AIA Early Season Standouts
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The shortened AIA season for girls basketball is underway and there has been some early surprises and plenty of noticeable standout performances through the first 3 games of the season. Here are just a few of the top performers of…
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Continue ReadingThe shortened AIA season for girls basketball is underway and there has been some early surprises and plenty of noticeable standout performances through the first 3 games of the season. Here are just a few of the top performers of the week.
Alaya Fitzgerald Alaya Fitzgerald 5'11" | CG Mesquite | 2021 State AZ (Mesquite, 2021) – Portland State commit Fitzgerald has been on a tear lately as she opened the season with 27points vs Shadow Mountain and followed up with a 35 point scoring effort vs ALA Queen Creek. Mesquite is off to a 3-0 start and is primed for a showdown with Seton Catholic on February 2nd. Fitzgerald is a candidate for Player of the Year in AIA for the 2021 season. She had a very productive off season for Team Arizona and Copper State.
Ashiian Hunter Ashiian Hunter 5'5" | PG Mesa | 2023 State AZ (Mesa High, 2023) – Hunter has been dynamic to start of the season following an impressive off season (summer/fall). Hunter tallied 31 points and 8 steals in a win over Mountain View. She also had 17 points in a season opening victory Red Mountain. Hunter has been one of the high risers for the 2023 class. She can score on all 3 levels and she is constantly adding something new to her game. Turning into an elite scorer.
Daeja Johnson Daeja Johnson 5'10" | CG Casteel | 2021 State AZ (Casteel, 2021) – Johnson is one of the top non-committed players in the 2021 class. She is a versatile performer than can play multiple positions on offense and defense. Johnson is averaging over 22 points a game over the first four games of the season with a season high of 27 points in Casteel’s opening win over Higley. Include the 7 rebounds and 4 steals per game and Johnson is putting in the work.
Kamariah Hawkins Kamariah Hawkins 5'11" | SF Yuma | 2022 State AZ (Yuma, 2022) – Keke Hawkins is one the top players in the class and most basketball enthusiast in Phoenix have not seen this talented performer do her thing. She is a top ten player in terms of athleticism and her ceiling is extremely high. In her last outing, Hawkins had the impressive stat line of 22 points, 17 rebounds 5 steals and 5 assists in a close lose to Estrella Foothills. A definite D1 prospect in terms of talent and she is trending upward.
Nicole Evenson Nicole Evenson 5'11" | CG Gilbert | 2022 State AZ (Gilbert, 2022) – Evenson has improved so much over the past 12 months. She had an outstanding club season with the Arizona Elite where she showed improvement in her shooting and playmaking from the forward position. She is averaging 19.7 points a game and a state leading 3.7 3 pointers made per game while showing a lot of versatility and determination. Gilbert is currently 2-1 and looking to make some noise this season.
Jaya Huma (Saguaro, 2022) – Point guard Huma is a improving playermaker who can flat out shoot the ball from long distance. She is averaging over 16 points and 3+ assists, 2+ steals and 2+ rebounds per outing. Huma is averaging almost three made 3 pointers per game while making close to half her overall shots from the field.
Impact Freshmen
Eanae Dagons Eanae Dagons 5'3" | PG Desert Vista | 2024 State AZ (Desert Vista, 2024) – Dragons is leading the very young and talented Desert Vista squad to an very solid 2-1 start for the season. 20 points, 6 assists and 8 rebounds is as impressive a stat line as you will see for a frosh in a game vs Queen Creek. Even more impressive was only one turnover while handling the point guard duties from the very start. Dragons also scored 16 points and 5 steals in the season opener vs Corona.
Mia Singstock Mia Singstock 5'9" | SF Pinnacle | 2024 State AZ (Pinnacle, 2024) – Going into the season it was well known that Singstock would need to have an immediate impact on Varsity due to recent transfers of key players to Prep Schools. Through 3 games, Singstock is averaging 16+ points, 8+ rebounds and 2 blocks a game for the Pioneers. She has been a steady force for the team and she is sure to pick up steam as the season progresses.