Rams hoops teams headed to state tournament

The Maricopa High School Varsity basketball teams are scheduled to kick off state tournament play this Friday at Sunrise Mountain High School. The girls tip off at 5 p.m., and the boys tip off at 7 p.m.

The number two seed Lady Rams (23-6, 10-2 in the 2A West) are taking on the number two seed from the north – the Redskins of St. Johns (17-13, 10-4 in the 2A North).

The Lady Rams have some great momentum going into round one after defeating the top team in the 2A West, the Shamrocks of Yuma Catholic (70-69), on the road last week. The Lady Ram offensive attack will run through do-it-all guard Yvonne “Yo” Nuguid. The 5’5″ Nuguid tore up the 2A West this year and dominated on both ends of the floor. When she gets hot, the Lady Rams can put up some big numbers.

The Lady Rams are looking to guard Yvonne “Yo” Nuguid (#33) to lead their offensive attack against the St. Johns Redskins on Friday night.

Look for post player Jessica Schwanbeck to knock down her patented jumper from 13-15 feet out. Once she gets going, look out.

Coach Jen Miller will also look to spark plug Brittany Parks for instant offense and scrappy defense. Parks’ aggressive defensive play can create offensive opportunities for the Lady Rams.

Senior guard Sarah Scofield needs to bring her hustle and heart to the tournament. Sarah’s hard-nosed play can motivate and inspire a team.

Down low the Lady Rams will look to Kayla Valisto to rebound on both ends. Kayla has great court vision and is great at finding teammates cutting to the hoop. Good luck in round one!

Coach Jen Miller will be talking strategy with her Lady Rams during the first game of the state tournament when they meet the Redskins of St. Johns Friday night at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria.

The Maricopa boy’s basketball team defeated arch rival Yuma Catholic last week to win the 2A West Region (19-9,11-1 in the 2A West). They enter the state tournament as a number one seed. The Rams will face off against the winner of Thursday night’s Scottsdale Christian vs.Williams game. The Rams’ up-tempo offensive attack is led by senior point guard Uli Rojas. Rojas is at his best when he is running the fast break. With the game on the line you want the ball in Rojas’s hands; he is cool under pressure.

Uli Rojas (#12) drives in for two against Yuma Catholic; his fast break will be key to the Rams’ offensive attack in the first game of the state tournament Friday night.

Coach Rick Abel and his Maricopa Rams are the number one seed in the state tournament; they will play at 7 p.m. Friday night at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria.

Coach Rick Abel will look to senior guard Seville Slater to light the offensive fire. Slater’s play can change the complexion of the game. His aggressive rebounding and defensive play creates easy scoring opportunities for the Rams.

Down low the Rams will look to Gabe Jenkins, Joe Zabawa, Cory Motley and Kenny Klein. If Jenkins can dominate the offensive glass, look for him to have a double-digit scoring night.

When it comes to slashing and cutting to the hoop the Rams look to Karlyle Stephens. Stephens could be the ‘X’ factor for the Rams. He is a sleeper, who is capable of putting up big offensive numbers quickly.

Let’s not forgot about Mr. Automatic from the Baseline, Clinton Teller. When Teller is hot from the baseline, he can bury a team quickly. Good luck in round one!

View the 2007 State of Arizona 1A-4A basketball bracket by clicking here.

Come out and support Ram basketball this Friday evening:
When: Friday, Feb.16, girls tip off at 5 p.m.; boys tip off at 7 p.m.
Where: Sunrise Mountain High School located in Peoria. Click here for directions.

Photos by Jeremy Knop