The GC3 Hoops Spring Warm Up was the premier live period warm up event in Arizona. Instead of the normal AAU Event format of 4-6 running clock games that absorb the whole weekend, the Spring Warm Up provided 2 regulation games (stop clock, 3 full timeouts, 2 30 second timeouts) in one day. The goal behind that is to give coaches and athletes two quality games while being able to rest on Friday and Sunday prior to the live period.
Some may not understand what is the live period? The Live Period is the time where Division 1 and 2 Coaches are allowed to attend and evaluate student athletes at tournaments. My thought process behind the warm up event is making sure to provide student athletes with a chance to warm up, play quality games, generate data and lists of prospects to send to college coaches (who participated in the event), and have enough time to rest before the Live Period Weekend. Here are the Gems (tribute to GITG: Kam Williams) that I came across this past Saturday:
Jenessa Barcello Arizona Grind 2025 5-11 Wing Forward
Barcello is one of my favorite playmakers. She uses her physicality to protect the paint but has the quickness and ability to guard the perimeter. For colleges looking for a hybrid wing forward with good inside scoring and ability to guard the perimeter look no further than Barcello. I anticipate schools to show a lot of interest in her going into the Spring and Summer.
Destiney Brown Arizona Grind 2026 5’8 Guard
Brown is an alpha athlete as she utilizes her quick first step to get to the rim at will. Her quickness and athletic ability poses matchup problems for opposing teams. Brown is just scratching the surface of her potential and she will have a huge spring and summer.
America Cazares Arizona Grind 2026 5’8 Combo Guard
Cazares is one of the most potent scorers in the 2026 class. Already receiving a lot of d1 interests, I predict Cazares will have a huge Spring and Summer. A crafty three level scorer, Cazares uses her skills and IQ to pick apart opposing defenses. She is developing into one of the best prospects to ever come out of Southern Arizona.
Elysia Cutter SC Thunderhawks 2025 5-10 Shooting Guard
Cutter is one of my favorite sleeper prospects in the 2025 class. She utilizes her length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and block shots. Cutter is a crafty scorer who can score from all three levels. She is a sniper who can consistently knock down shots from deep. A low major plus prospect with tremendous upside!
Seda Gabrielyan Bella Vista 2025 5’9 Guard
Gabrielyan has a FIBA feel to her game. She is fundamentally sound with her handles and footwork. I like her ability to utilize her length on both ends of the floor. A crafty scorer with good range. A prospect to keep a tab on going into the Spring and Summer.
Aila Kaibara Bella Vista 2025 5-8 Point Guard
Kaibara is probably the best player in 2A this past season. She led her team to a State Championship. She is the real deal as she is extremely skilled on both sides of the floor. Her skills and high basketball IQ make her multidimensional to play both guard positions. I project her to be a solid mid major pickup.
