by 
Superior Sun
The Panthers’ baseball and softball teams each reached the State Championship tournament this past season. The success of both teams resulted in three baseball and five softball players being named to the AIA All-Section Teams. Additionally, Panthers’ softball head coach Martin Navarrette was selected as Section Coach of the Year.
Nicholaus Cruz, Austin Navarrette, and Rickey Longoria represented the Panthers’ baseball team in earning All-Section honors.
Ivie Lopez, Gabby Salcido, Hunter Flanagan, Cierra Navarrette, and Phalicitee Thomas were the softball players who earned All-Section honors.
In his first season leading the Panthers’ softball program, head coach Martin Navarrette led the Panthers to a number five final ranking. The Panthers were ranked at the top of the Division IV weekly ranking several times during the season.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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