Richard Smith
@RsmithYWV
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Sports Editor #westvalleypreps, Editor @GlendaleAZ Independent for @AzNewsmedia Storyteller, journalist. Mostly people with some data. Contact [email protected]
Joined November 2014
Between my trip to Cali and coverage of @CeHSbball and @CVJagsBaseball road to their showdown , I lost track of posting the Fountain Hills baseball playoff recap. Here that is #FountainHills #hsbaseball #AZNEWSMEDIA .@FHUSDFalcons @FHTimesNews @fhazgov .
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#westvalleypreps My family and I are grateful for and truly touched by the outpouring of support and prayers from the AZHS sports community. I can’t thank you all enough.
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#WestValleyPreps Heartbreaking for @LibertyFBLions , especially the seniors. But I hope once the pain subsides they realize what they accomplished tonight. That is why we love HS football. Heart, skill, relentless hitting, excellent coaching. Holo your heads high @LibertyHSLions.
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#westvalleypreps Zach Hunzinger is finishing his junior year at @LibertyHSLions and is a starting OL for @LibertyFBLions. He could use our prayers and positive thought for the battle he faces
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Time to send PatBev back to the shelter. I hear it’s spaghetti night.
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#westvalleypreps 11 years after the @LibertyFBLions program played its first varsity game, it poses with its first championship
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The 2018 All #westvalleypreps football team now w link.Keep scrolling, lots of photos, lists.First team O: @KeeganFreid @arenvh @ajjr1923 @Zcullop_9 @JLTroy2126 @keltner50 @juwaun_32 @Jake_newton53 @jacob_fyffe @golden19_jacob @matt_cadriel.D w photo below.
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#westvalleypreps Here's a look at the top 10 local recruits, feat. interviews with @bigdes01 @Puskas1Ryan and @EthanHudak - Several of West Valley Preps’ top 10 recruits sign early @Bcroteau4 @golden19_jacob @KeeganFreid @kingkieran19 @ZackEnhelder1
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#WestValleyPreps BREAKING: This morning, Andrew Johnson was introduced to Mountain Ridge football as its new coach. The former Saguaro assistant, co-offensive coordinator in 2023, is meeting with the team this morning.@MtRidgeFootball @CoachA_Johnson @DvusdA @mrhs_athletics.
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Good. Navi has done so much and he has such unusually high caliber leadership skills that he deserves a shot a Power Four program.
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#WestValleyPreps 2 point try incomplete. 35-34. The #5 team in the United States @chandler_wolves was fortunate to beat the little old @LibertyFBLions . Teams break protocol and shake hands after Liberty earned the respect of everybody tonight.
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I thought the addition of Coach Madoski could get the Mountain Lions 5 wins this year. Uh . I did not predict this as one of the five.
FINAL 2OT: Mountain Ridge outlasts Liberty 39-33 #FridayNight360AZ.
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A wonderful moment to start the game and kudos to both coaches for thinking of what it meant to this young man.
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2019 #westvalleypreps Football Team.#Glendale #Goodyear #Peoria #Surprise #AZNEWSMEDIA .@keegan_stancato @MichaelClark07 Austin Young, @aflorez32 @jovons23 @cameron_adams1 .@kyler_stancato @izm75 @AndrewRumary @57FrankThompson Matt Johnson @Jhovatter131 .
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#westvalleypreps I decided to premiere the 2017 All West Valley Preps team on @DailyNewsSun last night. Here it is for those who missed it @CeHSathletics @psbnlhs @SunriseMustangs @psbnthegame @CactusHSCobras @PeoriaPanthers @WillowCanyonFB @IronwoodFball
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A relief for all of us concerned about Bryce Cord after last night.
Mustang family. Bryce Cord was released from hospital last night. He’s going to be fine. concussion. Will need to rest for a week or two! Thanks for care and concern. Get well, Bryce! #smhscares #smhsfootball.
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#westvalleypreps I will not be at a game tonight. My father died Tuesday so it will be a while until I write something new.
