Sports

Local teams shine in Section 7 basketball experience

BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

It was the first time in well over a year East Valley and Ahwatukee basketball teams had the chance to play in front of college coaches.

The NCAA set in place a recruiting dead period in March 2020, where coaches were unable to see athletes in person and no official visits were able to take place. That dead period quickly turned into the longest ever due to the pandemic. It was finally lifted June 1.

“I think especially this summer, you’re seeing a lot of these coaches get out and do more recruiting because it’s been 15 months since they’ve been able to do this,” Valley Christian head basketball coach Greg Haagsma said. “It’s been so long since they’ve seen kids play.”

While the high school basketball season eventually got underway in Arizona last winter — albeit after two delays, a cancellation and reinstatement by the Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Governing Board — teams were barred from competing in tournaments throughout the summer months as cases surged.

That, however, is no longer the case. Nearly 200 teams, including Valley Christian, Hamilton, Basha, Chandler, Casteel and several other East Valley schools and many from out of state, descended upon Glendale for the Section 7 Team Camp June 18-20. More than 400 college coaches were in attendance at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals that was transformed into a basketball player’s heaven with 12 courts. Fans were in attendance for all games, which began at 8 a.m. each day and concluded around 11 p.m.

For many players it was a new experience. Some, however, have competed in similar-sized spectacles. But the normal atmosphere was an overall welcomed site for everyone involved.

“I think, without a doubt, this is one of the best summer tournaments in the country,” Haagsma said. “I mean, you have teams from California who chose to come here instead of playing in their state tournaments. That tells you how big of a deal this is.”

Valley Christian used the tournament to break in three new players to the roster. Caleb and Luke Shaw, brothers who recently transferred from Phoenix Prep, are the sons of GCU assistant coach Casey Shaw. They are also the nephews of GCU head coach Bryce Drew and Baylor head coach Scott Drew.

The Trojans also debuted Jaylen Lee, a 6-foot-4 senior guard who transferred from Canada.

Canada remains under strict coronavirus policies, which involve sports still being shut down. Lee did not have any opportunities to play basketball. So, thanks to his mother’s dual citizenship, he and his family made the move to Valley Christian.

Lee said he has played in tournaments with the same number of courts. But it was the first time he has played in front of that many college coaches.

“I wasn’t really nervous when I walked in, I thought it was awesome,” Lee said. “I’ve played in big tournaments in Vegas but nothing ever on the level of this with the number of scouts here. It’s an amazing feeling to play in front of them.” Hamilton, which made the 6A quarterfinals last season and returns several starters, was competitive at Section 7 all three days. The Huskies went 2-2 overall against several out-of-state teams. They wrapped up the tournament Sunday with a win over Liberty from Peoria. Huskies head coach Doug Harris said the opportunity for players to compete in front of coaches again for the first time in almost two years was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up when presented with an invitation to Section 7. “If you are a basketball player or a coach, it gets no better than this,” Harris said. “It was kind of like a Final Four atmosphere walking in. I hope these players appreciate this opportunity. It’s everything for these kids who want to go on to play college ball.” Aaron Foote, a 6-foot-4 senior at Hamilton, said he was a bit surprised by the atmosphere when he walked into the stadium on day one of the event. The courts, the fans, the other teams and of course, the several hundred college coaches in attendance, left him and some of his teammates in awe.

But once they settled in, they looked at each appearance on the court as just another game. Even then, though, it still was a unique opportunity he didn’t have last year as a junior due to the pandemic.

I’ve played in big arenas before but never in a place like this,” Foote said. “I was rattled at the beginning, but I got used to it pretty quick once we started playing.”

The East Valley was also represented by Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe. The two Ahwatukee schools played in two of the toughest brackets, with the Thunder making a run to the championship.

Several Gilbert schools were also involved along with Mesa, Red Mountain and Dobson. The tournament proved to be beneficial for all programs involved and went off without a hitch despite more than a year hiatus.

“This is the mecca,” Harris said. “They had the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of coaches and for many of them, this is what they have dreamed of. Just to have the opportunity to play in front of coaches, it’s amazing.”

Valley Christian senior Jaylen Lee, who recently moved from Canada, said he hadn’t ever played in front of that many college coaches despite competing in large tournaments in the past. (Zac BonDurant) Hamilton senior Aaron Foote said entering the stadium and seeing the number of teams, courts and college coaches was intimidating at first but he was quickly able to settle down. (Zac BonDurant)

Have an interesting sports story?