SUNRISE CORONA DEL SOL
March 2014 • Vol. 36 No. 5
Aztecs 3-Peat
On March 1, the Corona del Sol boys basketball team walked into the Jobing. com Arena with its sights set on a threepeat. After a game which took the crowd through more of a rollercoaster than its post-third-quarter ritual, the Aztecs left the stadium victorious and adorned with a third consecutive state championship title. Corona del Sol High School | Tempe, AZ | cdssunrise.com
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Casey Benson: heart and soul of Corona basketball
Andrew Eversden | Staff Writer
Four-year starter on varsity. Won 115 games as a starter. One Gatorade Player of the Year award. Three consecutive state titles. Clearly, Casey Benson has made his mark as one of the most successful players to come through Corona. “There are not enough pages to tell you how Casey has impacted the Corona del Sol basketball program,” Coach Sam Duane Jr. said. “His leadership has really been a key to our success over his four years. Make no mistake, we have had really good players and other leaders to go along with him, but I think that the way he has represented himself, the school, and our basketball program speaks volumes to the character and quality of person that he is.” Benson, however, is more modest about his contributions. “I’ve just tried to do whatever I can to help our team win,” Benson said. “That’s just what I’ve focused on— winning.” Although the 2013-14 squad would have been in the conversation for the title again this year, the addition of senior Connor MacDougall and junior Dane Kuiper certainly made the Aztecs instant favorites for the threepeat. “It made us a lot deeper, a lot more talented,” Benson said. “They helped a ton.” Even though Benson is surrounded by talented players, he has continued to be the heart and soul of the
#33 VANCE ARNOLD
CdS Sunrise Three-Peat Edition team. He has been the face of Aztec basketball for two years now. In his sophomore year, Benson drained multiple 3-pointers to help the Aztecs, stacked with three Division I basketball and football commits Calaen Robinson, Andrus Peat and Avery Moss, defeat Cesar Chavez, 6653. It was clear after this game that having Benson on the team for two more years would make the Aztecs a favorite for two more state titles. “I knew we would have a good team (after the first title),” Benson said. “It was just a different team. We weren’t extremely deep, but we had some good pieces coming back.” Sure enough, Benson and the Aztecs found themselves in the state finals taking on Pinnacle for the 2012-13 title. After Benson helped lead the Aztecs back in the fourth quarter, the Aztecs defended their state title, winning 63-59. After winning for the second year in a row, Benson had dreams of a three-peat in his head. The Aztecs returned seven guys from last year to this year, adding three additional stars in Kuiper, MacDougall and freshman Alex Barcello. The three-peat was within reach for Benson and his team. This year the Aztecs went into the playoffs undefeated against in-state schools (their only loss coming to Findlay Prep), and didn’t face any tough competition until they met Perry in the semifinals. For Benson, every game he played in could be his final game. With every opponent getting tougher, Benson stepped up for the Aztecs, putting the team on his back in the semifinal game.
1. #23 Alex Barcello
March 2014 “Early on I got some shots to fall so I was feeling good,” Benson said. “I just wanted to be aggressive.” Benson’s play helped the Aztecs get past freshmansensation Markus Howard and the Pumas, 78-66. Benson didn’t seem to have dominated on the floor, but ended the game with 30 points. In the playoffs, he became known for his quiet scoring. “(I wanted to do) whatever I could to help our team win,” Benson said. “Whether it was scoring or distributing, whatever that meant.” Duane agrees. It was that attitude that helped Benson become such a successful basketball player in high school. According to Duane, Benson’s contributions have been off the court as well.
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2. #15 Casey Benson
Photos by Kelly Zimmer
Editor’s Note
Corona del Sol has a tradition of success: athletic, academic and extracurricular. After all, we do bleed orange. However, nothing epitomizes success more than the Corona basketball program. Through the extreme support, pure dedication and love for the game throughout the season, it’s easy to see that Corona basketball is a worthy symbol of the Corona family.
