Championship Edition A CdS Sunrise publication | Corona del Sol High School | Tempe, AZ | Vol. 37, No. 5
The Corona del Sol Aztecs became the first big school since 1961 and Coach Sam Duane Jr. became the first coach in Arizona history to win four consecutive boys basketball state titles with their 57-32 win over Desert Vista in the Division I state championship March 2 at Gila River Arena in Glendale. Photo by Courtney Baldenegro
March 2015
Season
Barcello drops 51 points vs Perry Aashini Choksi | Editor-in-Chief
The chances of a high school basketball team scoring over 100 points in a game are incredibly slim, but having a single player contribute nearly half of those points is even more unlikely. The Aztecs faced Perry High School on Feb. 2 and engaged in the highest scoring game of the season. Alex Barcello scored 51 points when he went head to head with Arizona State-commit Markus Howard, who scored 47 points for the Pumas. “I just knew I had to be aggressive from the get-go, whether it was scoring or getting people assists,” Barcello said. With a final score of 106-92, the two sophomore point guards battled in their only game of the season, with Barcello coming out on top with 51 points on 24 shots. “Everyone was saying that he’s the best freshman, he’s better than me,” Barcello said. “I just wanted to show everyone that it doesn’t matter here; if you’re good you have to come and play every night.”
Gym reaches capacity against DV Aashini Choksi | Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Kris Urban
As the season moved forward and the Aztecs got closer to the coveted state championship game, the question of who the Aztecs would face in the final game started to arise. When the Aztecs faced Desert Vista High School on Jan. 27, they were completely unaware that they would face their sister school once again – almost one month later. This game, against the Aztec’s biggest rival of the season, turned into a major event for the school, as the Aztecs played at home. Neither team had lost to an in-state opponent leading up to this game, and the expectations for both. The gymnasium was at capacity during the JV game –long before the varsity game started and a few hundred people were prohibited from entering. The final score was 71-57, and set the hype for their rematch on March 2. “I was ready to play on Sunday (March 1),” Kuiper said. “You get up for these type of games. You don’t underestimate them at all.”
Central proves to be formidable opponent for Aztecs—twice Johnny Waddell | Sports Editor During the season, the Aztecs had little trouble with Arizona teams with few exceptions. One of which was the Central High School Bobcats. During the first game against Central in the super sectional semi-finals, Central held a 35-26 lead over the Aztecs putting the champs on the ropes. Going into the fourth quarter, the Bobcats held a six point lead before the Aztecs kicked it into over drive by outscoring Central in the fourth quarter 19-10 to win the game 66-63. In the second game of the state quarter finals, the Aztecs had a commanding 45-29 lead and Central looked defeated. That was until Central star Famoun Miller lead his team back on a fierce comeback, at one point, cutting the Aztecs lead to one at 55-54. The Aztecs finally got back into the game and ended up winning 67-61. When asked about the game, senior Dane Kuiper spoke highly of his opponents. “They’re a great team,” Kuiper said. “They give us a game every time and we just had to execute to our ability and finish the game.” 2
Photo by Max Butler CdS Sunrise 4-peat Championship Edition
March 2015
Highlights Marvin Bagley III receives recognition from ESPN Carson Pyatt | Online Editor-in-Chief Freshman Marvin Bagley III has been gaining national attention for quite some time. This was heightened when ESPN, SportsCenter and SportsNation all tweeted about him posterizing a defender during a Corona versus Skyline game. Bagley’s dunk and intense stare-down at his opponent were part of SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays, an impressive feat for any athlete, let alone a high school freshman. ESPN’s tweet regarding Bagley had over 1,000 retweets and 1,500 favorites, showcasing the nation’s awe at the young superstar.
Photo by Zi Yang Lai
Aztecs beat Putnam in a nailbiter but lose Lee to injury
18 dunks vs. Chandler Carson Pyatt
Online Editor-in-Chief
Katelyn Stys | Online Managing Editor Boys basketball traveled to Springfield, Mass., to play Putnam High School in the 2015 Hoophall Classic. After winning the Hoophall West tournament in Phoenix during the 2013-2014 school year, the team was invited to Massachusetts to rival the two-time defending Massachusetts state champions. During the game, sophomore point guard Saben Lee suffered a fractured hip. “I felt a pop and there was a shooting pain. I was just trying to get back up,” Lee said. “I knew we still had a long way to go, and after trying to get back up I knew I was injured pretty severely.” Putnam proved to be a hard-fought battle for the Aztecs as they kept the score close throughout the entirety of the game. Putnam, who at times trailed by double-digits, came back in the games second half. As the fourth quarter ended, the game went into overtime tied at 55. In OT, the Aztecs broke away and junior Tyrell Henderson was able to make a buzzer-beating shot for the win, 60-57. “It was a fun experience, going back east and traveling with the team,” Henderson said. “(The shot) was pretty cool. I had never made a game winning shot before.”
