomore season, leading
the Falcons to their first Division III state championship. She struck out 302 batters in 198 innings. She
hit .430 with 49 hits, nine doubles, five triples and 30 RBIs. In the playoffs, she was lights out in the circle,
winning all five games, striking out 60 batters and giving up only one earned run in 34 innings.

Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year

Justice Summerset, Marana Mountain View, Senior
Marana Mountain Views Justice Summerset shined in both football and track this year. The starting
quarterback threw for 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns. In the Southern Arizona track and field championships,
he broke the state high jump record with a jump of 7 feet, 2.5 inches. He also won Division II state
championships in the high jump and 400-meter dash. He will compete at the University of Arizona next season.

Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year

Autumn Smith, Mountain Pointe, Senior
Phoenix Mountain Pointes Autumn Smith scored 28 points for her team at the Division I state track and field
championships by winning the 100-meter hurdles at 13.99 seconds, 300-meter hurdles at 42.48 and placing
second in the triple jump at 38 feet, 8.75 inches. Her performance in the 300 hurdles was the third-fastest in
Arizona history, and the 100 hurdles were the sixth-fastest in the states history.

Boys Volleyball Player of the Year

Liam Santa Cruz, Boulder Creek, Senior
Anthem Boulder Creeks Liam Santa Cruz was a sophomore during his teams last state championship. This
season, the determined Santa Cruz finished the season with 336 kills to lead the team to its second Division
I state title in three years. Santa Cruz will play at Lourdes University in Ohio next season. Santa Cruz also was
named the Arizona Sports Awards April Athlete of the Month.

Boys Tennis Player of the Year

Yash Parikh, Salpointe Catholic, Senior
Salpointe Catholic senior Yash Parikh won his second singles state championship this season after also
claiming the Division I title as a sophomore. This season, he focused on meditation to help his game. Parikh is
a four-star recruit, according to TennisRecruiting.net, and he has drawn interest from schools such as Brown,
Cornell and Dartmouth. Parikh plans to take a gap year and restart the recruiting process.

Girls Tennis Players of the Year

Anya and Madeline Lamoreaux, Mesa Mountain View, Sophomores
The Mesa Mountain View doubles team of Anya and Madeline Lamoreaux are not only inseparable on the court,
but also in life. The twins won their second straight Division I state doubles title this season. As sophomores,
it wasnt so much about trying to understand the state tournament anymore, it was more along the lines of
figuring out effective plans of attack and what to do to execute. Both are highly ranked by TennisRecruiting.net.

Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year

Noah Plotkin, Chaparral, Senior
Scottsdale Chaparrals Noah Plotkin is known for his defense, a twist of fate since his parents initially wanted
him to try the sport to steer him away from football and hockey. He developed into a leader and led Chaparral
to the Arizona Lacrosse League state tournament and was named the Defenseman of the Year for the league.
Plotkin will play collegiate lacrosse at the College of Wooster in Ohio.

11

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

All-Arizona Team Coaches of the Year

The Coaches of the Year in each sport, as selected by azcentral sports.

Coach of the Year

Sport School

Richard Taylor Football (Big Schools) Centennial
Troy Cropp

Football (Small Schools)

Pusch Ridge

Chris Hanson Boys Cross Country Desert Vista

Matt Lincoln Girls Cross Country Chandler
Dan Hallaran Boys Golf Campo Verde
Vicki Turrell Girls Golf Millennium
Maggie Borze Girls Badminton Red Mountain
Julie Vastine Girls Volleyball (Big Schools) Millennium
Sarah Baughman

Girls Volleyball (Small Schools)

Chandler Prep

Pat ONeill Boys Swimming Brophy Prep

Richie Krzyzanowski Girls Swimming Chaparral
Mike Bibby

Boys Basketball (Big Schools)

Shadow Mountain

Bob Fredericks

Boys Basketball (Small Schools)

Scottsdale Christian

Trevor Neider

Girls Basketball (Big Schools)

Hamilton

Travis Hearn

Girls Basketball (Small Schools)

Scottsdale Christian

Nick Markette

Boys Soccer (Big Schools)

Hamilton

Francisco Urtuzuastegui

Boys Soccer (Small Schools)

