Pueblo Basketball Player Breaks State Scoring Records

America Cazares sets new marks for points in a game and season for big schools.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:47am

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Pueblo High School senior America Cazares had a historic January, setting two state scoring records. She scored 62 points in one game against Desert View and followed that up with 64 points against Buena, just one shy of the overall state record. Cazares is now second on the state's all-time career scoring list with 2,718 points, trailing only former Catalina Foothills and Arizona standout Julie Brase.

Why it matters

Cazares' performances have drawn national attention to the talented basketball player from Pueblo High School. Her ability to score at such a high level is a testament to her skill and work ethic, and it has helped propel her team to a strong season. The records she has broken highlight the rich history of basketball in Arizona and the continued excellence of players from the state.

The details

In January, Cazares, a wing player bound for Pima Community College, averaged 41.1 points per game, leading Pueblo to a 7-0 record. Her 62-point game against Desert View and 64-point outing against Buena were the top two single-game scoring performances by a player at a big school (4A to 6A) in state history. The 64-point game was just one shy of the overall state record of 65 set by Diane Beecroft of 2A school Antelope in 1977-78.

  • On January 10, Cazares scored 62 points against Desert View.
  • On January 18, Cazares scored 64 points against Buena.
  • Cazares has 2,718 points this season, surpassing the previous second-place mark of 2,680 points held by Alyssa Brown of Sahuaro from 2017-21.

The players

America Cazares

A senior basketball player at Pueblo High School who has set new state scoring records this season.

Julie Brase

A former basketball standout at Catalina Foothills High School and current assistant coach at the University of Arizona. She holds the state career scoring record with 2,913 points.

Diane Beecroft

A player from 2A school Antelope who set the overall state single-game scoring record of 65 points in the 1977-78 season.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty-four years is such an accomplishment in Arizona, especially with the way the state has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

Cazares is now 195 points shy of the state career scoring record held by Julie Brase. If she continues her torrid pace, she could break the record before the end of the season.

The takeaway

America Cazares' historic performances have shone a spotlight on the incredible talent and rich basketball tradition in Arizona. Her ability to score at such a high level is a testament to her skill and hard work, and it has helped elevate her team to new heights this season.