Over the past five years, the GC3 Hoops platform has been immersed in covering high school girls basketball across the West Coast. Two regions that hold a special place in my heart—and where I’ve had the unique opportunity to evaluate talent closely—are Arizona and Hawaii. I was raised in Hawaii and spent much of my adult life in Arizona, and both places are rich with passionate communities and elite-level coaching.
While Arizona boasts hundreds of programs spanning the Grind Session, Canyon Athletic Association, and Arizona Interscholastic Association, Hawaii—despite having fewer teams—continues to produce exceptional talent and competitive programs. This year, after extensive observation and analysis, I’ve selected four coaches who exemplify excellence in leadership, development, and championship-level performance. These individuals are being honored with GC3 Hoops Coach of the Year awards for their respective regions and categories.
Hawaii Coach of the Year: Alexis “Pua” Straight – Kamehameha Schools Kapālama
In one of the most compelling storylines of the 2024–25 season, Alexis “Pua” Straight led Kamehameha Schools Kapālama to their first HHSAA Division I state title since 2013, ending a decade-long championship drought and solidifying her selection as GC3 Hoops Hawaii Coach of the Year.
To start the season, the Warriors competed closely against national powerhouse Mater Dei, then beat #1 AIA Open Division Salpointe Catholic in the Inaugural Honolulu Hoops Showcase mid season. Throughout the season the Warriors were battle tested and it helped them cap off the season with a magical state championship run.
The previous season ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Warriors, who fell just short in a 39–38 overtime loss to powerhouse ‘Iolani in the state championship. Rather than let that loss define them, Straight used it as fuel driving the team through an undefeated 14–0 ILH campaign that set the stage for a dominant postseason run. The Warriors are my favorite to repeat next with key returnees in Rylee Paranada, Nihoa Dunn, and Rylee Cabuyado-Caswell.
Her ability to instill resilience, sharpen execution, and guide her players with poise reflects a coaching philosophy rooted in empowerment and accountability. Straight’s efforts not only brought home a long-awaited title but reestablished Kamehameha as a premier program in Hawaii.
Arizona Prep Coach of the Year: James Singleton – Arizona Compass Prep
James Singleton has elevated the Arizona Compass Prep girls basketball program to national prominence, earning him the title of GC3 Hoops Arizona Prep Coach of the Year. Through visionary leadership and a relentless commitment to player development, Singleton has cultivated a winning culture that is both sustainable and impactful.
During the 2024–25 season, Arizona Compass Prep posted notable wins against top-tier competition against National Prep Programs, showcasing a team anchored by elite prospects including Kamya Young (Class of 2025), Mykayla Roland (2026), and Sophia Yancy (2025). Singleton’s ability to recruit and develop high-level talent has made the program a destination for athletes aspiring to compete at the next level.
Beyond the wins and rankings, Singleton has also played a critical role in helping his players transition to collegiate basketball. Under his guidance, players like Ivona Dikanovic earned Division I scholarships, such as her recent signing with St. Bonaventure. His leadership goes beyond Xs and Os—he’s building futures.
Arizona Big School Coach of the Year: Desirae Carranza – Canyon View High School
Desirae Carranza has engineered one of the most dominant stretches in Arizona girls basketball, leading Canyon View High School to back-to-back 5A state championships and earning recognition as GC3 Hoops Arizona Big School Coach of the Year.
The 2024–25 Jaguars navigated a challenging season with precision and grit. They did not get all their players back until nearly a week before the season due to many participating in Flag Football. The Jaguars looked rusty during the I Mua Invitational Tournament in Hawaii however they continued to chip away and caught momentum later in season propelling them to a consecutive 5A state title appearance. In the state title game against Kellis High School, they rallied from an early deficit to pull off a thrilling comeback victory—proof of both their toughness and composure under pressure.
Carranza’s coaching is defined by discipline, cohesion, and player empowerment. Her ability to balance competitive intensity with personal development has helped cultivate a culture where athletes thrive on and off the court. The Jaguars are my favorite to three-peat as the 5A State Champions next season with a solid returning core of Aaliyah Rogers, Jaila Flowers, Azalee Tellez, Bernadette Carranza, and Lourdes Carranza.
Arizona Small School Coach of the Year: Crystal Pietila – Miami High School
Crystal Pietila’s impact at Miami High School cannot be overstated. In a storybook season, she led the Vandals to a 2A state championship—their first in 38 years—earning her the title of GC3 Hoops Arizona Small School Coach of the Year.
Miami’s 2024–25 campaign was marked by a 29–2 overall record and a perfect 8–0 showing in the 2A East region. In the championship game, the Vandals overwhelmed Arizona Lutheran 52–22, forcing 26 turnovers and jumping out to a commanding 20–4 lead in the first quarter. Their defensive intensity and cohesion were a reflection of Pietila’s preparation and leadership.
The emotional core of this championship run was driven by the memory of former boys head coach Ken Vargas, who passed away before the season. Pietila, alongside her husband Shawn (the school’s former principal), dedicated the season to his legacy. With daughters Savannah and Tamia starring on the team, the Vandals became a family affair, united by purpose.
In January, Pietila notched her 300th career victory, further cementing her legacy in Arizona high school basketball. Her story is one of passion, community, and perseverance—a blueprint for small-school success. Although the Vandals will graduate a strong core of Savannah Pietila, Demetria Dosela, Leeyah Goss, and Aeriana Brown. They still return talented point guard Tamia Pietila who I project to be a low major plus prospect.
Each of these coaches has left an indelible mark on their programs, their players, and their communities. Whether breaking championship droughts, elevating national profiles, or building legacies from the ground up, they embody the spirit of GC3 Hoops: vision, hustle, and heart.
