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GilbertSunNews.com
GILBERT SUN NEWS | JANUARY 9, 2022
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Players, coaches rejoice over midseason tourneys BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor
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he pandemic robbed high school athletes of “normal” experience in 2020. It forced an extension of the winter sports season and for indoor sports such as basketball and wrestling, athletes were forced to wear masks. As a result of a delayed fall season, winter sports athletes competed in fewer games and organizers canceled , in-season tournaments that basketball players love when schools are on winter break. But 2021 allowed teams to turn the page on condensed seasons. And with that, tournaments and fans returned. “The more touches you can get as a team, that’s an opportunity to develop that chemistry and play your best in February,” Gilbert basketball coach Jay Caserio said. “I’m just appreciative that we are able to play again. We missed it, especially with fans in the stands.”
el of competition in the state. And at the McClintock Holiday Shootout, they proved that to be a fact. Caserio coached the Tigers to a championship win in the holiday tournament, beating fellow 5A contender McClintock in the quarterfinals, Apollo in Gilbert head basketball coach Jay Caserio said the best part of midseason tournaments returning is the atmosphere that comes along the semifinals and with it. Last season, fans were limited. This year, though, championship Hamilton in the environments were experienced at both tournaments the Tigers title game. It’s the took part in. (GSN File Photo) second straight in-season tournaGilbert has long established itself ment Gilbert claimed the trophy, as it as one of the top programs in the 5A won its preseason Welcome to the JunConference, dating back to the Tigers’ gle tournament in November, downing championship in 2018. Head coach Jay 6A favorite Perry. The two tournaments showed CaserCaserio prides himself on his team’s ability to compete with the highest lev- io the level of talent his team has and
their ability to work together. It also gave them a wave of momentum heading into region play. Gilbert senior guard Nikko Pentelute, the lone player remaining from the Tigers’ championship team in 2019, said the tournaments provide a unique atmosphere, especially during Christmas break. For him, it’s all about being able to play several games throughout the week in front of his family while preparing for the postseason. “They’re just fun,” Pentelute said. “You get to play during Christmas break and my family is here, everyone’s family is here. I mean, this replicates playoff basketball a little bit. This is going to be close to what we see, and it will get us ready for February.” The tournaments themselves mean a bit more to Hamilton coach Doug Harris than most. Having played high school basketball at Corona del Sol,
They will also have the opportunity to take part in fun-filled, non-competitive golf games and tournaments. “For 34 years, the Itty Bitty Open is a great way for parents to introduce their children to the game of golf,” Scott McNevin, Executive Director of the JGAA, said in a press release. “In fact, adults who attended decades ago are now bringing their kids, so the second generation is already here.” Each golfer must have an adult caddie accompany them throughout the event. The JGAA will provide each golfer with a set of right-handed plastic clubs, balls, a bag and visor to wear during the event. The JGAA asks participants with their
Park in Gilbert, Espee Park in Gilbert, Pecos Park in Ahwatukee and Scottsdale Ranch Park. It will also be held at locations in Avondale (Friendship Park), Glendale (Legend at Arrowhead Golf Club), Goodyear (Falcon Park), Maricopa (Copper Sky Multigenerational Center), Peoria (Rio Vista Community Center), Surprise (Surprise Stadium), Tempe (Benedict Park) and 10 other locations in Phoenix. Those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up by Sunday, Jan. 9. RSVP by calling 602-944-6168 or visit JGAA.org and click on Itty Bitty Open to learn more.
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Free golf event introduces game to East Valley youth BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor
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he Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) is once again attempting to reach out to local youth in an effort to introduce them to the game of golf at an early age. The Itty Bitty Open will tee off on Saturday, Jan. 15 at several locations across the Valley, including Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Ahwatukee and Scottsdale. In its 34th year, the Itty Bitty Open provides children between the ages of 3 and 5 and their parent the opportunity to learn the game from qualified professionals from both the PGA and LPGA.
own set of clubs to leave them at home for the event. Along with the tournament and other golf-related games, the JGAA will also host a “Best Dressed Golfer and Caddie Team” competition where participants can wear anything from classic golf attire to contemporary fashion to anything they can come up with that would raise the eyebrows of judges. Winners will receive a congratulatory letter, trophy and two tickets for the R.S. Hoyt, Jr. Dream Day Activities at the 2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Locations for the Itty Bitty Open include Jefferson Park in Mesa, McQueen