Pueblo Magnet

Marvin Hypolite

Girls Soccer (Big Schools)

Desert Vista

Alison Mabery

Girls Soccer (Small Schools)

Fountain Hills

Tim Berrier Wrestling Ironwood Ridge

David Bird Boys Ice Hockey Horizon
Matt Denny Baseball (Big Schools) Greenway
Ray Figueroa Baseball (Small Schools) Apache Junction
Rocky Parra Softball (Big Schools) Hamilton
Curtis Johnson Softball (Small Schools) Payson
Rich Wellbrock

Boys Track and Field

Desert Edge

Bob Shisler

Girls Track and Field

Scottsdale Prep

Nick Price Boys Volleyball Seton Catholic

Dan LeFevre Boys Tennis Desert Mountain
Laurie Martin Girls Tennis Xavier Prep
Frankie Armenta Boys Lacrosse Gilbert

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Thank you to our generous sponsors for helping recognize

and support these outstanding student-athletes and coaches.

Fan Experience

Male & Female Athlete of the Week

Community Partner

Fan Experience Deal

Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday Only

- (8) Pieces of Chicken

(2 Breasts, 2 Wings, 2 Drumsticks,

2 Thighs) - One Recipe Original
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- (1) Large Mashed Potatoes

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- (4) Freshly Prepared Biscuits

$ 99

Expires 6/8/16. Offer valid only with original azcentral

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Best Comeback Award

Recognizing the student-athlete who made the most significant or impressive comeback from illness, injury or hardship.

Evan Johnson, Desert Vista

In mid-April, Evan Johnson played his first volleyball match for Phoenix
Desert Vista in two years. Just being on the court was something few
envisioned. Johnson had been diagnosed with bone cancer, and he
missed his entire junior season while battling through eight months
of chemotherapy and learning how to walk again after his femur was
replaced with a titanium rod. When I watch him, it is literally a miracle,
said Johnsons mother, Trish. Even his surgeons said, doing the things hes
doing, its just a miracle.

Dani Ahern, Boulder Creek

Before the state cross country meet in November 2014, Anthem Boulder
Creeks Dani Ahern nearly lost her life after doctors discovered several
blood clots and an aneurysm in her right leg. More than six hours of surgery
followed and, Ahern said, There was 90 percent chance that I was supposed
to lose my leg. Instead, in June, she was able to run again, and when the
cross country season rolled around, there was Ahern, again running 3.1 miles.
Shes a huge inspiration, said her coach, Andrea Williams.

Devin Kirby, Basha

The injury Devin Kirby suffered in Chandler Bashas basketball game against
Gilbert Perry was anything but ordinary. He went up to catch a lob pass for a
slam dunk, got clipped from behind, and when he landed, he dislocated both
knees and suffered fractures in the tibia bones under both knees. He was in
the hospital for 10 days, in a wheelchair for two months and seven months
would pass before he returned to the basketball court. He averaged 7.6
points and 4.8 rebounds per game for Basha this season.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Best Record-Breaking Performance

Recognizing the most remarkable, significant or impressive record-breaking achievement of the year.

Ethan Johnson, Westwood

Ethan Johnson, Mesa Westwoods senior running back, didnt just break the
state record for rushing yards in a game, he annihilated it. Johnson rushed
for 566 yards and seven touchdowns in Westwoods 46-41 victory over
Gilbert Higley in mid-October. The previous state record was 513 yards by
Tucson Empires Sean Fitzsimmons in 2013. The previous 5A record: 380, set
by Avondale La Joyas Jeremiah Cornist in 2008. Johnsons reaction? I had
a few carries where I got stopped in the backfield when there were open
holes, he said.

Lainey Stephenson, Veritas Prep

Only one Arizona high school softball pitcher Phoenix Horizons Tamara
Statman had ever struck out 1,000 batters in her career. Phoenix Veritas
Preps Lainey Stephenson became the second when she struck out 15
batters in a win over Tempe, giving her 1,009 for her career. Stephenson got
her 1,000th strikeout to end the third inning. She honestly was not tracking
her Ks this season and did not know that she was near the mark, said
Stephensons father, Mike. So it was a bit of surprise for everyone.

