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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 4, 2021
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Local teams shine in Section 7 basketball experience level of this with the number of scouts here. It’s an amazing feeling to play in front of them.” It was the first time in well over a Hamilton, which made the year East Valley and Ahwatukee bas6A quarterfinals last season and ketball teams had the chance to play in returns several starters, was front of college coaches. competitive at Section 7 all three The NCAA set in place a recruiting days. The Huskies went 2-2 overall dead period in March 2020, where against several out-of-state coaches were unable to see athletes in teams. They wrapped up the person and no official visits were able tournament Sunday with a win to take place. That dead period quickly over Liberty from Peoria. turned into the longest ever due to the Huskies head coach Doug Harpandemic. It was finally lifted June 1. ris said the opportunity for players “I think especially this summer, to compete in front of coaches you’re seeing a lot of these coaches get again for the first time in almost out and do more recruiting because two years was an opportunity he it’s been 15 months since they’ve been couldn’t pass up when presented able to do this,” Valley Christian head with an invitation to Section 7. basketball coach Greg Haagsma said. “If you are a basketball player “It’s been so long since they’ve seen or a coach, it gets no better than kids play.” this,” Harris said. “It was kind While the high school basketball seaof like a Final Four atmosphere son eventually got underway in Arizona walking in. I hope these players last winter — albeit after two delays, appreciate this opportunity. It’s a cancellation and reinstatement by everything for these kids who the Arizona Interscholastic Association want to go on to play college ball.” Executive Governing Board — teams Aaron Foote, a 6-foot-4 senior Valley Christian senior Jaylen Lee, who recently moved from Canada, said he hadn’t ever played were barred from competing in tourna- in front of that many college coaches despite competing in large tournaments in the past. at Hamilton, said he was a bit surments throughout the summer months (Zac BonDurant) prised by the atmosphere when as cases surged. he walked into the stadium on That, however, is no longer the case. day one of the event. The courts, “I think, without a doubt, this is one transformed into a basketball player’s Nearly 200 teams, including Valley of the best summer tournaments in the the fans, the other teams and of course, heaven with 12 courts. Fans were in atChristian, Hamilton, Basha, Chandler, the several hundred college coaches in country,” Haagsma said. “I mean, you tendance for all games, which began at Casteel and several other East Valley attendance, left him and some of his have teams from California who chose 8 a.m. each day and concluded around schools and many from out of state, to come here instead of playing in their teammates in awe. 11 p.m. descended upon Glendale for the But once they settled in, they looked For many players it was a new experi- state tournaments. That tells you how Section 7 Team Camp June 18-20. More at each appearance on the court as just big of a deal this is.” ence. Some, however, have competed in than 400 college coaches were in Valley Christian used the tournament another game. Even then, though, it similar-sized spectacles. But the normal attendance at State Farm Stadium, the still was a unique opportunity he didn’t to break in three new players to the atmosphere was an overall welcomed home of the Arizona Cardinals that was site for everyone involved. have last year as a junior due to the roster. Caleb and Luke Shaw, brothers pandemic. who recently transferred from Phoenix I’ve played in big arenas before but Prep, are the sons of GCU assistant never in a place like this,” Foote said. “I was coach Casey Shaw. They are also the rattled at the beginning, but I got used to nephews of GCU head coach Bryce it pretty quick once we started playing.” Drew and Baylor head coach Scott The East Valley was also represented Drew. by Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe. The Trojans also debuted Jaylen Lee, a 6-foot-4 senior guard who transferred The two Ahwatukee schools played in two of the toughest brackets, with the from Canada. Canada remains under strict corona- Thunder making a run to the championship. virus policies, which involve sports still Several Gilbert schools were also inbeing shut down. Lee did not have any volved along with Mesa, Red Mountain opportunities to play basketball. So, and Dobson. The tournament proved to thanks to his mother’s dual citizenship, be beneficial for all programs involved he and his family made the move to and went off without a hitch despite Valley Christian. more than a year hiatus. Lee said he has played in tourna“This is the mecca,” Harris said. ments with the same number of courts. But it was the first time he has played in “They had the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of coaches and for front of that many college coaches. many of them, this is what they have “I wasn’t really nervous when I dreamed of. Just to have the opporwalked in, I thought it was awesome,” Hamilton senior Aaron Foote said entering the stadium and seeing the number of teams, tunity to play in front of coaches, it’s Lee said. “I’ve played in big tournacourts and college coaches was intimidating at first but he was quickly able to settle amazing.” ments in Vegas but nothing ever on the down. (Zac BonDurant) BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor
Have an interesting sports story? Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.