March 2015
Photo by Maria Martin
CdS Sunrise 4-peat Championship Edition
Corona basketball is famous for its emphatic dunks, which was showcased particularly in the game versus Chandler on Jan. 20. There were 20 dunk attempts during this game (senior Dane Kuiper was fouled on two of the attempts). Kuiper had 13 of the 18 slams the Aztecs had. “I’ve never had that many dunks in a game before, even summer basketball or just messing around at the gym,” Kuiper said. Kuiper credited the Aztecs’ dunk opportunities to the strong defense of Corona and the lack thereof on Chandler’s side. Kuiper was the standout of the night, scoring all of his 25 first half points off of dunks and free throws, including a windmill dunk that got the crowd roaring. “It was a great feeling,” Kuiper said. “ I had to do the windmill for the fans. I was tired, but I got it over.”
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Making History W
inning four consecutive state championships cemented the Aztecs in Arizona basketball history. The Aztecs are one of only three teams that have ever completed the rare four-peat, the only other teams being Phoenix Union from 1958-1961 and Mesa High from 1923-1926. “It’s a blessing,” junior guard Tyrell Henderson said. “I’m honored to play at Corona.” By winning the fourth straight title, head coach Sam Duane Jr. became the first coach in Arizona history to win four straight championships. Mesa and Phoenix Union did it under more than one coach. Although this is an historic feat, Duane focuses more on the team aspect of the accomplishment. “I haven’t even thought of that,” Duane said. “I was just happy for our team. When you’re together with your team you’re in that family mode. That was my biggest thrill last night, honestly. But now when you think about it, it’s pretty nice.” Star freshman Marvin Bagley III recognizes Duane as having been a major part of this year’s championship run. “It’s all coach,” Bagley said. “Coach took his time and helped us get prepared for every game we had all year. He stayed up late nights watching film and trying to make sure we execute what we do. He’s been preparing us all year.” Senior forward Dane Kuiper, who has played two years under Duane, also appreciates the work Duane puts in. “He’s a great coach,” Kuiper said. “He works harder than we do sometimes. He deserves it.”
Story by Andrew Eversden Photos by Courtney Baldenegro, Max Butler and Maria Martin
Bolden, Henderson play big role in championship run
Johnny Waddell | Sports Editor
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eing on a team that has some of the top For Bolden, his role on the team is different from Coach SammDuane talks highly about his basketball prospects in the nation, some Henderson, but he still is just as important as the five defensive leader (Henderson) and his sixth man players tend to get lost in the mix of starters. (Bolden). everything. This has often been the case for junior “Being the first one off the bench, I am “Isiah brings great energy and athleticism to the guard Tyrell Henderson and senior guard Isiah Bolden. expected to bring a lot of energy and spark the team, court, he can also shoot and he is a great sixth option. On the quest for a 4-peat, these two have done a lot of whether it be a steal and a score in transition, or a pass He started a lot of games for us so he has played a the dirty work that most don’t want to. that sets up my other teammates to score,” Bolden great role.” Duane said. “Tyrell is kind of our glue guy, “I pride myself a lot on my defense.” Henderson said. “The last two years I have been spectating and he keeps everyone together, he is a great defender, said, “There’s no secret that Alex, Dane and Marvin patiently waiting my turn and this is the year that I makes all the right decisions, makes good passes and are our offensive leaders, but Cassius and I do our part finally got my chance to play.” just keeps us in the flow of the game. He understands and that is mostly on the defensive end. When we can On Jan. 17 against Putnam High School from his role which is huge.” get stops on other teams, Henderson and Bolden have it allows us to score and taken on the role of the unsung eventually win our games.” heroes this year. They understand Henderson had to that no matter how well they do, step up and play a much there will always be other players larger role than he had in on the team that will get higher the previous two years. praise then them and will be Coming off the bench last talked about more. Even though year, this year he was a this has been the case throughout starter and had to play the the year, the two have said that role of vocal leader. they like not having the spotlight “I try to be the vocal on them. leader on the team and to “We do whatever we have to lead the team by example,” do to help our team come out on Henderson said. “We were top whether it includes guarding lucky enough to have the other teams best player or Casey (Benson) the past passing the ball to a specific years to lead