GIRLS BASKETBALL
With the Arizona Interscholastic Association 2018-19 girls basketball season coming soon, let's look at the 10 best teams, regardless of conference. Sites and dates for the 6A and 5A semifinals and finals have yet to be determined. Grand Canyon University Arena will host the 4A semis (Feb. 22) and final (Feb.25). Gila River Arena will host the 3A semis (Feb. 22) and final (Feb. 23). The Prescott Valley Events Center will host the 2A and 1A semis (Feb. 22) and finals (Feb. 23.).
Super 10 No. 1 Goodyear Millennium Tigers (23-8 last season)
Return last year's nucleus from 6A final four team and added more quality players with the school moving down to 5A. Would be the toughest out had it stayed in 6A.
No. 2 Phoenix Shadow Mountain Matadors (22-8)
The girls want to hold up a gold ball in 4A just like the boys at this school, and this could be the year. They're loaded, led by prolific scorer Senya Rabouin. This team will get stronger the second half of season when transfer Shane Jordan become eligible.
No. 3 Gilbert Tigers (26-4)
Return their leading scorers, the Cavinder twins, Haley and Hanna, and 6-1 Brynn Wade, who had more than 100 blocks last season. The move down from 6A to 5A makes that conference so much better.
No. 4 Phoenix Xavier Prep Gators (27-6)
Return enough hungry Gators from a team that lost in the 6A final. Senior guard Leilani McIntosh is a Player of the Year candidate.
No. 5 Scottsdale Chaparral Firebirds (26-5)
Won the 5A championship last year, and now looks to do it in 6A with some very good players back.
No. 6 Phoenix Pinnacle Pioneers (23-6)
This team has at least four future Division I players, led by 5-9 fourth-year starter Shaila Mays, who will be signing with San Jose State.
No. 7 Chandler Seton Catholic (29-3)
This is a 4A dynasty that might not have the bigger players from years past but still possesses the depth and athleticism to win another crown.
No. 8 Chandler Hamilton Huskies (21-9)
The Big Three of PG Victoria Davis, 6-1 post Zkirah King and 5-7 Raelin Denning should have them knocking on the door to the 6A final.
No. 9 Gilbert Mesquite Wildcats (27-4)
They've lost most of their scoring from the last two years, but this program is so rock solid with four key returners, led by PG Maggie Herberger.
No. 10 Tucson Sahuaro Cougars (26-3)
The 4A Conference is unbelievably loaded with this school, along with Mesquite and Phoenix Arcadia, moving down from 5A.