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#WestValleyPreps #TeamAZV @CHSCobraFB introduced at the @AZPreps365 media day in Gilbert. Coach @BrianBelles3 introduced @Raymondjones_ @DominicSolano9 @WillGalvan2023 @RudyGonzales_2 and @BLagafuaina
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#westvalleypreps @Cehsfootball PLAYERS, FAMILIES, COACHES AND FANS. It's your turn. Page 18 (attached below) of Monday's @DailyNewsSun is all about your 5A title game. @CeHSAZ @CeHSathletics @CehsStuSection @pusdathletics @psbnthegame @PeoriaAZ Call 623-972-6101 to get a copy
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#westvalleypreps I'm still trying to process Coach Fetkenhier's resignation (after his hand was forced). I'd love to know if there is a real reason - b/c if the school truly thinks the football program needs to "go in a different direction," that is about as brain dead as it gets.
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#westvalleypreps The 10 most recruited local 2020 players, 5 senior sleepers and 5 to watch from the class of 2021 #AZNEWSMEDIA.@Iam_dxii @DyeBry @AndrewRumary @Jaydin_Young3 @57FrankThompson @its_jearly2 @eric7haney @stpierre_81 @No1imitdre @treydannn .
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Went to the first game two nights ago, wrote the story last night so I might as well post it tonight, huh - Spirit football enjoys storybook beginning @OUAZFootball @OU_Surprise @OUAZSpirit @AZSurprise @Coach_Nesbitt @Shamar_Moreland @jack_graham17
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Back in the swing for #TeamAZV before more @DEdgeFootball interviews at @AFDSS_Athletics media day - Desert Edge defensive trio ready to aid rise of Jayhawks #Goodyear .@NoLimitDre21 @DeshawnWarner15 @JKamara_28 @JayhawkSlant @SpiceBoy408 @CaliBloodLine81 .
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For #TeamAZV - Apollo football crashes Arizona semifinals for 1st time since 1985 #Glendale #HSFB .@AHawksfootball @Adam_Mo24 @xxTreyy @_jwlkrr @swaveydamien @BellKamarion @Levelle_Watk1ns @eliijahwhite2 @GlendaleUnionAZ .
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#westvalleypreps MAKING HIS OWN NAME Jaydin Young joins older brother as Coyotes football legend #Peoria #AZNEWSMEDIA .@Jaydin_Young3 @Cehsfootball @dedrick_young @CehsStuSection @CoachComes @CoachTaylorCeHS @Coach_ATaylor @PeoriaUnified11 @AZHSFB @CeHSAZ .
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#westvalleypreps.Final.@ihseagleshoops 78.@MillenniumHoops 70. Ironwood makes its free throws late and we have a first-time championship @IronwoodSports First title of any kind for the school since boys soccer in 2010.
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Stepped away from the high school football for a second to write about . A TEAM WITHOUT A SEASON: Ottawa football plants roots @OUAZFootball @OUAZSpirit @OU_Surprise @Coach_Nesbitt @AZSurprise
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#TeamAZV Oh my dear God. This crowd is larger and louder than last year’s. We have to be around 12,000 people in this building now as Alchesay and Window Rock warm up
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It’s been a difficult week for everyone in this state that loves high school football. We all can and will continue to lift up the Chavez football program and community. The season is less than a month away and soon there will be triumphs to balance the tragedy.
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#westvalleypreps Centennial eviscerates Desert Edge 49-0 in opener @Cehsfootball @CeHSathletics @pusdathletics
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BREAKING #westvalleypreps - Arizona Hall of Fame softball coach Bartt Underwood retires: WV legend coached 10 years at @CactusHSCobras after 19 at @CeHSAZ #Glendale #Peoria #AZNEWSMEDIA .@edrussellphotog @CactusAthletics @CeHSGSball @caribauer @kalirenyer .
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SagU can be polarizing for some people (not me, I’m pretty neutral). But I don’t care where you stand, this is simply awful for a group of kids that already lost its rivalry game and 2 other marquee games to COVID on other teams.
