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Lady X Tournament

In one of the more exciting Championship games at the Lady X Tournament Millennium defeated Perry in an overtime thriller in which Tournament MVP Kassady Dixon delivered a last second assist to Sophomore Guard Mia Amundsen, who was able to drain a game winning 3 as time expired.  The matchup showcased the 2018 Champion vs the 2019 Champion.   While this year's tournament did not have all the perennials powers that it usually showcases, presumable due to it postponement from its June slot due to the the pandemic, it did not disappoint in terms of game play and excitement.  What follows are some take a ways that we have about the teams that made the Lady X Tournament a success in 2020.   Millennium (Finished #1 with an Overtime victory over Perry) is still talented.  They have a D1 committ in Kassidy Dixon (GCU) and a top 5 Freshman in Ellie Guiney.  However they are not still a defensive minded program. In the past the Tigers would hang their hat o...
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6A Other Contenders

As we look into the 6A teams that have a chance to take home the Golden Ball Trophy, we wanted to talk about some of the teams outside of the top 5 that could make some noise and cut down the nets in 2021. 

Chandler: The Wolves graduated their top 5 scorers from 2019-20.  They did have some youth on that squad, but will these young players be able to carry the load in 21?  They will lean on Sophomore Autumn Rodriguez and Senior Sheena Cumberbatch.  Coach Glenda Skalitzky has always been successful both at Chandler and at Mesa Westwood before that. 

Mesa Westwood: The Warriors were one of the surprises in 2019.  They used their small lineup and outstanding shooting to surprise people and win the section for the first time in many years.  If Coach Ron Campton is going to build on that success of last year he will lean on returners like Mya Johnson, Nyese Jones, and Nikkianna Kinsel.  Each of them averaged over 9 points a game and will need to continue that in 21 to be a factor.  The Warriors 2-3 zone defense and great outside shooting, should allow them to be in games late in the season and playoffs. 

Perry:  In March, the Pumas looked to be the team that could challenge Valley Vista in 6A.  They were within one possession on the road in Surprise from a Title game berth vs Hamiliton.  Then came the transfers.  3 of their top players transferred to start up Prep Schools in Phoenix.  Now a lot can happen before November and some of those players could return to play for the Pumas without having to sit out, but going forward Grace Oken and Nicole Smith will be asked to carry the load for Perry. 

Desert Vista: Lots of questions for the teams south of South Mountain.  A new coach in the mix as Raymond Patche II has gone to Seton Catholic to coach the boys.  A new star scorer as Jaida Brooks has left for a Prep School.  Hannah Robbins will be asked to improve on her 16 points a game in 21 for the Thunder to be successful. 

Mountain Pointe: the last year has been a roller coaster for the Pride at Mountain Pointe.  Rocked by a coaching scandal with Justin Hagar leaving town over allegations of leaking information about the football program amongst other.  The longtime Assistant Donnis Henry, took over apparently with the interim tag attached for the 2019-20 season.  The team then made it to the quarterfinals, falling to eventual champion, Valley Vista.  Now comes in Rehema Stephens, a stand out at UCLA and in the WNBA.  But Stephens has no head coaching experience.  The question is will there be a large learning curve for the new leader of the Pride? Also, will the team be able to put the past 18 months behind them to be a success in 2021? 


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