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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021
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Talented core guides Hamilton to third consecutive state title BY DREW SCHOTT Contributing Writer
Heading into the 2021 season, Steve Kanner won eight state titles and three national championships at Hamilton High School. After his Huskies Men’s Golf squad beat 51 schools at the Bart Granger Memorial in Texas, he knew the group was capable of a special season. “That was really the highlight of the regular season,” Kanner said. “That really spurred us on. It really just confirmed in our minds that we were a strong team and someone to reckon with here in Arizona.” On Nov. 4, Kanner’s team proved him right. Hamilton brought home its third consecutive and ninth overall state title in the Division I State Golf Championship at the Omni Tucson National. Five Huskies golfers finished with 10 of the best scores — including the top four. Hamilton played five tournaments ahead of the state championship and won two of them. A Huskies golfer finished in the top four in four of the contests, including junior Wyatt Chapman’s first place finish in the Hamilton Invitational. Chapman, who couldn’t play until
From left: Jaylen Choi, Mahanth Chirravuri, Vincent Cervantes, Nick Lippe, Wyatt Chapman, Anawin Pikulthong and Kush Shah are all part of Hamilton’s golf program that won its third consecutive state title under head coach Steve Kanner this season, running away from competition in Tucson. (Courtesy Steve Kanner)
the Bart Granger Memorial due to transferring from Casteel High School, joined Hamilton because of the team’s talent and his interest in pursuing college golf. Alongside players such as senior Mahanth Chirravuri and junior Anawin Pikulthong, committed to the University of Southern California and Arizona State University, respectively, Chapman played his way onto an impressive roster of some of the state’s top high school golfers. “The level of skill at Hamilton is just unreal,” Chapman said. “We’ll just keep pushing each other like we did all season. Because at the end of the day, we all want to beat each other. That’s just kind of the mindset. It’s a really good (one) and that See
GOLF on page 36
Hamilton snaps Chandler’s streak, secures top seed in Open BY JAKE HEDEBY Staff Writer
The Battle for Arizona Avenue has always been a rivalry with emotions running high and vital implications to the 6A rankings. In recent history, it has been an even matchup, with both Chandler powerhouses alternating domination in Arizona since 2000. This year proved to be much of the same as it was a close game throughout, with Hamilton prevailing in the end, 21-14 to snap the Wolves’ 45-game win streak. Chandler had been on a tear in the rivalry, winning the last nine matchups against Hamilton. Before that run, Hamilton burst onto the scene in Arizona high school football, winning 13 straight games against the Wolves. Now, the programs find themselves in less than familiar territory, both ranked nationally in the top 15 fighting to take over the city of Chandler. It had a big-time feel to it from the start. Chandler began the night adamant about being physical, and it took Hamilton a little while to catch up to the intensity. “Being physical from the start is big time. It means they may be more scared of us towards the end of the game. You have to get the first hit,” Hamilton wide receiver Christian Anaya said. Field position was huge Friday for both teams, as Chandler got the ball close to midfield both times it scored in the first quarter. The first touchdown of the game
be more efficient, started running quick pass plays. Anaya was a big part of helping his quarterback settle down. “Yeah, slants, outs, one step passes, everything we did helped us win,” Anaya said. The second half was filled with two defenses that did not want to be the ones who gave up the score that broke the tie. Getting down to the red zone was tough for both teams, as long drives were hard to come by all night, which was why there were two huge turnovers that decided the game. Hamilton got into scoring position and beHamilton’s 21-14 win over rival Chandler last Friday in the Battle for Arizona Avenue ended the Wolves’ 45-game win streak. It was also the first time Chandler lost to an in-state opponent since 2017. (Zac BonDu- fore it could even kick a field goal, Chandler’s rant/Contributor) Amar Elmore recovered a fumble by the Huskies. came from the arm of Blaine Hipa, who terback Nicco Marchiol. The key to the offense getting on Immediately following, Chandler lost connected on a 56-yard bomb to Ohio a roll according to the Husky quartera fumble of its own. Zdebski credited State commit Kyion Grayes. Less than back was pounding the inside zone and his player’s experience for not getting two drives later for the Wolves, Hipa running the ball effectively. After that, too high or too low when things like found Quaron Adams for the long 50he can spread the ball around. that happen. yard score. “Guys like Christian Anaya, and Tré “That’s what they’re used to, they In between those scores for ChanSpivey, there’s no one else I’d rather go are very levelheaded. On to the next dler, Hamilton answered with a touchget the ball from me than those two,” play,” Zdebski said. down pass of its own. Anaya set the Marchiol said. Marchiol took advantage of being Huskies up with great field position on Halftime adjustments were everya punt return and finished the drive thing in this matchup. Marchiol set to with a 5-yard score, coming from quarSee on page 36
HAMILTON
