Athlete of the week: Nicole Burt - Most backup goalies don’t get opportunities to play in championship matches. But then again, most backups are not like Burt.

The Tempe Corona del Sol High School senior was thrust into the spotlight last week when an injury sidelined Hailey Hayes. Burt responded by stopping 12 shots in a 1-0 victory over Phoenix Desert Vista in the title game of the Tempe Diablo Classic.

“I was a little nervous, but my teammates always make me believe I can do it,” said Burt, who has an injured shoulder.

Beyond the box score

More honors: Phoenix Pinnacle High School’s Kyle Ciliento and Chandler High School’s Toby Wright were recently honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. They were named recipients of the 2007 All Region High School All-Region VIII (Far West) team. The team of 18 players was selected from Alaska, Arizona, California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington.

Coaching milestone: Mesa Dobson High School girls coach Greg Johnson reached one milestone last week and should quickly reach another.

The eighth-year coach notched his 100th career victory when the Mustangs defeated Tempe Marcos de Niza during the Diablo Classic and needs four more victories to become the all-time winningest coach at the school.

Higley flying high: The Knights knew they had plenty of firepower returning this season in strikers Carissa LeFevers and Sam Roberts. And they haven’t disappointed. Higley is 7-0-1 on the season entering play this week and ranked No. 2 in Class 4A-II.

Corona sweeps: Corona del Sol earned championships at last week’s Tempe Diablo Classic. The girls title was not a big surprise, since they are the two-time defending state champs, but the boys turned some heads with their win. The boys beat defending 5A-I state champ Gilbert Highland in the semifinals and an undefeated Chandler team in the title match. Looks like there are two state contenders at the school.

Looking ahead

Tournament time: The Scottsdale Notre Dame boys and girls soccer teams will host a tournament this weekend. Championship matches are set for Central Arizona Project Basin Park.

Up next for most East Valley teams is the Mesa Dobson Mustang Invite (Dec. 26-31).

Contact John Mahnke: (480) 898-5904 (Ext. 4) or tribsoccer@yahoo.com