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<p>Arizona is home to some of the most dynamic and powerful high school hitters in the country, and this season, they're making big statements at the net. We caught up with several of the top AZ Pin Hitters in the class of 2026 across the state to get an inside look at their mindset, team dynamics, as well as diving into their last season goals. From what they would tell their freshmen selves, to team hurdles they're trying to overcome, these athletes opened up about what drives them to dominate on the court. Here's what they had to say.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong> What are you looking forward to most this season?<br></strong>I'm really looking forward to competing with my teammates and pushing ourselves to new levels. Every season is a chance to prove how much work we've put in, and I'm excited to see how far we can go together after falling just short last year. We definitely have the mindset to take it all this year.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong> What is special about this group of players?<br></strong>What makes this group special is how connected we are on and off the court. We trust each other, and that makes us play harder because we know everyone has the same goal. Our team motto is “we are one” which is a reminder that we all have to work hard together to bring home a title.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual as this season starts?</strong><br>One hurdle for us is just staying consistent and locked in no matter who we're playing. We hold ourselves to a high standards because we know that's what it takes to perform our best at the end of the season. For me personally, I'm working on being a good leader for my teammates. I want to keep pushing myself to not just play well, but to also lift my teammates up around me and be more encouraging.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?<br></strong>I'd tell my freshman self to be confident and not be afraid to step up. I didn't start right away my freshman year and had to work extra hard to earn time on the court. Every rep, every game, and every opportunity matters. I'd remind her that mistakes don't define you because I used to take everything too seriously. Mistakes are part of the game and I wouldn't be where I am today without that growth.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you most looking forward to this season? </strong></p>
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<p> I am looking forward to getting to know all of my new teammates and create new bonds and friendships for my last year in high school!</p>
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<p><strong>What is so special about this group of players?</strong></p>
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<p>Our group of players all have the want to win and we will all do whatever it takes to win. I also believe that we as a group are very kind people. They all welcomed me in right off the bat and I instantly felt at home.</p>
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<p><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual this season? </strong></p>
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<p>Our teams goal like any of team is for sure to win state, but to make it full of unforgettable moments. Me as an individual, I would like to work on my leadership, and getting out of my comfort zone with new skills, especially with a new team.</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now?</strong></p>
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<p>I would tell my freshman self to take a breath. That no matter what life throws at you God has a plan. I would tell her to slow down and take every opportunity she can to be in the gym, or faculty, but also to make bonds with people and just to enjoy life.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?</strong></p>
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<p> I want to be remembered in my program as the girl that would do anything it took to win, as well as the girl that nobody thought could and she did. I want to be an example to the younger girls that step foot in the gym to remind them no matter what other people say, you can do it.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season? </strong><br>I am looking forward for a successful last year with my program by leading them to a state championship but also gaining a great last year with my teammates and coaches.<br></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What is special about this group of players? </strong><br>Something special about this group is how well connected all of us are. Every time we come back to school season it feels like we never left. Our strong relationships on and off the court help us succeed and win those tough matches.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind legacy are you trying to leave in your program? </strong><br>As I reflect on this volleyball season, I want to leave a legacy of resilience. My years with this program had its up and downs but I hope I'm remembered as someone you can rely on to lead on and off the court. Whether it was through my actions or words, I aimed to create a supportive and successful team.</p>
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<p><br><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her? </strong></p>
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<p>I would tell her to trust the process and not get discouraged by setbacks. There will be tough practices, games, and moments of doubt but it's all part of the journey because you can't win until you learn to lose.</p>
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<p></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you most looking forward to this season? </strong><br>I am mostly looking forward to playing with my teammates and winning with my best friends.</p>
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<p><strong>What is so special about this group of players?</strong> <br>The thing that is so special about this group of players is that have all played for a long time together and we all love each other so much so it's fun to celebrate our victories together.</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now?</strong> <br>I honestly would tell my freshman self to enjoy what you have because high school flies by literally so fast so make the most of it not even just during volleyball season. Make friends and get out of your comfort zone.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?</strong> The kind of legacy I want to leave is a legacy of leadership and unity. I want younger girls to know that commitment, positivity, and discipline can open doors and opportunities just like those things have helped me achieve my dream of playing in college.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?</strong></p>
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<p>I'm most excited for the big time games and the chance to grow closer with my teammates as the season goes on. I know the challenges we face together will make us stronger as both athletes and people.</p>
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<p><strong>What is special about this group of players?</strong></p>
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<p>We have 10 returning players this year and we are all really close both on and off the court. We have a bond like I've never seen. We are all driven, focused, and willing to give our all every single day. We push each other to new levels while still holding onto the love we have for one another. I feel blessed to be part of a program like this.</p>
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<p><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual?</strong></p>
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<p>Personally, I'm working on staying consistent with my confidence, and I know I can accomplish that this season. As a team, sometimes we beat ourselves. We just have to stay disciplined and keep our trust in one another and things will fall into place. </p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?</strong></p>