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#westvalleypreps Top 10 recruits for 2018 Class + sleepers @Dv_skyhawks @Cehsfootball @LibertyFBLions @football_ncs
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#WestValleyPreps @CHSCobraFB and @DEdgeFootball kept it respectful before the 5A state title showdown. @BrianBelles3 and @AZcoachHenri both won semifinals on the road to get here. But make no mistake, this is the most intense rivalry in the state
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I genuinely enjoy covering Northwest Christian. Not tonight. The size of the home crowd and lack of masks has me nervous for everyone there (including myself) 2 caveats about the photos 1) Cactus was also quite crowded Week 1 with no visitors stand but at least most ppl masked up
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#WestValleyPreps Liberty football is finishing the celebration of its second straight title win some family photos . During the main ceremony @coachthomasfb credited the community that has wrapped its arms around @LibertyFBLions . He also set the goal of a 3-peat in 2025
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18 years ago today my life was forever changed and for the better. Elliott, the greatest story I’ve witnessed is your growth into the young man you are today. And 18 is really only the beginning. Love you, bud
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#WestValleyPreps You won’t know it in 10 minutes, but @dvhsathletics1 and @PeoriaBoysBball are very close, friendly rivals, as are coaches @jed_dunn and @PHXMRORNG . The teams prayed together before the game
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#WestValleyPreps WV goes big with top 10 college FB recruits in Class of 23 #Peoria #Glendale#CFB #AZNEWSMEDIA.@mgardner2023 @DoostAlex @DylanJettRober1 @____Dwash @_MicahJohnson_ @kavaughn_clark @JasonBKirk @blaisenelson17 @ShahidWilson6 @Korey_Johnson15 .
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Congratulations @ASUSoftball , in particular @MountainRidgeSB alum @ggotgame45 and @CeHSGSball grad @SkylarMcCarty Neither expected to go to ASU until their senior year of HS, G may even have been after she finished at @TheMRHS . The Sun Devils don't get back to OKC without them
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#westvalleypreps It stings right now. But read back this sentence to realize how far these kids have come. Centennial basketball just lost in the state semifinals . This is my 10th season covering hoops and they did not play a state playoff game in the previous nine.
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Please help the @SunriseMustangs community and AZ basketball community as @smhshoopnation Coach Gary Rath recovers from a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery.
Our Beloved Coach Rath suffered a heart attack July 25 with permission from the family these shirts and mask are now available with the proceeds going to the family or a charity of their choice.
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Dysart senior @AJAllen18 plays, smiles to honor mother’s memory @dhsdemonhoops @Demonsstusec
http://t.co/DLByFHzsr8
http://t.co/bbboTwXtOx.
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#westvalleypreps Big win gives Willow Canyon wrestler Daniel Rivera bigger goals @WillowCanyonHS @RiveraDaniel8 @ArizonaWrestles.
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#WestValleyPreps @JasonPSkoda State notes w lil help from yours truly & starring Drew Schmit
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#WestValleyPreps.Open Division title .Final .#1 @LibertyFBLions (12-1) 33.#3 @Cehsfootball (11-2) 21. This is the night Liberty has waited four years for. Centennial made the Lions earn it, driving to the 10 . Fourth down pass dropped. Liberty football now runs AZ
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Player of the year. On one good knee no less.
She’s got more nets than a fishing boat- Marisa Davis. What a career.
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#westvalleypreps The story of the night from @samespn - .Rincon’s miracle three sends Cinderella Coyotes to semifinals @jojo2quick @CEHShoops @randylav242 @CeHSathletics @pusdathletics @psbnthegame @peoriaazteens @CeHSAZ @CehsStuSection @SportsCenter
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Words on coaches later Players on The 2023 All #WestValleyPreps football team #Peoria #Goodyear #Surprise #Glendale #AZNEWSMEDIA .@3noahcarter @navibruzon @DeshawnWarner15 @kennyworthy2 @Qb12_GageBaker @Ivy2x__ @Nikko_Boncore @GardnerBraylon @Keatonstam_8.
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#westvalleypreps BERKELEY BOUND: Liberty defensive tandem of Croteau, Puskas formalizes commitment to Cal #AZNEWSMEDIA .@CalFootball @LibertyFBLions @Bcroteau4 @Puskas1Ryan @psbnlhs @CalRivals @pusdathletics @GoldenBlogs @PeoriaUnified11 .
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I’ll learn more about Notre Dame Prep in the next two weeks but it is will take a lot to convince me that these are not the two best teams in 5A by a wide margin
Liberty and Centennial should play every week. Give them their own two-team division. First to 8 wins is the champion.
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Obviously this Father’s Day is different for me, and I miss him. But my family gave me today and gives me every day far more than I deserve. As much as anyone can be right now, we are all at peace.
