SPORTS

TheMesaTribune.com

@EVTNow /EVTNow

Section 7 returned bigger and better for 2022

BY ZACH ALVIRA

Tribune Sports Editor

It’s the premier high school athletics event in Arizona. Every year it brings numerous high school basketball programs from across the western part of the U.S. and into the Midwest for a four-day showcase. College coaches flock to the Valley to see some of the top talent at Section 7, a tournament hosted by the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

“I’ve been fortunate to be at Peach Jam and some of the best tournaments in the country,” Mountain View coach Andy Johnson said. “But this is incredible. The level of competition, the organization. What this does for high school student-athletes, to be able to be seen by all these college coaches under one roof, it’s awesome.”

Since announcing its move to State Farm Stadium, Section 7 has grown exponentially. Last year, just under 200 high schools participated. This year, 231 boys and 18 girls’ teams played on 12 courts placed over top of the concrete floor that is typically covered by the Arizona Cardinals’ game field. Thursday, June 16, marked the official start of the tournament. Teams were split into 14 brackets on the boys’ side while the girls played in one large tournament.

A cast of all Arizona-based schools kicked off the tournament on its first day. Friday was the scheduled start for several others playing in brackets featuring outof-state opponents. That is when Mountain View began its quest for a bracket title with a new-look, fast-paced offense led by Johnson and key returning players, including Brigg Wolfe.

The Toros lost in double-overtime to begin the tournament to San Gabriel Academy out of California. It was a heartbreaking start for a team filled with confidence. Later that night on Friday, the Toros bounced back with a big win over Palo Verde. That was their only win of the tournament, but the experience was all that mattered.

“The timing of this is really good because it allows teams to see what they need to work on,” Johnson said. “Now we have the rest of the summer. We saw our strengths and weaknesses against a lot of good teams.”

Section 7 gives players the opportunity to stand out in front of several college coaches. On Friday alone, more than 450 were in attendance.

It was a bit nerve wrecking for Wolfe and his team. Even though he and most of the other returning players played in this tournament last year, they couldn’t help but look on in awe when they first arrived.

He showed poise and the ability to lead during the tournament from the guard position. He undoubtedly opened the eyes of some college coaches, which is the main goal of the event.

“It’s crazy, sort of inspirational,” Wolfe said. “You walk in, and you realize you’re

The Section 7 high school basketball tournament returned bigger and better this year with more teams added from across Arizona and surrounding states and with more than 500 college coaches in attendance to watch games spread out on 12 courts at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) in the Cardinals stadium. Then every corner you turn you see coaches from Kentucky, Duke. It’s just awesome to be able to come to a big stage and perform.” Mesa, Dobson, Desert Ridge and Red Mountain also were invited to compete at Section 7. The Jackrabbits went 3-1 in the Uniphore Bracket, which also Mesquite out of Gilbert. Desert Ridge went 2-2 throughout the four-day tournament while Red Mountain finished with the same record. Dobson was unable to secure a victory but had a unique experience, nonetheless. Other East Valley schools at the tournament included Perry, Gilbert, Highland, Mesquite boys and girls, Campo Verde and Higley. Chandler, Hamilton girls and boys, Basha and Valley Christian represented the Chandler area, while Saguaro, Chaparral, Scottsdale Christian, Horizon, Desert Mountain and Rancho Solano all represented Scottsdale. Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe out of Ahwatukee also competed. The far southeast Valley was representIt was the first time Mountain View coach ed by Casteel and Queen Creek, a team Andy Johnson had ever been to a tourna- that was missing a chunk of its roster but ment the caliber of Section 7. He has visited still remained competitive. other major tournaments across the country Bulldogs’ coach Daniel Bobik was pasin his career, but none have been to the level sionate about what Section 7 offers high of what took place in Glendale at State Farm Stadium. (Zac BonDurant/Tribune Contributor) school basketball teams. In previous years, he has lost players to prep schools, a growing struggle with promises of playing out-of-state competition and getting maximum exposure to colleges.

But Bobik believes there are opportunities for regular high schools, too, and Section 7 proves that.

“The prep schools try to use exposure and competition as a carrot on the stick to go to a prep school,” Bobik said. “I don’t think that’s right, and I don’t think that’s true. This is a legitimate event, and you can play at your high school and still get whatever exposure you want.”

Bobik added he enjoys the concept of Section 7 and hopes high school athletes will recognize the opportunities traditional high schools bring.

“I love the concept, I love the idea and I love that you can use it – for lack of a better term – as ammunition for kids who are potentially thinking about going the prep route,” Bobik said. “I can guarantee there are more coaches here this weekend watching them than they will get at prep schools over the entire year. I’m glad this has been put together for teams that are a part of the AIA so kids can understand they can go to a public high school and still play at the next level.” 

Mountain View senior Brigg Wolfe stood out at Section 7, helping lead his team to a bounce back win after losing in double-over-

art pillow

with first $500 purchase (a $199 value)

plus receive a

for every additional $1000 purchase

through sunday, july 10th only

One free art pillow per household with $500 minimum purchase. Copenhagen gift cards will be mailed after your order has been delivered. One $100 gift card per full $1000 purchased. Not valid with any other promotion including our Essentials Collection, previous purchases, Clearance Center or Stressless products. See store for full details.

The Lukas recliner is total comfort. Full function power reclining mechanism reclining mechanism makes this recliner a makes this recliner a dream to operate. Available from stock Available from stock in all top-grain leather in all top-grain leather in your choice of three colors.

2795$

ALL STORES CLOSED JULY 4th

Shown with our very comfortable Caroline leather dining chair. 298$ each

Aarhus counter stool with 26” seat height. Verseat height. Ve y nice looking and very comfortable very comfortable with genuine leather seat and back. $275 each

Our new Petra dining table features a beautiful oval top with a unique inlay pattern of natural walnut veneers supported by a dark grey finished steel base. The sturdy top boasts a nice profile edge, making the table look lighter than it actually is.Available from stock in two sizes.

Our Art Pillow collection features reproductions of fine art done in a beautiful jacquard weave. Not printed but rather woven like a tapestry. Pillow is appx.18” x 18”. Assortment varies by location. $199 1599$79” x 43” seats 8 93” x 43” 1699$seats 10

contemporary furniture & accessories

The Ascari side table fits perfectly into your contemporary style. Bent glass in either dark smoke or clear. 18” x 119” x 20”h Limited quantities. 368$

PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480-367-6401 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Pkwy. 480-838-3080 HOURS: PHOENIX Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm SCOTTSDALE & GILBERT Mon-Fri: 10am-7pm, Saturdays: 10am-6pm, Sundays: Noon-5pm www.copenhagenliving.com

Please note: Offers not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Not valid on previous purchases. Some items are excluded due to manufacturer requirements including (but not limited to) all Stressless products as well as all Essentials Collection products, Clearance Center products and any otherwise already discounted items such as closeouts, floor samples, etc.A25% deposit is required on all special orders and layaways.All advertised items are subject to prior sale and inventories may be limited.