Eric Sorenson
Basha’s Demond Williams and Paradise Honors’ Gage Baker have become household names for those of us who follow Arizona high school football.
Next month both accomplished signal-callers will be recognized for their accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and in their local communities, by the National Football Foundation.
I was able to catch up with both of their head coaches to discuss what makes each student-athlete so unique to their respective schools.
Demond Williams, Jr.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded student-athlete than Demond Williams, Jr.
A dynamic, dual-threat quarterback under the Friday night lights, the Basha High standout achieved equal success in the classroom, as well.
“He’s shown to be focused on his priorities in all facets, which obviously include being a great student-athlete,” Basha head coach Chris McDonald said.
I remember being that kid, just trying to be the best person I can be🙏 thank you for everything @EMagana20 https://t.co/VPWDRCghvn
— Demond Williams jr✞ (@QBDwilliams1) December 10, 2023
The University of Washington-bound Williams carries a 3.92/3.97 GPA and is involved in a number of community and volunteer services, including Feed My Starving Children, the NEGU Foundation which encourages kids with cancer to Never Ever Give Up, as well as assisting with middle school fairs.
“He is a very driven young man,” McDonald added.
BREAKING: Former Arizona QB Demond Williams Jr. has Committed to Washington, he tells @on3sports
The 5’11 180 QB was an Elite 11 Finalist & All-American Bowl QB
Four-Recruit in the ‘24 Classhttps://t.co/bOfUaCfzty pic.twitter.com/sac5drUdO6
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 21, 2024
On the field, Williams, who also runs track, is one of the most decorated signal-callers not only in Arizona, but around the nation.
A four-year letter winner who helped the Bears win their first ever football state title, an Arizona Open Division Championship in 2022, the three-year captain tallied a myriad of distinctions over his career – being named the Region Player of the Year for all four of his years with the Bears, as well as being honored as the Arizona Cardinals Player of the Year.
“I think he understands how consistency works,” McDonald explained. “It’s the daily grind or journey that enables success.”
That grind has undoubtedly paved the way for Williams’ achievements both on, and off, the field.
He will be receiving the Student Athlete of the Year Award by the NFF.
Gage Baker
Gage Baker threw for 11,769 yards and 173 touchdowns during his record-setting career at Paradise Honors, but this year’s Larry Hellestrae Memorial Scholarship Award recipient’s high school years will be remembered for far more than those video game numbers.
“I knew immediately that he was going to be special and have an impact on our program,” head coach Josh Goodloe said. “I was unaware how much he would impact me personally. He has exemplified everything you can ask for in a student-athlete.”
Last fall Baker threw for an eye-popping 6045 yards and 91 touchdowns for the Panthers.
Gage Baker ties national record for touchdown passes in a season with 91 👀
✍️: https://t.co/YdoEjNvLWk pic.twitter.com/gLk9xnwZ0w
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) November 26, 2023
Equally as impressive, were his accomplishments in the class room, on campus, and in the community.
The two-year captain, who also ran track, maintained a 3.98/4.55 GPA, held a blanket drive as part of the National Honor Society this past winter, as well as volunteered as a youth football coach.
His on the field accolades include 1st-Team All-State honors, being named Region Player of the Year, and Arizona Cardinals Player of the Week.
2023 @AZCardinals High School Offensive Player of the Year 🏆@Qb12_GageBaker, Paradise Honors High School pic.twitter.com/jCyVanTAP3
— Arizona Cardinals Youth Football (@azcardsyouthfb) December 14, 2023
“I tell our players you will be remembered for what you do on the field, but you will never be forgotten for how you treat people and make them feel,” Goodloe explained. “Gage has set the bar for the expectations we have for our players.”
I am incredibly grateful for everyone who has been a part of this wonderful journey! From @TeamImpactCoach flag and 7 on 7 to @PHHS_Panthers high school football experience and everyone else in between! I would like to announce my commitment to South Dakota School of Mines! pic.twitter.com/P7xt8egoCp
— Gage Baker (@Qb12_GageBaker) January 17, 2024
Baker has signed to continue his academic and football career at South Dakota School of Mines.
