Gil Tyree hasn’t been on your Valley television set since 2003. But 13 years later, I am often asked about his whereabouts and how he is doing. It’s a tough story right now. Tyree lost his son, Greg, earlier this year. He has left TV to take care of his mother in Philadelphia. Greg Tyree was a very good high school player at Desert Vista, who went on to Kansas University. Gil is still searching for answers about his sons passing, but he wanted to make sure that all of the thoughts and prayers that have been sent his way by the Valley, have meant more than words that he could say. Gil has always poured himself into others and now he is on the receiving end of others looking after him. He spoke about how special it’s been to have Valley Sportscasters Bruce Cooper and Jude LaCava reach out to check-in with him. I couldn’t help but think about the conversations that Gil and “Coop” must be having, since both lost their sons far too young…
Alex Barcello is having quite a summer. The top Arizona high school basketball player in the 2017 class has been living the dream. The NBA Top 100 camp at the University of Virginia, The SC30 Steph Curry Select Camp at Walnut Creek, California, the Nike Peach Jam in Augusta, South Carolina have been his first four stops. Next week it’s the Bigfoot Hoops Las Vegas Classic and then to Los Angeles for the Nike Basketball Academy where the top 60 high school athletes in the country compete. Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis will be at the event to watch and work with the players. Arizona and Stanford have been after Barcello throughout his college recruitment. I would expect both schools to be in his final five college choices…
Fun Fact-Since beating Notre Dame at home in 2014, Arizona State football is 7-9 against Power Five teams…
Texas Tech is the second team on the schedule for Sun Devils. The Red Raiders were one of the worst defenses in the nation in 2015, ranked 125th. Only three starters return from that sieve-like unit. Get ready for an Arena Football League score that night. Good thing the game kicks off at 6pm. The writers might have a chance at an 11pm deadline…
If you’re a fan of football, August 26th at Pinnacle high school is the place to be. The Pioneers will host Basha. ASU commit, QB Ryan Kelley takes the field for the Bears against Pinnacle’ highly regarded QB Spencer Rattler. Rattler is just a sophomore but has already picked up offers from the Sun Devils, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M…