The season is ending and basketball is not playing up to par as the postseason is approaching. As of Jan. 28, the team has lost six straight and are 2-8 in their last ten. Moreover, all of their losses have been under ten points. The team still has time to find their rhythm and end the season on a positive note. 

Earlier in the season, Coach Duane stated “I think we are evolving with our leadership and looking for Dylan, Christian, and Duke to lead as they are lead guys on the floor for us offensively and defensively,”.  

Dylan Anderson is an ESPN top-25 ranked sophomore in the country. The 6’11 forward uses his length to his advantage, as he is able to defend the paint. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his great shooting, as well as using his size to finish inside. 

Anderson has received interest from multiple division one teams and has received a scholarship from the University of Arizona. 

Anderson’s teammate, Duke Brennan has been playing excellent as well. On Jan. 24, against Chandler, Brennan had a monster game. He put up 29 points, grabbed 18 boards, and blocked two shots. The 6’10, 230-pound center is great in the post and his presence is felt on defense with his superb shot blocking.

 Brennan has gotten interest from many college teams and has received offers from Air Force, Grand Canyon, and Northern Arizona.

When the playoffs come around, the team’s ultimate goal is to make a run for their first ever-state championship. In the past, they had multiple successful runs in the playoffs, but ultimately came short of the championship.

 During the 2018-19 season, Jalen Williams led the team to 19-10 and made it all the way to the semi-finals. In the semifinals, they lost a hard-fought game against number one ranked Pinnacle 79-69. Pinnacle had a 10-point lead in the first quarter and the Pumas were not able to cut the deficit. 

The team also had a very successful run during the 2013-14 season. Future college star Markus Howard, alongside his brother Jordan led the team to a 26-6 and earned a first-round bye entering the playoffs. They took care of business in rounds two and three: setting up a match-up against Corona Del Sol. The Pumas were only down by five at halftime, but Corona Del Sol’s experience proved to be too much for the team. 

With a coach as experienced as Coach Duane, and a team full of potential, a state title could very well be a possibility in the future.