To be a fan again - Column

Column

---

Let me preface this by saying this…

This season of girls basketball may very well be the most exciting year I’ve seen while I’ve been around the sport the last six years, however it’s that excitement that has played a large role in why I haven’t covered the sport as much as I have in previous years.

The end of 2025 and beginning of 2026 has been a state of transition for me. I got married, my day job has allowed me to take on new roles, and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to help launch this website from the ground up (more on that later).

It’s why as a whole I’ve covered less games on both the boys and girls side in person. But I’ve logged the most hours in my life on NFHS in the last two months.

I’ve been excited watching programs such as Canyon View, Millennium, Kellis, and O’Connor, four programs that across the last four seasons I’ve grown to have really good relationships with have successful regular seasons.

Or a Desert Edge program that has done a 180° turnaround and looks to be building towards a stronger future under Heidi Behnke.

Watching from afar has allowed me to watch programs I typically wouldn’t be able to travel to see much of such as Perry, Campo Verde, Higley, and Prescott.

This season has seen remarkable freshmen such as Brooklynn Williams, Amaya Ribbens-Brown, Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs and more.

But with the postseason starting, my fandom and excitement won’t go away but rather go to another level as I return to coverage.

Let me make one thing clear though, people such as Cedric Cobb Sr and Logan Stanley are the crème de la crème of the Arizona high school girls scene with their knowledge and hard work they put in to uplifting the scene.

I’m rather adding on to their already amazing coverage more than trying to compete or takeaway from them because I believe we all benefit from covering these amazing athletes and their accomplishments.

In other news, I’m happy to announce that I will be covering the Women’s Final Four this April. This is a huge milestone in my career and I largely credit it to the amazing girls basketball coaches, players, and fans in the state that have allowed me the opportunity to cover the sport we love so much in this state.

So when you see me at a game across the next month, know that I’ll be celebrating the highest of highs and the biggest triumphs on any given night.