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<p>I would tell her to give herself grace. Mistakes are how you grow, and no one is perfect—especially as an outside hitter. Embrace the challenges, stay strong, and always bring positivity. People remember a good teammate, so be that person.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?</strong></p>
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<p>I want to leave behind a legacy of work ethic - I want our younger class to look at this group and think of how we showed up every day, ready to fight in the gym, the classroom, and the weight room. </p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">I am most looking forward to our run in state; I think we are an extremely talented group and have all of the tools to reach our goal of winning a championship.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong><strong>What is special about this group of players? </strong></strong><br>This group of players is special because everyone has bought in to our collective goals for the season and truly work hard to make the team better instead of just themselves.<br></p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">I would tell my freshman self to keep putting in the work and always control the controllables (effort, attitude, focus, etc).<br></p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">I hope that the girls and coaches at Chap volleyball will continue to foster a determined culture. Our determination this year is going to be one of the biggest factors regarding our success and I am extremely excited to see where it takes us.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season? </strong></p>
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<p>I'm most excited for the opportunity to be a leader on a team with such a story tradition of excellence and to continue the proud tradition that OConnor volleyball has established. </p>
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<p><strong><strong>What is special about this group of players? </strong></strong></p>
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<p>Definitely everyone's connection on and off the court. Everyone loves being around each-other and I think it shows in how we play. Unlike some teams that may have a powerhouse player who they live and die by, I think another special thing about our group is that we have a solid group of 6 players and a very deep bench. This makes practices so fun because everyday it is so competitive on both sides of the net and everyone is getting better every time we play against each other. </p>
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<p><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual as this season starts? </strong></p>
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<p>I think when you play for a program that has had a lot of success in the past, like Oconnor has, it is easy to get ahead of yourself with expectations, when in reality you just have to focus on competing everyday and winning one game at a time. </p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her? </strong></p>
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<p>I would tell my freshman self to trust the process and every set back can serve a purpose if you work through it and allow it to. Sometimes in the moment you don't think it is helping you but it is only making you a better person and player. I would also tell her to enjoy the process because it goes so quick and you have to soak it all in while you can. </p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program? </strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"> It would be an awesome honor if people remembered my legacy on the program as someone who contributed to having an uplifting, fun, and hardworking culture every day, whether it's in practice or competition. By doing this, I'm hoping it can help us compete for a state championship!</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you most looking forward to this season? </strong><br>I'm looking forward to this last ride with some of my favorite people to play with! The season is short, but everyone bonds so quickly, so it's a lot of fun and we have wide range of ages that keep it interesting.</p>
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<p><strong>What is so special about this group of players?</strong><br>This group is so special because everyone has immense grit and energy at all times. We have such strong personalities all around and we all truly enjoy each other!</p>
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<p><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual this season? </strong><br>Some hurdles our team is going to have to overcome is filling in big roles. We lost five seniors that had a big impact on our team, so being able to depend on each other and unite is going to be crucial for us! We are already off to a good start!</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now?</strong><br>I would tell her she is exactly who she thinks she is, a beast! I have grown so much physically, but my killer mentality has always been.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?</strong><br>I'm trying to leave a culture of acceptance and joy! Regardless of age, or if we all have the same goal, we represent O'Connor Volleyball, so accepting and appreciating everyone for who they are is very important to me! Volleyball is supposed to be fun, so I try to demonstrate that to my underclassmen, but I will still kill on their defense and talk trash through the net to keep it as competitive as possible.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?</strong></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">What I'm most looking forward to this season is the representing my school for one last season and playing with my best friends. I am excited to see our growth as a team and the success we will have this season. This season is all about working hard, making memories and leaving it all on the court with no regrets.</p>
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<p><strong>What is special about this group of players?<br></strong>What's special about this group is how every single player brings something unique to the table. Whether that's personality or skill each player contributes to the team dynamic and plays a role to our success. We push each other to be better everyday, but we also know how to have fun. There's a balance between competitiveness and friendship that makes this team so special. On the court, we trust each other completely and off the court, we're truly best friends.</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now?<br></strong>I'd tell her to embrace every part of the journey, even the discomfort, because that's where the most growth happens. Don't rush through the hard practices or tough loses because they're shaping you into the player and person you are meant to become. Most of all, appreciate every moment, every bus ride, every chance to step on the court, because these years will fly by fast and one day you'll wish you could live them all over again.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind legacy are you trying to leave in your program?<br></strong>I hope my legacy is seen as a teammate who supported the people around her and impacted the team in a positive way. I hope my teammates remember me as someone who brought confidence, pushed them to their potential, celebrated their wins and stood by them through it all. More than wins and stats, I want my legacy to be about character and my love for this team.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you most looking forward to this season? </strong><br>This season I am extremely excited just to be able to play with girls who are hungry to win. Last season I was out all season from a severe ankle injury, so this season I'm just excited to be able to play my senior year with a team I feel comfortable and confident in.</p>
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<p><strong>What is so special about this group of players?</strong><br>Honestly I think what's so special about this group is our ability to adjust and continue to grow through adversity. These past 3 years has been a roller coaster and everyone who comes in just continues to show their dedication to buying into our program, so that's really special to me.</p>