Hopi boys cross country

The definition of a dynasty? Meet the Hopi boys cross country team, which
won its 26th straight boys cross country state title. When Hopi didnt finish
first in three regular-season meets, its opponents had some hope the
streak would end. But Hopi literally ran away from the field in the state meet,
finishing 70 points better than second-place Many Farms. Its awesome,
Hopi head coach Rick Baker said. Its kind of beyond my belief. As for No. 27,
well, Hopi graduated just two seniors.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Best Championship Performance Award

Recognizing the student-athlete who made the best or most significant performance in a championship match, series or
tournament in his or her sport.

Stone Matthews, Saguaro

No one expected Scottsdale Saguaros 5-foot-10, 180-pound Stone Matthews
to be the Most Valuable Player in the Division II state championship football
game. Not with Division I recruits Kare Lyles and Byron Murphy on the
roster. But all Matthews did was rush 39 times for 291 yards both season
highs and two touchdowns in Saguaros 38-20 victory over Tempe Marcos
de Niza. Matthews, who finished the season with 2,155 rushing yards, ran the
ball 26 times in the second half.

Erika Yost, Fountain Hills

To score three goals a hat trick in a soccer game is special. To do it in a
state championship game is a lifetime memory. Thats what Yost will be able
to fondly look back on after scoring three times in Fountain Hills 4-2 victory
over Tucson Palo Verde in the Division III championship game. Yost scored
less than two minutes into the game, gave Fountain Hills a 3-1 lead and
responded with her third goal when Palo Verde cut the lead to one.

Roy Lopez III, Mesquite

Mesquites Roy Lopez III won the Division I heavyweight state championship
as a junior. To do so as a senior in Division II, he had to work overtime: Eight
minutes worth. Lopezs state championship match over Tucson Chollas
Jerome Doss went into quadruple overtime, where Lopez won the 5-4
tiebreaker. After the match, Lopez pointed into the stands at his coaches,
family and friends and then jumped into the arms of his father, Roy Lopez.
Lopez III also was a two-time All-State football player.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Best Game Award

Recognizing the single game judged to be the best of the past academic year.

Phoenix Brophy Prep 38, Phoenix Pinnacle 37 2 OT,

state football playoffs
Brophy Prep took a 21-10 lead over Pinnacle with just under seven minutes
remaining. But Pinnacle freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler threw a
45-yard touchdown pass with four minutes to go to make it a 21-16 lead
and then, with 59 seconds left, threw for another TD to give Pinnacle a 2421 lead. Brophys response: A 37-yard field goal from Jacob Silver to force
overtime, where it took a missed Pinnacle extra point in the second overtime
for Brophy to finally secure the win.

Maricopa 5, Phoenix North 4, state baseball playoffs

The first round of the Division III baseball playoffs looked like it was going
to be Maricopas final game of the season. Maricopa was down 4-2 in the
bottom of the seventh inning with two out and nobody on base. The next
batter walked. Maricopa then strung together four straight hits to score
three runs and win 5-4. The kicker: It was Maricopas first appearance in the
state playoffs since 2007.

Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep 2, Flagstaff 1, 2 OT, girls

soccer
Twenty minutes into Notre Dames win over Flagstaff, senior captain and
four-year starter Dana Gordon fell and grabbed her knee. She would miss the
rest of the game. Flagstaff took advantage, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The game stayed that way until Notre Dame got a corner kick with about
three minutes to go. A rebound goal sent the game into overtime, where no
one scored, but with three minutes left in the second OT, Notre Dames Taylor
Culver scored the game winner.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Best Upset Award

Recognizing the best, most impressive or most significant upset of the past academic year.

Sunrise Mountain boys basketball

Peoria Sunrise Mountain was the No. 19 seed in the state basketball
tournament but it sure didnt play like a low seed. It beat No. 14 seed Vail
Cienega in the first round and then toppled No. 6 Glendale Apollo in the
second round after Apollo had won both regular-season contests. Sunrise
Mountain, led by Elijah Thomas, wasnt done, though. It beat No. 6 seed
Tucson Sunnyside in double-overtime to advance to the Final Four for the
first time since 2006.

