Mariah Cox is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Centennial for AZPreps365.com.

Freshman varsity guard Johnny Rios III showed out this season on the Centennial basketball team. In his first season with the Coyotes, he had 109 assists with only 31 turnovers. 

“Those are incredible stats coming from a freshman playing the schedule we played,'' head coach David Grace said.

Rios also was a clutch player in many of Centennial’s close games. 

Rios’ love for basketball started at age 7 when he first started playing AAU basketball. He was inspired by his older brother, who had also played basketball. With pressure of being the only freshman varsity starter, Rios played beyond his age.

One moment came in a close game against Canyon View. With 57 seconds left, Rios hit a corner 3 that brought Centennial to within 70-69. The Coyotes went on to win, 71-70, advancing to the 5A Final Four.

Rios described his relationship with his teammates as close.

“It’s connected a lot," he said. "As soon as I came in, I thought it was gonna be a little weird but the bond just connected right away.”

During playoffs the team gathered at a player's house for dinner, fun, and to watch film on their next opponent. Grace has created many moments and events for the team to bond off of the court. In addition to community-service events, Centennial scheduled tournaments in Las Vegas and San Diego to get the team ready for the season. 

In a previous interview, Grace said Rios is "well beyond his age,” dominating the court. When not playing basketball for Centennial, Rios continues to better himself by training, going to the gym and practicing with his AAU team.

Grace said Rios is “an outstanding player, an even better person who comes from a great family!”

Rios said his family attends “every single game, my dad, my mom, my older brother and my little siblings.”

After high school, Rios wants to attend college, play basketball and “make a name for myself.” The freshman has not looked at many colleges yet but he still has three years left of putting his name out there with the Centennial team.

Grace said: “He got us in our offense and defenses and made big-time shots in big games.” 

Rios’ advice to younger athletes who want to play in big roles like he did is to “just keep your head up and keep pushin', don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, no matter how tall or how short, you can do whatever you want.”