CdS Sunrise Championship Edition Staff 1001 E. Knox Road • Tempe, AZ • 85284
Editor-in-Chief | Jacqui Marzocca Adviser | Kris Urban Staff Manali Chavan, Elizabeth Cheney, Aashini Choksi, Sapna Daryanani, Andrew Eversden, Kevin Park, Carson Pyatt, Devika Sharan, Omar Soussi and Kelly Zimmer
front cover photos by Kelly Zimmer | front cover design by Jacqui Marzocca
March 2014
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story continued from page 2 “A lot of what Casey has done for our program goes unnoticed, such as coming to our summer camp and talking to the young campers about being a good person and what it takes to be a great player,” Duane said. “Casey has helped set the standard for our future players.” In the state finals this year, the Aztecs trailed by five points with four minutes left in the game. For the second year in a row, the Aztecs would need to come back to win a state title. Benson’s leadership shined. “I continue to always be upbeat and positive,” Benson said. “I feel like if I get negative and people are looking at me, that’s negative energy.” The Aztecs dominated opponents for most of Benson’s career, so it is very rare for him to need to stay composed. But when high-tension moments happen, like they did in the state finals this year, Benson showed no sign of panic. “It’s kind of just experience,” Benson said. “I always just focus on being positive, continue to persevere and fight through whatever is happening.”
Duane highlighted the importance of Benson’s leadership on the court. “Casey’s composure in big games was a key,” Duane said. “I think when he is on the floor composed, our guys see that and it helps them to stay composed and confident. It also makes his coach feel very composed when he knows that his leader will not let the team lose.” Benson will be continuing his career at the University of Oregon, leaving behind a school he has had a major impact on for four years. He will be leaving his role on the team to freshman point guard Alex Barcello. “Casey helped me with so many things, I can’t even name,” Barcello said. “Being able to play against such a great player in practice everyday and learn from him, it’s just been a great experience.” Benson believes he’s leaving the team in good hands. “I tried to mentor him,” Benson said. “He’s really mature for his age. He’ll be good for years to come.” R
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1. Benson collapses on the floor after the final buzzer of the championship game. Photo by Kevin Park 2. Benson
pushes through the defense during the game against Mountain View at Wells Fargo Arena. Photo by Kelly Zimmer
3. Members of the 2011-12 basketball team pose by their first state championship trophy.
Sunrise file photo
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The 2012-13 varsity basketball team celebrates its repeat of the state championship win. Sunrise file photo 5. (Left to right)Benson, Jarrett Givens, Russ Davis, Logan Dubek, Vance Arnold, student aid Keanna Lopez and Connor MacDougall pose for a senior photo after receiving their third state trophy. Photo by Kelly Zimmer 6. Benson goes up for a layup against Shadow Mountain on Jan. 20. Photo by Kelly Zimmer 7. Benson takes a breather during Shadow Mountain’s free throw on Jan. 20. Photo by Kelly Zimmer
#21 ISiah Bolden
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Trevor davies
7. #50 Russ davis
Photos by Kelly Zimmer
CdS Sunrise Three-Peat Edition
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Connor MacDougall transfers to Corona del Sol The dream season started halfway through last basketball season, when the Aztecs learned that 6-foot-9 inch big man Connor MacDougall (an ASU commit) was transferring from Westwind Prep to Corona. “Halfway through the season (his junior year) ASU was calling me saying, ‘Hey, we don’t think your credits are going to be eligible,’” MacDougall said. “At that point I had to find a place where I could redo them (the credits), or else I wouldn’t be eligible for college.”
• • Dane Kuiper moves to Arizona, chooses Corona After the Aztecs mounted a massive fourth quarter comeback to beat Pinnacle, 6359, for last year’s title, the Aztecs learned that the top player in Alaska, Dane Kuiper, would be moving to Arizona for his junior season. Kuiper said he was going to attend Desert Mountain for the coaching, but when its coach took a job at another school, he decided to attend Corona. He has proved to be an essential piece to the Corona basketball team. “I didn’t know (he was coming to Corona) until he enrolled,” Duane said. “He fits in very well.”