us, and since player.” Bolden said, “All in all, the he’s been gone, I have recognition really doesn’t matter stepped into that role on much to us because we know we the team.” are going to have to do whatever it Some would think takes to help the team win games.” that going from a bench During the year, the Aztecs role to being a starter on completely dominated all of the a team such as this would competition in Arizona, going put a lot of pressure on a perfect 30-0 with it’s biggest a player, but Henderson margin of victory coming on Dec. took on the role in stride 19 against Glendale Mountain and it took the opposite Ridge in which they had a 48-point effect on him when rout with the final score being 87it came down to the 39. It’s closest game came in the pressure. opening tournament of the season “This year, I am against Shadow Mountain; the playing a lot more so it has Aztecs won by five, 79-74. surprisingly taken away a “Honestly it feels like Arizona Left: Bolden drives the lane for a lay up against Desert Ridge. Right: Henderson shoots against lot of stress,” Henderson is stepping up but not getting Westview. Photo by Maria Martin and Courtney Baldenegro said. “But this year has been enough recognition,” Bolden just as fun if not more than said. “Even though we have a the other years because we have been hunted all year Springfield, Mass., sophomore guard Saben Lee, who tremendous winning streak against Arizona teams, by every team in the state.” was the seventh man off the bench, was injured in the they give us their best shot every game they play us. Isiah Bolden was brought to varsity his game with a fractured hip, forcing the team to only be But it feels great to run Arizona basketball.” sophomore year for the 2013 state championship able to go six-men deep during the quarter-finals and After the tough quarterfinal game against Central and was on the state championship team in the semi finals of the playoffs. This made Bolden’s role on and the tough semifinal game against Chaparral, 2014 season, so on the biggest stage of them all, his the team that much more crucial to the championship some questioned if the team had enough in the tank confidence was not rattled. run. to beat an athletic Desert Vista team, and the Aztecs “ I just knew what I was going to have to do to “When Saben went down, I had to step up a lot answered that in dominating style, winning the state help the team win the game,” Bolden said. “I knew I with him being our seventh man.” Bolden said, “I championship, 57-32. was guarding some of the state’s best players so I had didn’t know how many players coach was going to be “We were battle-tested.” Henderson said,.“But to come up big defensively, and that when I was in bringing off the bench when he got hurt, so I knew we knew that in close game scenarios, we could get it transiton offense, I knew I was going to have to make that my minutes were going to be increasing, and that done. Tonight we took care of business.” s some good passes and score a few points.” my role would be expanding during the playoffs.”
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CdS Sunrise 4-peat Championship Edition
March 2015
Photo by Courtney Baldenegro
Playoff statistics
60
Four
made free state championships throws Photo by Courtney Baldenegro
284
Total Points
14 total
81 67 79 57
points against Desert Ridge
points against Chaparral
CdS Sunrise Championship Edition Staff 1001 E. Knox Road • Tempe, AZ • 85284
Editor-in-Chief | Aashini Choksi Adviser | Kris Urban
3-pointers
March 2015
points against Central
points against Desert Vista
Staff Courtney Baldenegro, Max Butler, Andrew Eversden, Maria Martin, Carson Pyatt, Katelyn Stys and Johnny Waddell
CdS Sunrise 4-peat Championship Edition
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4-Peat for Peat
Andrew Eversden | Managing Editor
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hen Cassius Peat walked in the locker room after making the varsity squad his freshman year, he said he looked at the rest of the team and told them he was going to win four straight state titles. “They all looked at me like I was crazy,” Peat said. Apparently he wasn’t that crazy, as the Aztecs went on to beat Desert Vista, 57-32, winning Peat his fourth straight title. Standing at 6-feet 4-inches, 180 lbs, his freshman year, head coach Sam Duane Jr. saw a lot of potential in Peat. Duane put Peat on the varsity roster, where Peat would come off the bench during the season. “He was strong, athletic and really skilled,” Duane said. “He came off the bench and gave us good minutes defensively. He supplied good depth off the bench.” Playing a role on the varsity squad his freshman year put a lot of pressure on him to perform, but luckily he had a friendly face on the team in his older brother, former Stanford Cardinal football star Andrus Peat. “(He taught me) just to be competitive and be the best player you can be,” Peat said. This team, made up of names like Avery Moss, Calaen Robinson, Andrus Peat and Casey Benson, went on to finish the season state champions with a 32-1 record. This was Peat’s first state title along with head coach Sam Duane Jr.’s first. Looking back, Peat said his experience his freshman year helped lay a foundation for his sophomore through senior years. “Learning my first year about how much work it takes to win a state championship, it’s not easy,” Peat said. Along with Peat’s sophomore year came pressure for a depleted Aztec basketball team to repeat. The Aztecs
