Washington’s Lopez on hold once again
Lost among the coaching hires during the pandemic was Ernie Lopez coming to Phoenix Washington to take over as boys basketball coach.
But since he was hired on March 11, the day Gov. Doug Ducey declared a health emergency in the state over concerns of the new coronavirus at a time when there were nine positive tests, Lopez has only had two weeks with the players, starting June 8.
Last week, the Glendale Union High School District shut down all sports summer activities because of the record numbers of daily reported infections that were in the 3,000s.
So now it’s back to waiting to see where schools are headed in the 202021 school year.
Gov. Ducey on Monday called for the delay of schools starting the next school year to Aug. 17.
The Arizona Interscholastic Association released a statement Monday stating that it would not hold any activities until that date.
No AIA games have been played since mid-March.
The last state champion was crowned in early March when Phoenix Desert Vista beat Ahwatukee-rival Mountain Pointe for the 6A boys basketball title.
“I have pessimistic days and I have optimistic days,” said Lopez, 29, who was an assistant boys basketball coach at Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor the last two seasons. “There are days when I go, ‘Good, I’m ready for basketball.’ Then there are days when I feel there’s no way we’ll have a sport season, let alone a school day.
“Today (Monday) was an optimistic day. But then it turned pessimistic after the recent news. I’m going to be prepared for whatever we’re going to do.”
Lopez is optimistic about turning around a team that went 6-18 last season with the return of 10 varsity players, led by 6-foot-2 junior guard Alonzo Cummings-Pena.
“I am humbled that Washington wanted me to lead their basketball program,” said Lopez, who became a high school head varsity basketball at age 24 in Albuquerque, N.M. “Our region is very competitive.”
In another coaching move, Craig Marcus has left Buckeye Verrado to become head boys basketball coach at Glendale Mountain Ridge, where he teaches.
“First off, I have nothing but great things to say about Verrado,” Marcus said. “Outstanding administration. Tim Butler, the AD, was awesome to work with. The kids, parents and community were very supportive. I’ll miss working with those kids.
“I moved because it was a great opportunity for me to coach at the school I teach at. It gives me an opportunity to work with the students I have in class, and to be more involved with the school. I think there’s some great kids in the program. Goals, we just want to compete each and every game. Give our best effort and be a program on the rise.”