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<p><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual this season? </strong><br>As a team our main obstacle I would say it adjusting and figure out our team dynamic on the court, because we do have a pretty new/young team, so stepping into different roles and adjusting quickly to different personalities!</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now?</strong><br>If i could talk to my freshman self I would tell her to just trust the process and don't compare your journey with anyone else's. Go to the extra workout and keep being present in every opportunity you get and everything will work itself out.</p>
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<p><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?</strong><br>The legacy I want to leave for the Casteel Volleyball Program is to be the player everyone can trust in and look up to. I want my teammates and coach's to trust and feel they can look to me when they need.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?<br></strong>I'm looking forward to being back on the court and making the most of my senior season. This year is very special, and I'm grateful to be able to play the game I love and give it my all.</p>
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<p><strong>What is special about this group of players?<br></strong>The love we have for each other and how we all want what's best for one another. The support and love make playing together even more meaningful.</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?<br></strong>I would tell her that everything is going to be more than okay. You are not defined by your performance. All you can do is give your best, and trust that God will handle the rest.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?<br></strong>I want to leave a legacy of kindness and hard work by always giving my best, treating people well, and encouraging others to believe in themselves and know they can do anything they set their mind too.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"></p>
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<p><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?<br></strong>Looking forward to playing with this team and making the run for state!</p>
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<p><strong>What is special about this group of players?<br></strong>Something so special about this group is our connection and the bond we have together nobody else has.</p>
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<p>Some hurdles is just staying consistent through the whole season and playing our best in every game.</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?<br></strong>I would tell my freshman self never stop believing in yourself and try new things don't be scared of the unknown that's what makes it fun</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?<br></strong>The legacy I am trying to leave is my name when people hear my name they know who I am and how hard I work to get where I am today</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">.<strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?<br></strong>This season I'm looking forward to continuing the streak before me. This team has had amazing records in previous seasons and I'm ready to step up and lead us to another great season!</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What is special about this group of players?<br></strong>This group of players are hungry. We all want to win, get better, be the best and compete at high levels.</p>
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<p><strong>Any hurdles you are trying to overcome as a team or individual this season? </strong><br>This season is a batch of new girls, it's a different environment. We're working on becoming consistent individuals, regaining energy and confidence!</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?<br></strong>I would tell her to be herself, no one needs to tell you how to act. You can set a new level even at a young age, whether that's skill, energy or effort.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700"><strong><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?<br></strong></strong>Well, it's not all about our record l want people to look at me and see how passionate I was. I want that to show through practices and through games. I want people years down the road to know who i am because of my skill, my effort, my passion, my hunger and my energy. I want my traits to be talked about and to be seen for years down the road.</p>
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<p><strong>What are you looking forward to most this season?</strong><br>I am looking forward to having the best season we have had and winning State!</p>
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<p><strong>What is special about this group of players?<br></strong>There are so many things that make this team special. I would say that the most special thing is how close we are with each other. We are all mostly seniors so it makes it better that we also get to graduate with each other.</p>
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<p><strong>What would you tell your freshman self right now if you could talk to her?<br></strong>I would tell my freshman self that we have come a long way from where we first started. That everything that I was looking forward to and practicing since my freshman year was all worth it by the end.</p>
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<p><strong><strong>What kind of legacy are you trying to leave in your program?<br></strong></strong>I am trying to leave a legacy of people remembering me by how good of a teammate that I became and how I help the team to be better.</p>
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Arizona is home to some of the most dynamic and powerful high school hitters in the country, and this season, they're making big statements at the net. We caught up with several of the top AZ Pin Hitters in the class of 2026 across the state to get an inside look at their mindset, team dynamics, as well as diving into their last season goals. From what they would tell their freshmen selves, to team hurdles they're trying to overcome, these athletes opened up about what drives them to dominate on the court. Here's what they had to say.
HEIGHT
6'2"
POS
RS
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Sunrise Mountain
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State:
Arizona
School:
Casteel High School
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HEIGHT
6'3"
POS
MB
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Corona Del Sol
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
American Leadership Academy Queen Creek
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HEIGHT
6'1"
POS
OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Sunrise Mountain High School
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HEIGHT
6'1"
POS
OH/RS
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Chapparal High School
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Sandra Day O'Connor
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
RS/OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Sandra Day O’Connor
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
RS/OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Chaparral
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HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
RS/OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Casteel High School
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HEIGHT
5'10"
POS
OH/RS
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Chandler High School
Club:
Club One
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HEIGHT
6'2"
POS
OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Salpointe
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
OH/RS
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Estrella Foothills
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HEIGHT
6'2"
POS
RS/OH
CLASS
2026
State:
Arizona
School:
Salpointe Catholic
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