Centennial football
The game was over. Powerful Chandler Hamilton led Peoria Centennial 23-7
in the fourth quarter of their Division I quarterfinal game. And Hamilton
was playing at home. Except it wasnt over. No. 6 seed Centennial scored 27
unanswered points in the final eight minutes to win, 34-23, and eventually
won the state title. It appeared, at times, our kids should have just said, Ah,
we had a good season, Centennial coach Richard Taylor said. But I guess
the heart of a champion doesnt allow them to do that.

Imagine Prep softball

In mid-April, the Surprise Imagine Prep softball team was ranked No. 18
and on the outside looking in at the state tournament. But Imagine Prep, a
member of the Canyon Athletic Association, then went on a six-game winning
streak in which it outscored its competition 130-59. Imagine Prep beat the
defending state champions, Mesa Heritage Academy, 20-17, in the semifinal
game after losing the past two contests to Mesa Heritage Academy.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Best Moment Award

Recognizing the most remarkable, compelling or entertaining moment of the academic year.

Caleb Norling, Centennial

Caleb Norling, a senior at Peoria Centennial, scored his first run this year in
a loss to Scottsdale Desert Mountain. What made it special: Norling, a bat
boy on Centennials team for three seasons, has cerebral palsy. He pinch-ran
from third base using a walker. As a dad, there are no words, said Norlings
father, Troy. Im blessed by my sons attitude about the way he attacks life.
He just doesnt have bad days. God has blessed him with an amazing positive
attitude.

Grayson Poole, Corona del Sol

The public address announcer at the Tempe Corona del Sol-Phoenix Mountain
Pointe baseball game had trouble getting the recorded national anthem
to play. Both teams stood in front of their dugouts, waiting. Unless we
have someone willing to sing the national anthem, lets just play ball, the
announcer said. Up stepped Grayson Poole, Coronas junior pitcher/outfielder.
A member of Coronas Jaztec Choir, Poole ran up, grabbed the microphone
and delivered a pitch-perfect rendition. It was flawless, Corona coach Dave
Webb said.

Matt McDonald, Greenwat

For years, an Army-green camouflage helmet hung in the dugout at Phoenix
Greenway High. The helmet honored graduate Tyler Prewitt, who died in
Iraq in 2004. No one had worn it in a game until Greenways players asked
coach Matt Denny if they could use it against Scottsdale Saguaro on Tyler
Prewitt Night. Denny let lead-off hitter Matt McDonald wear it. McDonald,
who had never homered in his high school career, swung at the first pitch and
knocked it over the fence.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Courage Award
To the student-athlete, coach or team judged to have made the most significant or compelling humanitarian contributions
in transcending sports during the academic year.

Matt Mitchell, Joy Christian

Matt Mitchell, the starting quarterback for Glendale Joy Christian, was
named azcentral sports Division V Player of the Year after throwing for 3,023
yards and 45 touchdowns in Joy Christians 13-0 state championship season.
Making the story more remarkable: Mitchell was born with cystic fibrosis, a
disease that causes thickened mucus to form in the lungs and other organs,
making it hard to breathe. Mitchell, who will play football at Phoenix College
in the fall, was one of 10 students nationally who was awarded a $10,000
Sacks for CF academic scholarship.

Jazzlynn Urenda, Bagdad

Jazzlynn Urenda didnt put up great numbers on Bagdads softball team. She
had 29 at-bats all year. But its fair to say she accomplished as much as, if
not more than any of her teammates. Urenda has been battling leukemia
since she was 10 years old. She had her five-year appointment during the
season and was declared cancer-free. She continued to play not only softball
but also cheer, coach Sarah Morris said. She wasnt going to let cancer ruin
her athletics or her life.

Kevin Groeger, Christian Skeptaris and Derek Porambo,

Chaparral
Scottsdale Chaparral football captains Christian Skeptaris and Derek
Porambo noticed Kevin Groeger cheering from his wheelchair at every home
and away game. So they came up with an idea: Invite Groeger, who has
Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to join Chaparrals offensive line. Groeger
jumped right in, even learning Chaparrals playbook and a computer program
called Echo, which provides instant analysis of plays. Groeger was eventually
voted a team captain, joining Skeptaris and Porambo on the field for the
pregame coin toss.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Unsung Hero Award

Recognizing someone who made a remarkable, behind-the-scenes contribution to high school athletics.