Freshman standout Alex Barcello becomes an Aztec During summer basketball, head coach Sam Duane Jr. discovered freshman talent Alex Barcello. Barcello became the Aztecs’ “sixth man” throughout the entire season, giving them a fresh source of energy with every minute he played. “When he came to summer ball, I told my freshman coach ‘you won’t have him,’” Duane said. After the semifinal game against Perry, in which Barcello had 21 points, Duane described him as a “shot of adrenaline.”
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March 2014 • 5
The Road to a
3rd State Championship Tournaments test new-look Aztecs
The Aztecs opened the season at home against Mesquite in the Hoophall West basketball tournament. They came out on top, 64-42, but were clearly still learning to play with each other. They went on to win the Hoophall tournament over Shadow Mountain at Grand Canyon University, who won the Division II state title over Flagstaff High, 84-75. Winter break was a huge test for the Aztecs, who would be taking on in-state schools Mountain View and Dobson, teams that went on to make the quarterfinals in the state tournament, along with national powerhouse St. John Bosco (Calif.) in the VisitMesa.com tournament. The Aztecs opened the tournament against Bosco, winning 69-66, after a crazy last minute of play. This was the Aztecs’ first close game of the season. The Aztecs played their next tournament game against Jefferson (NY). The Aztecs had no problem beating Jefferson, blowing them out, 92-69. The next day the Aztecs took on Dobson in a close game. The Aztecs led, 32-29, at halftime. MacDougall got into foul trouble in the first half, limiting his play in the second half. With junior Cassius Peat on the bench with an ankle injury, the Aztecs were missing a big-man presence. The second half Benson and Kuiper took control to get the Aztecs a 75-70 win. After defeating Salpointe Catholic in another close game, the Aztecs played their final tournament game against Mountain View, which according to Duane, was a top-three team in the state, on their home floor. The Aztecs trailed most of the game, finally taking the lead halfway through the second half. The Aztecs struggled to defend the Mountain View three-ball but managed to slow them down in the second half and came out with a 76-68 win to keep their undefeated season alive. “Every team in (this tournament) is a good team,” head coach Sam Duane said after the tournament. “We knew this would be a challenge.”
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MacDougall, Kuiper make Aztecs the instant favorite The Aztecs went into the school year knowing one thing for certain. They would have Kuiper and Benson. MacDougall was still fighting the AIA for eligibility. The Aztecs would’ve been strong without MacDougall, but would have struggled against teams like Mountain View if he had not become eligible. “We didn’t have to cross that brige,” Duane said. After a failed first appeal, it looked as though the Aztecs would be playing without MacDougall. But MacDougall appealed and won. MacDougall would be eligible to play his final season. “Personally I was happy for him because he desvered to play his senior year of basketball,” Duane said. This made them an instant favorite to win a third straight title.
Aztecs face Findlay Prep Next up for the Aztecs was national powerhouse Findlay Prep (Nev.), a game Duane said he wasn’t worried about. The game carried no negative implications for the Aztecs. The Aztecs played hard in the first half, going into halftime with a 25-24 lead. In the second half, Findlay solved the Aztecs’ offense and shut them down. The Aztecs lost, 5535, after scoring just 10 second-half points. The Aztecs’ next game was against Hamilton, the No. 1 AIA ranked team in the state at the time. Coming off their first loss of the season, Duane said he was not worried about his team’s confidence. “There’s nothing to overcome,” Duane said. “We have nothing to be ashamed of.” It was clear that the Aztecs had lost no confidence after they beat Hamilton 67-32. The Aztecs made a statement with this one, showing that no school in the state could beat them.
