“Selections are based on staff observations, with consultation from area coaches”

This is the criteria for end-of-season vball accolades in the Star. This translates to what Bill Lang says about Bill Lang’s players – ditto Kramkowski. The afterglow of Chris Gonzalez worship will also rank high this year (Note the players who have been the focus of the Star’s individual profiles this season).

Then it will be stats-especially kills. Not hitting percentage or some comprehensive breakdown, just volume of kills.  And just how reliable and standardized are the practices for recording and posting stats?  Take a look at last season’s Mountain View/Boulder Creek match. Mountain View players racked up 134 points on kills, blocks and aces alone. The team only scored 104 total points in the five set match. And these game stats weren’t loaded until right at the end of the season.

This kind of deep analysis helped give us last year’s all Southern Arizona teams. But who was really the best player in southern Arizona in 2008? It was New Mexico State’s Stephanie Ziegler who split much of her season between setter and hitter because her team needed her in those roles.  And Tucson’s vball pundits made her a third team selection.

If these picks were based on the votes of all the region’s coaches, that would be much more fair.  ”The observations of media staff and input from coaches,” is a crappy way to do end-of-season honors, but it’s probably the most expeditious way to meet a deadline and get back to UA basketball.

I beg to differ on Michaela.  People have to go beyond pulling for their own players and look at the performances against the top teams gainst their conference and region opponents.

When some one says she is just a “repsectable” player then one has to wonder.

Having looked at all the stats one can only wonder if the AIA needs to hold a summit on how to score kills, digs and assists.

I also agree with the previous response that highschool coaches should not be in total control of the all-star teams. (I have  plenty of emails questionning if one coach picked the softball all-stars last year).

I can’t speak for other outlets but that will not happen at the Citizen.

If it did in the past then I apologize because I was not here.

I also like to break down between each level rather than one huge team for “big” schools and one team for “small” teams – that comes off as lazy.

I will also stay away from “honorable mention” which is only a way for coaches to list two-three of their players on their teams.  Also a sign of being lazy I think.

I am no bracket expert but, looks like there is  a big Ooops in the Vball and Football brackets.  Sahuaro #15 plays #2 Cactus Shadows in both sports!! I believe the teams our Cougar Girls jumped over in the Power Points may not be very happy, i.e. Flowing Wells.   If I am wrong we will be on our way to Phoenix to support the Vball Cougs next week. If I am correct do you think the AIA will give me a prize in appreciation.