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Now I have a new favorite memory at Stake Farm Stadium. Dee and I can’t thank everyone inside and outside of @DVUSD enough for their guidance, nurturing and structure that helped get Elliott to today #Classof2024
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#westvalleypreps Jalan Early gets shot at becoming Division I quarterback: Wait pays off as Millennium star signs with FBS school Fresno State #Goodyear #AZNEWSMEDIA .@its_jearly2 @MillenniumFB @CoachEarly_MHS @FresnoStateFB @MillenniumHoops @MHSTigersAD .
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#WestValleyPreps #TeamAZV Really cool setup for first @AFDSS_Athletics media day with fans, introductions for all the players coming out of the tunnel at @MHSTigersAD new Rise and Roar Center. 5 teams @AFHS_FBBooster @CVjagsfootball @DEdgeFootball @MillenniumFB @Verrado_Vipers
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I know it’s an incredibly difficult night in Lion country. But these two teams were the first two I thought would play Chandler in the final until the bracket was turned upside down. Liberty had a hell of a season and it’s great to cover a legit top flight big school team again.
Boys keep your heads high, what a great season!!. To our seniors, you will be missed, but once a Lion 🦁, always a Lion!!.
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Congratulations Liberty. Second state title in program history comes in first year of Division I competition. And look at that lineup. This looks like the start of something huge @psbnlhs @pusdathletics @PeoriaUnified11 @PeoriaAZ @libertyuproar.
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Seriously folks, I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving full of food and family and loved ones.
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#westvalleypreps @AZPreps365 D’Angelo Garcia stops Bendle after gain of 4. Final @Cehsfootball 42 @LibertyFBLions 37 in maybe the best high school football game I have ever seen in person.
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#WesrValleyPreps #TeamAZV Still rehydrating. But worth it. Thanks to @PeoriaUnified11 @psbnthegame @LHSAthletics22 and @LibertyBuickAZ for staging a first class media day. And thanks to @IronwoodFball @KellisFootball @PeoriaPantherFB @Cehsfootball & @LibertyFBLions for interviews
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#WestValleyPreps I cannot believe what I just witnessed. @bash_hardimon_3 gets the fourth down sack and Ironwood has won its first playoff game since 2005!!!.Final .@IronwoodFball 35.@DMWolvesFB 30.What an unreal second half. Catch the replay on @JVSportsShow @IronwoodHS.
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#westvalleypreps UNHERALDED BUT UNMOVABLE: Centennial front 7 dominates as much as predecessors with more star power @tylerwatkins677 .@D_WAMP27 @connor_knudsen @CireFields_10 @51Xavierg @MJ_Walker31 @ETAB_53 @DerekJodarski @Cehsfootball @CeHSathletics
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As I finish my birthday, I want to thank the #WestValleyPreps and greater #AZPreps community. @AzNewsmedia @AZHSFB @AZPreps365 @HypaMarkCo @Sports360AZ @PrepHoopsAZ and many others . Y’all are the only reasons I stay on this hellscape we used to call Twitter. Thank you (I think).
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#westvalleypreps Ironwood upsets Liberty on Eugene buzzer beater with season on line @ihseagleshoops @LibertyLionsMBB @japrephoopsaz @LHSCoachWood @pusdathletics @PeoriaUnified11 @Reese1five @psbnlhs @AguekAjang @IHSTheNest
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#westvalleypreps Bauer realizes it is time to say goodbye:.Centennial girls volleyball coach steps down after 24 years #Peoria #AZNEWSMEDIA .@CeHSvball @caribauer @CeHSAZ @daniwiley5 @karaspicer11 @CeHSathletics @PeoriaUnified11 @PeoriaEdUnited @usavaz .
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#WestValleyPreps @OUAZFootball coach @Coach_Nesbitt talks about the importance of making memories and reflecting on the blessing it is to play a senior season of football at the inaugural Battle of the 303 luncheon, new name for rivalry between @SRHSFootball1 & @vvhsfbbooster
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#westvalleypreps Hey @LibertyFBLions players and fans. Look for Wednesday's Peoria Independent for a sports cover (mostly) commemorating the 6A title victory #AZNEWSMEDIA .Don't get the Independent? Call 623-972-6101 to set aside a copy. We're printing extras.