Perry gives Aztecs a scare
The Aztecs won the remainder of their games and went on to take the No. 1 seed in their super sectional, playing for a first-round bye. In super sectionals, the Aztecs defeated North and Highland to reach the championship game against Perry. With the win over Highland, Duane reached his 300th career win. The Aztecs had easily defeated at home Perry 12 days before the sectional championship. But this time Perry came to play, jumping out to a 22-point lead in the first half, which the Aztecs cut to 11 at halftime. The Aztecs mounted a massive second half comeback to get the win, 73-72, and earned the first-round bye. In the second round of the state tournament, the Aztecs made easy work of Desert Ridge, winning 68-38. The road to state only got harder from there, with the Aztecs having to play three games in three days to win the state title. Their quarterfinal game was a rematch with Mountain View at Wells Fargo Arena. The Aztecs dominated Mountain View with a lot of help from MacDougall in stopping Mountain View’s big man, senior BYU-commit Payton Dastrup. The Aztecs went on to win, 71-54, advancing to the semifinals to face Perry again. The Aztecs did not let Perry get out to another huge lead this time, but Perry still kept the game close in the first half. The Aztecs went into halftime up 37-33. The Aztecs expanded their lead in the second half, winning 78-66, advancing the Aztecs to their third straight state championship game. Barcello played a key role against Perry, rejuvenating the Aztec offense that struggled early. “When he came in, it was like a shot of adrenaline,” Duane said. Behind the play of Barcello, who scored 21 points against, the Aztecs were going to play a championship rematch from the previous year against the Pinnacle Pioneers.
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One game remains The Aztecs played a close first half with Pinnacle, taking a 31-25 halftime lead. The Pioneers opened the second half on an 8-0 run, coming out with an energy the Aztecs couldn’t match. With 1:40 left in the game the Aztecs trailed 58-57, then Benson hit a three to put them up 60-58. The Pioneers’ Dorian Pickens, who scored 41 points, hit a three giving Pinnacle a 61-60 lead with under a minute left. Benson hit two free throws to put the Aztecs up 62-61 with 10.3 seconds left. Pinnacle’s Ben Wahlberg put up a shot that went in as the buzzer sounded, but did not leave Wahlberg’s hands in time. The officials called a foul, giving Wahlberg two free throws. Wahlberg made the first and missed the second, sending the game to overtime tied at 62. In overtime, Benson took control of the Aztecs’ offense hitting a three and a layup to put the Aztecs up 71-70 with 30 seconds left. Pinnacle gave the ball to Pickens, who missed a last second shot. The Aztecs won their third straight title, 71-70. “I didn’t think this would happen when I started high school,” Benson said of his three championship titles. Benson, who has played varsity for four years, said his experiences have helped him grow as a player. “(It’s helped me) to develop my overall game,” Benson said. “And continue to become a better leader everyday.” MacDougall, who will continue his basketball career at Arizona State
next year, can’t think of a better way to end a high school career. “It’s probably the best way to end a career (with a 3-peat),” MacDougall said. “I’m lucky.” Kuiper is happy with the way things went for the team this year, but being a part of one state title isn’t good enough for him. “It (winning a state title) is a feeling I’ve never felt before,” Kuiper said. “I want to continue it next year.” R
Story by Andrew Eversden • Photos by Kelly Zimmer and Elizabeth Cheney
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The Duane Dynasty
orona del Sol High School is home to seven state basketball championships, two of which were back-to-back and three of which were all in a row. Corona del Sol High School is also home to former head basketball coach Sammy Duane Senior and current head basketball coach Sam Duane Junior The father-son duo has been the symbol of Corona basketball for a combined 37 years. “I started at Corona when we opened the school in ’77-‘78,” Coach Senior said. “We had a JV team
March 2014
Manali Chavan | Social Media Editor
then going out playing on my own and coming back and coaching.” With his latest win, Coach Junior has now earned three consecutive state championship titles. While he has been greatly influenced by his father, he has mastered coaching techniques of his own. “You can’t emulate another coach,” Coach Junior said. “It won’t come off well. You just have to be who you are.” However, there is one trait from his father that he has adopted since day one.
