By: Vincent Lombardi
SoAz Girls Hoops Review is excited to launch our initial series on Rising 2024’s in Southern Arizona. We will be working in conjunction with George Courtney and GC3 Hoops, to provide coverage and exposure for Girls Basketball in Southern Arizona, which will consist mainly of Tucson and the surrounding area.
We will be covering the 2023 Girls Club season to kick off our series, and this article is about who we consider the top prospect in the class of 2024, Sunnyside High School’s Nayeli Nidez-Acuna. Nayeli is currently the 6A South Region Offensive Player of the year, and was the 5A Southern Region Offensive POY her sophomore year as well. She is being coached by Justin Delgado, the 6A South Region Coach of the Year.
Nayeli can score either inside or outside the paint, averaging 16 pts. per game this season, but her greatest attribute is that she is highly proficient at scoring from mid range, which is a lost art these days with the explosion of 3 point shooting. Her 6’0” frame and her length allows her to play forward or guard, and she is an outstanding rebounder averaging over 11 rebounds a game last season.
“The strongest part of my game I feel is my ability to score consistently and my ability to attack the basket and get to the free-throw line.” Nidez Acuna says. “I also feel my ability to rebound on both the offensive and defensive end is a great strength of mine.”
Nayeli is looking to have a strong 2023 club season to prepare her for her Senior Year. “I am hoping to play against some of the top teams from around the Region so I can expand my game and also get some College exposure.” Says Nidez Acuna. Nayeli will play for her High School Coach Justin Delgado for her last club season.
After High School Nayeli is hoping to play basketball and get a College education. “I am looking forward to going to college, playing basketball, and pursuing a Business Marketing Degree. I want to eventually open my own business.” Nayeli is garnering attention from some D2, D3, and JUCO schools. She’s hoping that her commitment to playing club, competing in the GC3 Hoops Invitational & Section 7 Phoenix Showcase in June, and continuing to grow her game will increase her college opportunities.
We have Nayeli as one of the top 3 overall prospects in Tucson and one of the fastest Rising Prospects in All of Arizona, STAY TUNED!!!