Jon Harrison
The Chandler Seton Catholic athletic department owes a debt of gratitude
to Jon Harrison, who has been a fixture behind-the-scenes for more than 30
years. In 1984, Harrison started keeping score for volleyball, girls basketball
and softball. When Seton needed someone to drive the school bus to events,
Harrison stepped up. He also fixed the bus when it broke down. Later,
Harrison became the official scorer for boys and girls basketball home
games. He also filled in as interim athletic director when AD Karen Self was
on bed rest during a difficult pregnancy.

Luann Ewan
Anyone whos been at a Mesa Westwood or Chandler High football game
over the years knows Luann Ewan, who is a fixture on the sideline as she
supports her husband, Jim Ewan. But Luann is far more than a cheerleader.
Shes taught players as an English teacher, provided lunch money when they
needed it and helped their families. She also takes pictures every Friday night
for the season-ending banquet video. Our players look at her as a second
mom, Jim Ewan said. In fact, the Westwood kids call her Momma Ewan.

Georgia French
Being an administrative assistant isnt a glamorous job. But Georgia French
has been irreplaceable at Phoenix Arcadia, where she recently retired after
serving 20 years as the athletic administrative assistant. Mrs. French has
worked tirelessly to improve the high school experience for every student
with whom she interacts, Arcadia Athletic Director Kevin Mooney said. She
helps coaches better communicate with student-athletes, advises students
like a caring relative and even makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
every day for the hungry.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Outstanding Team Award

To the team judged to be the most outstanding in the academic year.

Seton Catholic girls basketball

The Chandler Seton Catholic girls basketball team didnt have a perfect
season, but it came close. Seton Catholic won its eighth state title under
coach Karen Self with a 49-40 victory over Cave Creek Cactus Shadows in
the Division II state championship game. The title finished off a season in
which Seton went 31-1, its only loss coming to an out-of-state team, San Jose
Archbishop Mitty, in a tournament in late December. Remarkably, only four of
Setons 31 wins were by fewer than 10 points.

Pusch Ridge football

When the football season began, few expected Tucson Pusch Ridge to
challenge for the Division IV state championship. Pusch Ridge had never
advanced past the quarterfinals, and it had moved up from Division V to
Division IV. But Pusch Ridges motto was Believe, and thats what its players
did. Pusch Ridge defeated defending state-champ Mohave River Valley in
the quarterfinals, knocked off Lake Havasu with five times the enrollment in
the semifinals and then defeated powerhouse program Phoenix Northwest
Christian 14-7 to take the title.

Chino Valley soccer

Longtime Chino Valley coach Jim Clark got a nice retirement present from his
team: A third straight Division V championship after it beat Pinetop-Lakeside
Blue Ridge, 4-3. It was the third straight year Chino Valley beat Blue Ridge for
the title. Chino Valley finished 21-1 and ended the year on a 13-game winning
streak. Forward Arturo Gomez, who had 37 goals on the season, tallied the
game winner with just under seven minutes left. With a three-peat in hand,
Clark announced his retirement in December.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

High Achiever of the Year

Recognizing the overall best student-athlete who achieved high academic, community service and athletic success in the
past academic year.

Allison Jorden, Chaparral

Being a soccer player and 400-meter runner at Scottsdale Chaparral doesnt
come close to defining Allison Jorden. She coached the Chaparral Unified
Track Team that consists of students with special needs, she was the vice
president of student government, the vice president of Best Buddies and
she works with Celebrate Autism, an organization that helps people with
disabilities learn entrepreneurial skills. Jorden, a National Merit semifinalist,
will play soccer at Indiana University. Shes very positive, soccer coach
Robyn Carlson said.