Coach Sam Duane Sr. smiles during the end of the quarterfinal game. The game was held at ASU Wells Fargo arena. Photo by Kelly
the first year. Then the next year we had to go right into varsity. We had all freshmen, sophomores and juniors.” During Coach Senior’s time as head coach Corona earned four state championships (1980, 1981, 1989 and 1994). Coach Senior’s passion for the game was unmistakable. “That’s what I wanted to be,” Coach Senior said. “I don’t think I could have done anything else.” Coach Junior himself attended Corona del Sol and graduated in 1986. He played varsity basketball for two years with his father as head coach. “I had to work hard everyday,” Coach Junior said. “He was tough on me because he didn’t want to show favoritism, but I enjoyed it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” Coach Senior retired in 1997, after which psychology teacher Joe Maisel took over as head coach for five years. During that time Coach Junior was the new head coach for the Mesquite. “It was a great experience for me,” Coach Junior said. “I learned a lot about how to start a program and how to build a program.” When the position of head coach for Corona opened up in 2003, Coach Junior was eager to apply. “I grew up with Corona basketball, so to be able to come back and be the coach here was an opportunity of a life time that I couldn’t pass up,” Coach Junior said. “This is the only job I would have left Mesquite for.” Since he was younger Junior has always had a love for basketball, a large part of which is accredited to his involvement with his father’s coaching career. “Its something I kind of just grew into,” Coach Junior said. “I grew up always sitting behind my dad as a little guy and then playing for my dad and
#10 Logan dubek
#52 Brett Erspamer
#24 Jarrett Givens
Zimmer
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Head Coach Sam Duane Jr. reacts to a play during the championship game. The game was held at Jobing.com arena. Photo by Kelly Zimmer
Photos by Kelly Zimmer
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story continued from page 6 “I learned from him (Senior) that it’s not always about winning at the high school level,” Coach Junior said. “It’s about preparing your players to be good people.” Coach Junior’s mentality about his players has created long lasting relationships. “Coach Duane and I Coach Duane Jr. celebrates after winning his third consecutive have a great relationship state championship. This is Duane’s third championship overall. that we’ve developed Photo by Kris Urban over the last four years,” senior Casey Benson said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to play for any other coach in the state. Him and I have gotten to be really close and will continue to be really close after I continue to move on with my career.” Although Coach Senior is officially retired, he’s still plays a part in Corona’s basketball team. “I go out and watch them on Saturdays,” Coach Senior said. “He’s the coach and the kids know that, but I enjoy being around.” Senior’s wife, Betsy Duane also plays a part in her son’s career by taking stats for every game, something she did while Coach Senior was head coach. “She says it keeps her busy so she doesn’t get as nervous during the game,” Coach Senior said. “It’s a family affair.” Duane Junior and Senior are not the only ones who have returned to the boys basketball program. Assistant coach John Wochner also played for the varsity boys basketball team and was a part of the 1989 state championship
3-peat Trivia
RQuite a day for the Barcello household. Alex and his sister, Julia, a Seton Catholic senior, both won state basketball championships on the same day. Seton beat Cienega, 37-30, to earn the Division II state girls basketball title. RCorona is the second big-school boys team in the last 53 years to win three straight state championships. Mountain View, who last won in 2012, capture the 2005-2007 titles. RCorona has tied with Mountain View with the most wins in one season in Arizona history. In order to get the 34 wins, Corona had to win the state championship.
