Cibola girls basketball can ‘go as far as they want’

HEAD COACH

Anthony Gerg, sixth season

2019-20 AT A GLANCE

Overall record: 15-3

Region record: 4-0 (first place in Desert Southwest)

Playoffs: Lost 57-49 to Mountain View (Mesa) in play-in round

ALL-REGION PLAYERS DEPARTED

G Estefania Swearingin, honorable mention

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SG Myna Johnson, jr., 5-6

Johnson is the Raiders’ top returning scorer, averaging 13.8 points per game as a sophomore and leading the team in assists and steals. She finished second in the voting for Yuma Sun player of the year. “She has really good basketball instincts, creates offense with her defense,” Gerg said. “She has a good mid-range shot and has the ability to attack off the dribble and takes what the defense gives her.”

F/C Rori Hoffmeyer, so., 6-1

As a freshman, Hoffmeyer averaged six points and six rebounds per game. “She is ready to break out this season,” Gerg said. “She has really good rebounding skills, has a knack for finding the ball. She runs the floor rim to rim really well (and) has the athleticism and ability to play on the perimeter. I’m really excited to see her growth this season.”

F Quinn Thompson, sr., 5-8

Thompson is a four-year varsity player who averaged 10 points, five rebounds and three steals per game as a junior. “She makes an impact in all areas on the court,” Gerg said. “She brings high energy on the defensive end and is a really aggressive rebounder. She has the ability to knock down mid-range jumpers. Also has a quick first step to blow by defenders. Brings a lot of valuable experience with a captain-like leadership.”

OUTLOOK

The Raiders bring back nine of 10 players from a team that finished 15-3 and fell one win short of reaching the 6A state tournament.

“I’m really excited for this upcoming season,” Gerg said. “We have more depth this season with the ability to rotate nine players.”

Cibola will have some new region competition as Maricopa, Rincon/University and Tucson have joined the Desert Southwest.

“I know the players want to prove they can play with anyone in the state,” Gerg said.

COACH SAID

“They want to advance further than they did last year after losing at home in the first round of the playoffs. I expect this team to play really hard, compete and play tough defense. This team has the ability to go as far as they want if they buy into the team-first mentality.” — Anthony Gerg

Full article: https://scorebooklive.com/arizona/2021/01/25/cibola-girls-basketball-can-go-as-far-as-they-want/