Young, Hungry, and Ready to Thrive: Inside Week 2 of Tempe’s Underclassmen Summer League
- Rei Tedoco
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Reporter: Rei Tedoco
Tempe, Ariz.- A new summer league for high school basketball talent has arrived in Arizona, but this time, it’s for the talent that often goes unnoticed. The underclassmen.
Tempe High School hosts its inaugural summer basketball league for junior varsity players that lasts through the entire month of June. With six days of game play, and three games a night, five schools will compete in the tournament. Tuesday, June 10th marked week 2 of this league, and things were getting heated on the court.
Week 2 started with Tempe versus South Mountain High School. Going into the second half, South Mountain was up 23-to-13 against Tempe.
“I want us to be remembered as a group of players that can adapt to others' play style because we have never played with each other,” BJ Butler for South Mountain said.
Butler’s gameplay displayed consistency and kept his team up. Totaling 13 points, he stayed clutch for his team in the first half. South Mountain takes the game winner for week two, winning 36-to-26.
"I’m looking to grow in the areas of shooting, such as midrange and three-point shot, because I’m not the best at it," Butler said. He's willing to work harder and make sure that his team helps him stay accountable.
Things didn’t slow down on the court after game one of the night. Skyline’s A and B squads faced up against each other. Skyline’s B squad was ahead most of the first half, until it came down to 0.2 seconds in the game, where Alexander Banuelos of Skyline’s A team hits a three to tie both teams 33-to-33.
“I was coming back in the mindset that we’ve come this far. We have worked really hard, and we just have to finish strong,” Banuelos said regarding his three.
With four minutes set for overtime, both Skyline teams were eager to take the final shot. A minute left and Skyline A was down 35-to-37. Banuelos shoots the game-winning three to solidify a win. Skyline A defeats Skyline B 38-to-37.
“Next week we can expect us to go even harder, have a better mindset, and better plays,” Banuelos said. He’s only a freshman and looking to make waves at Skyline with his skills.
The last game of the night was a match-up between Coronado and Marcos de Niza. Going into the half, Marcos de Niza was up 16-to-12. Coronado was not willing to back down, but still trailed 19-to-24 leading to the fourth quarter. With a couple of minutes left on the clock, Marcos de Niza solidifies a win 36-to-35.
Four more games remain in the league, and the next match-up for these teams is set for Thursday, June 12th, starting at 5 p.m.
“It means a lot to be out here. We’re just having fun, hooping, and playing our game,” Jah’loni Jones of South Mountain said, talking about his experience at the tournament so far.
Buffaloes Basketball, the booster club that supports Tempe High School’s basketball program, is the reason for the start of this league. Coach Devin Kirby of Tempe High School has been the overseer of the tournament and wanted to give players an experience that would allow players to develop their skills.
Admission to the tournament is $5 for adults and $3 for high schoolers and under. Games are set for 5, 6, and 7 p.m. for rotating Tuesdays and Thursdays until June 26th. For the latest information, people can reach out at buffaloesbasketball1@gmail.com.
Contact the reporter:
Rei Tedoco
614-425-2592
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