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team, which was honored at halftime of the 2014 championship game. “I think they (Corona) have a good legacy,” Coach Senior said. “I think it tells you that the kids enjoy being in the program.” As the basketball season has come to a close, there are predictions into the future about the possibility of another state championship title for Coach Junior, but despite the pressure, Coach Junior is positive he’s in the right place. “I’m very happy here,” Coach Junior said. “I have a great principal, a great administration and a great school. “There’s really no other place I’d rather be.” R
The 1989 Corona varsity boys basketball team state champion team poses for a picture on their 25th anniversary. They were honored at the championship game on Saturday. Photo by Kelly Zimmer
RThe day of the game was also the 25th anniversary of Sammy Duane Sr.’s state championship. RSenior Russ Davis’ father and brother won state championship titles as well. RSenior Casey Benson’s older brother, T.J., played on Sammy Duane Jr.’s first varsity basketball team. R The game against Highland was Sammy Duane Jr.’s 300th win RThe game against Gilbert was senior Casey Benson’s 100th win. RCorona has won 42 straight boys basketball games against AIA teams RMaxPreps has ranked Corona as the fifth best team in the nation
For more state championship coverage, visit cdssunrise.com.
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Photos by Kelly Zimmer
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March 2014
Corona’s student section ranked No.1 in state Carson Pyatt | Staff Writer
Anybody walking into a Corona del Sol varsity boys basketball game will notice a few things—Sam Duane Jr.’s state championship team, loud music for pumping up the crowd and a sea of students. This enormous group of students is The Tribe, Corona’s student section. The Tribe, led by seniors Nathan Chokey, Tim Coen and Trevor Wood, has received a lot of recognition for its size, ability to pump up a crowd and motivate the team. It has been named the No. 1 student section in the state of Arizona by azcentral. It is pretty much impossible to watch a CdS boy’s basketball game and not notice the intensity and loud cheers from the Tribe. I have watched numerous games from the student section, and I must say that I really think that it takes the experience to a whole new level. Watching the game from outside of the student section is still enjoyable, as the team is pretty spectacular. However, I really think that sitting in the student section is much more fun. The experience starts by checking Twitter to find out what the theme for the game is. This year, the Tribe has chosen many different themes, such as orange out, blackout, costume and silent night. The next step is getting to the gym early, as getting there on time would not ensure you a seat. I typically arrive at 5:30, during the JV game, to guarantee a good seat. As 7 p.m. rolls around, the Tribe begins to rise to announce the start of the game. Backs turned to the opposing team, the section shows the other school that it means business. After cheering loudly for CdS, the leaders of the section start of the game with the SpongeBob Squarepants theme song, making sure every student is ready to cheer throughout the game. Numerous cheers are performed during the game, such as “C-D-S!” or “I believe that we will win!” The Tribe stands the entire first half, showing support for the team. After resting during halftime, the Tribe stands once more, and the loud cheering continues. Standing in the section is thrilling and exciting, and really makes me feel like a part of Corona del Sol. As the end of the third quarter comes, a spectator may be curious to see the student section sit down. Don’t worry, this isn’t a lack of enthusiasm or display of getting tired; they are preparing for the roller coaster. Tim Coen (or sometimes even Principal Brent Brown) stands in front of the section and takes the students on a high-speed roller coaster ride, filled with many turns. I enjoy this a lot and it gets people pumped up for the final quarter. After performing a few more cheers, mostly consisting of how Corona is winning, the Tribe leaves the bleachers and enters the court to congratulate the team. If you attend Corona and haven’t spent a game in the student section before, I strongly suggest that you do next year. After this year’s outstanding season, I believe it is a pretty safe bet that the Tribe next year will still be going as strong as ever. Sitting in the crowd is only something that you can do for a maximum of four years, and I look forward to telling people in the future I was part of Corona’s massive student section the years that we won state. R
#32 Tanner Millyard
Senior Tim Coen leads the students in the famous “rollercoaster” after the third quarter in the state championship game. Photo by Elizabeth Cheney
Students chant during the Mountain View game on Feb. 27.
Principal Brent Brown leads the rollercoaster at the Red Mountain game on Feb. 6.
The student section cheers during the Mountain Pointe game dressed in Halloween costumes.
Principal Brent Brown gets the crowd excited during the game against Pinnacle. Photos by Kelly Zimmer
#3 Cassius Peat
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Photos by Kelly Zimmer