Audrey Jimenez, Bryce Cotton among local athletes earning top honors

Former Sunnyside wrestler Jimenez reaches NCAA semifinals; Adelaide 36ers guard Cotton wins 6th NBL MVP award

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Sunnyside wrestler Audrey Jimenez, the top seed in the 110-pound division, has advanced to the semifinal round of the NCAA Inaugural Women's Wrestling Championships. Adelaide 36ers guard Bryce Cotton, a Palo Verde High School alum, earned his sixth National Basketball League (NBL) MVP award. Several other local athletes were also recognized for their collegiate achievements in basketball, wrestling, track and field, and softball.

Why it matters

These accomplishments by former high school stars from the Tucson area highlight the continued success of local athletes at the collegiate and professional levels, showcasing the strength of the region's sports programs and the dedication of these student-athletes.

The details

Jimenez, who was undefeated at 20-0 this season, will face No. 5 seed Nyla Valencia of Iowa in the semifinals on Saturday morning. Cotton, a six-time NBL MVP, also won the league's Three-Pointer Award and was named the Adelaide 36ers' MVP. Other local athletes earning honors include Brian Peabody, Isaiah Hill, Lillian Gradillas-Flores, Dylan Arvayo, Bria Medina, Kylee Callahan, Nayeli Nidez Acuna, Belen Camacho, Destanee Nez, and Analise Montiel.

  • Jimenez will compete in the NCAA semifinal round on Saturday, March 6, 2026.
  • Cotton earned his sixth NBL MVP award on February 23, 2026.
  • The other athletes were recognized for their achievements throughout the 2025-26 academic year.

The players

Audrey Jimenez

A former wrestler at Sunnyside High School, Jimenez is the top seed in the 110-pound division at the NCAA Inaugural Women's Wrestling Championships.

Bryce Cotton

A guard for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League, Cotton is a Palo Verde High School alum who has now won the NBL MVP award six times.

Brian Peabody

The head basketball coach at Pima Community College, Peabody was named the ACCAC Division II Coach of the Year.

Isaiah Hill

A basketball player at Pima Community College, Hill was named the ACCAC Division II Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year.

Lillian Gradillas-Flores

A wrestler at Southern Oregon University, Gradillas-Flores won the Cascade Collegiate Conference championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“6x @NBL MVP Bryce Cotton adds the #Adelaide 36ers crown to his record 7 MVPs with Perth #NBL26”

— John Casey (Twitter)

What’s next

Jimenez will compete in the NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship semifinal on Saturday, March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The continued success of these local athletes at the collegiate and professional levels demonstrates the strength of the Tucson area's sports programs and the dedication of these student-athletes to excel in their respective sports.