Drew Ketterman, Corona del Sol

Tempe Corona del Sols Drew Ketterman swam the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle
and 200 freestyle relay. He was a member of the Site Council and Red Kettle
Club, the student body treasurer in student council, treasurer in the National
Honor Society and president and founder of Coronas Mu Alpha Theta math
club. A National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar, Ketterman, who
has a 4.8 GPA, volunteered in Belize for three weeks working in a hospital and
building homes. Every positive attitude youd associate with him, coach Ron
Musgrave said.

Carly Baniszewski, Arcadia

Carly Baniszewski, a four-year volleyball player at Phoenix Arcadia, sports a
4.81 GPA and was a member of the National Honor Society and Travel Club
and co-president of Raising Awareness Club. She represented Arcadia as a
Unitown delegate and at the National Student Leadership Conference. She
mentors younger players in volleyball, tutors students and is a member of
the Phoenix Children Hospitals Teen Board, the Scottsdale Honors Cotillion
and the National Charity League. If theres something good happening on
the Arcadia campus, Carly is usually nearby, Arcadia Athletic Director Kevin
Mooney said.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Fan Experience
Throughout the football and basketball seasons, azcentral sports asked high school sports fans to nominate their favorite
school in a variety of categories, cheer/spirit squad or performance; creative fans (face paint, organized student section,
signs); halftime show; mascot; stadium food and overall fan experience. The Fan Experience Award, presented by KFC, was
awarded to the school in each season that received the most cumulative votes from fans.

Best Football School Sandra Day OConnor

Phoenix Sandra Day OConnor won the Fan Experience Best Football School.
The marching band and its halftime show earned the most votes in the
contest. The support of the marching band gave OConnor a true home-field
advantage this season. OConnor stood above the rest, with a passionate fan
base voting in droves and no other school came close to matching OConnors
vote total. OConnor received $1,000 for its athletic fund, presented at the
school after the fall season.

Best Basketball School Ironwood

Glendale Ironwood won the Fan Experience Best Basketball School. Ironwood
won based off of a submitted video of the drum line, cheer and spirit squad
performing at a pep rally during the basketball season. The video garnered
the most votes, and Ironwood also won the Overall Fan Experience category
and the Best Basketball School. Ironwood received $1,000 for its athletic
fund, presented at its spring spirit assemblies at the school where the drum
line performed.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Coach of the Year

Recognizing the overall best coach of the past academic year.

Richie Krzyzanowski, Chaparral

In his first season as coach, Richie Krzyzanowski, a former NCAA All-American
at Grand Canyon University, led Scottsdale Chaparrals girls swimming team to
its second straight Division I state championship. Chaparral, led by Canadian
Olympian Taylor Ruck, swept all three relays and won seven individual events.
In my years of swimming and now teaching and coaching at Chaparral, with
this state title, it really feels like home, Krzyzanowski said. I have been so
grateful to coach and be a part of these student-athletes lives. They are
undeniably relentless and an awesome group of girls.

Alison Mabery, Fountain Hills

Alison Mabery was named the Small Schools Girls Soccer Coach of the Year
after leading Fountain Hills to its second Division III state championship
in three years despite being a No. 7 seed. At one point during the season,
because of injuries, Fountain Hills was down to one substitute. It upset
the Nos. 2, 6 and 4 seeds on the way to the title. I think a great coach is
listening to your team, trusting your gut and taking opinions from people you
trust, Mabery said. Not knowing everything is key.

Rich Wellbrock, Desert Edge

Goodyear Desert Edges Rich Wellbrock had a year most coaches can only
dream of. His football team won the Division III state championship in
November by beating Paradise Valley, 29-27. In May, he coached Desert
Edges track team to the Division II state championship. The track team was
expected to be strong in the shot put and Wellbrocks throwers delivered;
Tyson Jones won the state title with his 60-foot, 4-inch toss, and teammate
Hunter Jones was second at 54-3.75.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Female Athlete of the Year

Recognizing the overall best female athlete of the past academic year.

Khalia Lanier, Xavier Prep

Khalia Lanier, a senior at Phoenix Xavier College Prep, capped off a
remarkable high school career by being named the 2015-16 Gatorade
National Volleyball Player of the Year. She became just the third Arizona high
school athlete to receive the national honor. She also was named the Big
Schools Girls Volleyball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 Lanier had 496 kills,
324 digs and 28 service aces while leading Xavier to the Division I state
championship game. Lanier, who was ranked as the nations No. 1 recruit by
PrepVolleyball.com, will play volleyball at USC.

