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3A Conference Preseason Rankings
By Les Willsey
azpreps365.com
No. 1. Snowflake: The number of legitimate
contenders for the conference title is arguably
more than any other conference so
identifying the ultimate winner is a crapshoot.
The choice here is the Lobos. They
return the majority of starters and play in
one of the most competitive regions. Eight
years in a row playing at least 12 games, but
no championship in that span. The odds
seem to be in their favor for a breakthrough.
2. Sabino: The Sabercats should find their
new home a conference down to their liking.
They competed well up one conference last
year and have firepower back that makes
them dangerous. Once a power in the bigschool
ranks, title contention is within reach
in 2016.
3. Show Low: Don't count out the Cougars in the title
chase. They've alternated region titles the last three years
with Snowflake and bring a prolific offense to the fight this
year. The East Region is itching to bring the conference
title back to the White Mountains.
4. Northwest Christian: Like Pusch Ridge in 2015, the
Crusaders weren't deterred in moving up a notch. The loss
in the title game to Pusch Ridge gives them motivation to
finish the job this time. NWC always brings a physical
squad no matter the conference and it serves them well.
5. Pusch Ridge: Titles don't come any tougher than the
one the Lions took home last year as they moved up a
conference. They know what to expect and have key
pieces back from an exceptional defense that was springboard
to winning the championship. Their matchup with
Sabino the last game of the regular season should be a
blast.
6. River Valley: The West Region isn't a gimme for Northwest
Christian. Not with the Dust Devils in the mix. Though
not as accomplished offensively as the 2014 championship
team, River Valley returns enough pieces to throw their hat
in the title ring.
Pusch Ridge won the Division 4 title a year ago and will challenge the best
in the 3A Conference for the 2016 state championship trophy (photo by
Mark Jones of maxpreps.com).
7. American Leadership: If there's one school that should
dominate its region in 3A, it's American Leadership. Don't
see any other team in its region beating them. It's the postseason
that will be treacherous. See the six teams above.
8. Yuma Catholic: The Shamrocks don't appear as strong
on paper as they have in the past. They certainly won't be
discounted by the opposition having averaged 11 wins a
year the last decade. An interesting team to watch with its
head coaching change.
9. Blue Ridge: The Yellow Jackets rebounded some last
year, but still have work to do to battle toe to toe with
Snowflake and Show Low. Making the playoffs should be
expected. How far they advance is the question.
10. Payson: The Longhorns are intent on challenging for
their region title. An interesting season opener vs. Safford
would be a nice get. If they improve (perhaps upend one of
the region's best ) -- they have an experienced squad returning
-- they may reach the playoffs and eclipse last
year's brief stay there.
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