Sunnyslope Women’s Basketball consistently dominates in the competitive 6A division.
In fact, this year, Slope has shifted to a 6A Central alignment, meaning they will face more competitive schools than those in the Desert Valley alignment of their 2023-24 season.
Coach Kristen Clyder said “It’s going to be a battle every night in the region, for sure.”
This change will not be anything the girls can’t handle though.
In their pre-season, the Lady Vikings have participated in two tournaments so far, the Southwest Super 64 and H.O.P.E. Scholastic Showcase.
At the Super 64 tournament, they took first place in their bracket, reaffirming that they “can compete with other teams who we haven’t been able to in the past,” said Senior Amelia Mickelson.
Furthermore, at the H.O.P.E. Showcase, they battled the reigning 1st and 3rd ranked teams in the nation.
“I think that gave us another confidence boost because we hung with them and knowing that they’re one of the best teams in the country, that just gives us a lot more confidence to play these Arizona teams that we’ve seen,” said Senior Teagan McIlroy.
Watching the team compete in Summer League and Fall Ball has also given Clyder encouragement about the upcoming season.
Clyder said “I told them [the team], we should fear nobody here.”
The team is ready to take this confidence and accomplish the ultimate end goal.
“Our goal is to win state,” “It’s to win state,” “The open bracket tournament championship,” said Mickelson, McIlroy, and Clyder, respectively.
Clyder sees this as an attainable target because “Every once in a while, it’s like a magical group comes along, and you just feel it and you know it, and this is that group.”
Part of the magical feeling that comes from this group is due to their family-like chemistry.
“Everyone supports each other, and it just feels like we’re all playing as one,” said Junior Zora Mitchell.
Clyder also fosters this dynamic off the court.
“We talk about having a sisterhood… So just really having each other’s backs and giving respect and earning respect,” said Clyder
Within this group of sisters, several leaders have emerged.
Two of which are Junior Maggie Luba and Mickelson, who received the honor of MVP and were selected for the All Tournament Team at their most recent tournament.
Clyder commended them, saying “I think that we have a lot of girls on our team who silently lead, like Maggie. She’s not very vocal, but she shows you with her hard work and ethic. And then you have Tegan and Amelia and [Senior Kylie Rarrick], who are three seniors who have been with us all along, that are very vocal.”
With the immense efforts not only these players, but every one of them puts into basketball, it is hoped that school morale will be boosted and more students will choose to attend games.
“I think we’ll have more fans and more of a following, which is exciting for the girls, because they deserve this.. And the work they put in is crazy. So hopefully we reap the benefits of that,” said Clyder.
Show up, and support your Girl’s Basketball Team at their regular season home opener on November 22nd.
Like the mid-morning announcements said, “We are looking forward to our best season yet,” so be a part of that throughout the season as they work up to competing in State.