Allie Schadler, Rio Rico

What a year it was for Rio Ricos Allie Schadler. In the fall, she broke Dani
Jones 1-year-old state record by winning the Division IIII cross country state
title with a time of 17 minutes, 4.5 seconds. To put that time in perspective,
Schadler, who was named the Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, was the
only girl in any of the four divisional state championship races to break 18
minutes. Schadler capped off her season by winning the 1,600-meter race in
the Division III state track and field meet.

Taylor Ruck, Chaparral

Scottsdale Chaparrals Taylor Ruck turned 16 in May. Her birthday present:
Becoming the youngest Arizona Olympian since 1992. Ruck was named to
the Canadian swim team for the Rio Olympics after finishing second in the
400-meter freestyle and fifth in the 200 free at the Olympic Trials. Ruck also
was named the Girls Swimmer of the Year after winning the 200-freestyle
with a state record time of 1 minute, 46.51 seconds, defending her state title
in the 500 and swimming on Chaparrals 400-free relay team that set a state
record.

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Male Athlete of the Year

Recognizing the overall best male athlete of the past academic year.

Jacob Swift, Deer Valley

Glendale Deer Valleys Jacob Swift ended his high school wrestling career
with his fourth straight state championship and a 179-0 record. He became
just the second Arizona high school wrestler to capture four state titles
while remaining undefeated. Swift won state titles in four different weight
classes 126, 138, 152 and 170 and was named the Wrestler of the Year
after a senior year in which he went 53-0. Swift also led the school to 28
dual victories in 2015-16, the most in a single season in program history.

Michael Bibby, Shadow Mountain

Michael Bibby led Phoenix Shadow Mountain to the Division II state
basketball championship. The title came 20 years after Bibbys dad and
Shadow Mountain coach, Mike Bibby, led Shadow Mountain to its first state
title. Like his father, Michael Bibby was recognized by azcentral sports as
the Big Schools Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Bibby had 22 points,
10 rebounds, six assists and five steals in the championship game. For the
season, he averaged 19.3 points, four rebounds and five assists per game.

Justice Summerset, Marana Mountain View

Marana Mountain Views Justice Summerset was a true two-sport star.
As Mountain Views starting quarterback, he threw for 2,500 yards and
25 touchdowns. Then, in April, at the Southern Arizona track and field
championships Summerset put himself in the record books by breaking
the state high jump record with a leap of 7 feet, 2.5 inches. The previous
mark of 7-2.25 was set by Phoenix North Canyons Bryant OGeorgia in 2014.
Summerset, the Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year, has signed with the
University of Arizona to compete in track and field.

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ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS

Credits
Show Host
Brad Cesmat
Guest Speaker
Carson Palmer
Presenters
Scott Bordow
Sarah McLellan
Richard Obert
Mi-Ai Parrish
Award Design
ETZEL Agency

Production Team
ETZEL Agency
Solid Rock Studios
Jeff Shrum
Special Thanks
Carolyn Stack Phillips Valley Chevy
Dealer Association
Chris Bates La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries
David Wehrman KFC
Presenting Sponsor
Valley Chevy Dealer Association

Additional Sponsors
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries
KFC
azcentral.com | Republic Media
Mi-Ai Parrish President and Publisher
Nicole Carroll ice President of News and Executive Editor
Mark Faller Director of azcentral sports
Johanna Huybers High School Sports Editor
Richard Obert High School Sports Reporter
Scott Bordow High School Sports Columnist
Samantha Incorvaia High School Sports Intern

Join azcentral sports again next season for the

ARIZONA SPORTS AWARDS!

Nominations will open in August for the 2016-17 academic year. To nominate an
outstanding student-athlete, coach or someone who supports high school athletics,

visit nominations.azcentral.com

Determination.
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OUR KIDS THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO
SUCCEED IN SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.

Chandler East Mesa Bedroom & Dining

Glendale Goodyear Scottsdale N Scottsdale

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