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Dee and I probably did take Elliott to an ASU game or two early in the Todd Graham era, 2012-2014. But he was an elementary school kid, running around the concourses. I wouldn’t go to any of the Herm Edwards games. Now I’m so glad this ASU team was his first football experience
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#westvalleypreps 2018 All West Valley Preps baseball team @libby3232 @TroyBalko @hootie_jon @jfleb05 @A_kupec002 @tylerpruitt24 @jake10robson1 @nickayress @tc_strickler13 @WadsJD @chandler2233 @libertylionsaz @SMHSMustangBB @MountainRidgeBB @JoyBaseball
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Wonderful news from Zach and for the Hunzinger family, the @LibertyFBLions family and really the whole Arizona family.
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#westvalleypreps ICYMI - @CactusHSCobras softball remains in control, 1 win from state final
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#westvalleypreps Millennium’s Early family not too late: Tigers coach Lamar 2-sport star and quarterback Jalan prepare for big year #Goodyear #LitchfieldPark #AZNEWSMEDIA .@its_jearly2 @CoachEarly_MHS @MillenniumFB @MHSTigersAD @MillenniumHoops @AFUHSD216 .
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#westvalleypreps ICYMI Sunrise Mountain withstands wild Liberty comeback for 1st win v rival
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#westvalleypreps ALL GROWN UP: David Leasau wins Dysart’s first wrestling title in about 3 decades #Surprise #ElMirage #AZNEWSMEDIA.@tavitaleasau74 @WrestlingDysart @DysartUSD @onceademon @DysartFootball @_dysartstuco .
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#westvalleypreps ICYMI via George Witkowski - Guerra’s homer lifts Cactus to softball finals
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#westvalleypreps It was almost certain coming in but @LibertyLionsMBB left no doubt tonight, beating Pinnacle 97-74 to go to 9-0 and clinch the program's first 6A Desert Valley Region title @LibertyPSBN @libertyuproar.
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And this move was swirling in the ether about as long as Coach SeKoch replacing Coach Goodloe at Paradise Honors. Blake Roskopf and Zerek Sidney in the Air Raid will be something to watch.
Desert Edge Football would like to officially announce @coachjgoodloe as our Varsity Offensive Coordinator
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#westvalleypreps As I said there are TWO @SMHSMustangBB stories, and this one is a personal favorite - Pruitt family’s roots deepen at Sunrise Mountain @smhsvsoftball @SunriseMtnFans @SunriseMustangs @tylerpruitt24 @TrevPruitt @psbnthegame @pusdathletics
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We kind of knew this was where it was headed. And it absolutely sucks for the seniors and the teams that were pointing toward this spring. Like most things these days, it can't be helped. My goal for the next two months will be to tell the stories of this lost season.
Schools and activities cancelled for remainder of the year #azpreps365 #azhs
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Congrats Taylor. And actually it’s TWO kids from Surprise - one for each Final Four - @Taylormichele3 and @Malik6ft10 - what a weekend.
How about the kid from Surprise, Arizona making it to the Women’s Final Four! Good Luck Taylor Chavez and Oregon Ducks!!
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#westvalleypreps 2017 Preps Football Preview: Centennial @Cehsfootball @CeHSathletics @Alex_Escobar05 @Ruben3Beltran
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That my friends, is the type of game you only get in high school football. Two teams of kids playing beyond their limits to beat their rival.
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#WestValleyPreps #TeamAZV.5A Open Division Semifinal .#3 @Cehsfootball (12-1) 35.#2 @bashagridiron (11-2) 27. There will be a new Open Division champion. And it will be from Peoria!.Centennial runs out the final 5:22. Huge shovel pass from Manna to Allen for 6 on 3rd and 6 ….
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#westvalleypreps Wyatt carries memory of father through player of year season @Juicy_Mouth_
http://t.co/a9kSuQXYNy
http://t.co/p2UMnOX5lv.
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#westvalleypreps Monsoon star Davis makes national ESPNW 100 for 2021 #Surprise #ESPN #AZNEWSMEDIA .@MadJ_11_ @VVHSgbb @UW_WBB @espnW @jones_jones37 @PrepBallAZ @monsoonathetics @DysartUSD ..
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#westvalleypreps Pitching bloodline continues with Liberty baseball: Schiefelbein leads white-hot Lions into 6A quarters #Peoria #hsbaseball #AZNEWSMEDIA .@KadenSchief @libertylionsaz @Schief20 @wsucougarbsb @LibertyPSBN @PeoriaUnified11 @LibertyLionsMBB .
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