Peat goes up for a layup against Central. The Aztecs beat Central 67-61 in the quarterfinals held at Wells Fargo Arena. Photo by Max Butler
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lost four out of five starters, with junior point guard and current Oregon player Casey Benson leading the offense. The Aztecs started the season ranked 10th in Division 1 by azcentral that season. The team may not have had the same level of talent as the year before, but it had a will to win more than any other year. “We probably worked the hardest,” Peat said. “No one expected us to do it (win state), but we did it.” That season the Aztecs finished the season 27-4. Aztecs narrowly defeated Mountain Pointe in the early rounds of the playoffs, going into double overtime. This memory stands out in Peat’s mind. “Benson is clutch, that’s what I learned, how to be clutch,” Peat said. The Aztecs went on to repeat as state champions that year, beating Pinnacle, 63-59, in a nail-biter. “Sophomore year was the team that taught me the most,” Peat said. “If you asked anyone if they thought the team was going to win state, they would’ve told you ‘no.’ That was the year that it meant to most.” The Aztecs didn’t go into Peat’s junior year as an underdog to win the state title, but rather almost a shoo-in. They added Alaskan star Dane Kuiper, big man Connor MacDougall and freshman stand out Alex Barcello. After reloading the roster with talent during the offseason, the pressure was on to three-peat and Peat took the pressure to a personal level. “I have high expectations for myself,” Peat said. “I wanted to win it all four years.” The Aztecs rose to the occasion that season, finishing 34-1, defeating Pinnacle again, this time in overtime, to win a third straight state title. Peat has many memories from that season, aside from winning the state title. “(My) favorite part of last year was playing against national competition,” Peat said. “My freshman and sophomore year we were trying to get on the map. Then once we won back-to-back, we started playing against national teams and saw how we stacked up against them.” After winning last year, the Aztecs came back with a roster that was arguably even more stacked than the year before, with the addition of Marvin Bagley III, the
CdS Sunrise 4-peat Championship Edition
Photo by Courtney Baldenegro
maturation of Alex Barcello into a starting point guard and the return of Dane Kuiper. Peat said that with players with Bagley and Barcello’s talent level, there is only so much he can teach them. “They are already so skilled that the best advice I can give is how to win, how to be composed. Stuff that you learn from experience,” Peat said. “I just try to be the best leader I can for the young guys.” Over the last four years Peat has played with some extremely talented players that went on to play college sports. Of all these players, the one that stands out most to Peat is Benson. “I played with him for the longest while he was in high school,” Peat said. “He showed me how to work, how to compete, how to win.” Benson feels the same about Peat, crediting him with some huge plays in big games and maturing over four years into an important role. “I remember his freshman year when he guarded Danny Powell (Desert Vista’s top player) and made a big impact on the defensive end that year,” Benson said. “As time went on, he got older and (moved into) more of a prominent role. Obviously, he had some huge baskets in his sophomore year in the state championship. He is always very solid and I felt very comfortable being with him on the floor in crucial moments during big games.” Going into high school, Peat was solely a basketball player, never having played organized football before his freshman year. When he entered high school, Peat never expected to play college football, but rather basketball. Despite all the success he had on the basketball court, Peat will be playing college football instead. “Honestly, I thought I was going to be a basketball player,” Peat said. “I just fell in love with football my sophomore year, then it blew up for me after that. Since then I knew I was going to play football.” Peat has been part of Duane’s four titles, playing an important role on each of the four teams. Duane appreciates Peat’s hard work over the last four years to help him cement himself as one of the most successful coaches in Arizona and Corona history. “I’m so happy for him,” Duane said. “He’s really played well the last couple games since he came back from injury. He’s been a great leader for us.” s
March 2015