Soccer

By A’ser Mostafa

If the weather is gonna cool down or not, that will not stop our TPA soccer teams from hitting the field this season to take on the competition. Both the boys and the girls teams have a history of overall success and plan on keeping it going this season.

Goal keeper Oliver Ricken says: “In the past we’ve always been a team that has a good season and makes it to the playoffs; we hope to do that again this season.” And to make the playoffs again appears to be a realistic goal for this year’s boys team. With a roster that has a good mix of high-potential newcomers and battle-tested veterans, this year’s team looks poised to repeat success on the field again.

The girls team is set up in a similar position. Having done well in the past and with a balanced roster, the team looks ready to take another stab at the playoffs this year. The teams have been practicing hard for these last few weeks leading up to their first games this season.

The girls and boys teams take on Veritas Prep on Monday, Nov. 26, in the season openers. Go Knights!

Boys Basketball

By Hayden Sampson

A sense of urgency has fallen upon the boys basketball team as the season is beginning. If there has been a year to win games and make it to the state tournament in Prescott, it is this year. Says junior Darrell Bailey, “We have the talent, the desire, and the schedule to be truly great this year. We all know it, and are willing to do anything to get it.”

With higher numbers than last year, as well as an influx of freshmen who are ready to challenge some older opponents, boys basketball has never been in a better position to beat teams.

Head Coach Lane Waddell states, “Miguel (Guzman) and Caleb (Brittain) have done an excellent job leading the team this season. They have been in the program since I started and have a great understanding of what it takes to be successful. They both do a great job of leading by example, taking time and showing the younger players how to do it. They are really good people and an asset to the team. I am really excited about the freshmen and new players. They bring energy and excitement to the team that we were in short supply of last year. Their enthusiasm is spreading and creating a great vibe with the team.”

Nothing is better than a close knit team, something TPA basketball supporters now have to cheer about.

Girls Basketball

By Hayden Sampson

People will tell you that the most important thing in basketball is talent. Our girls basketball team has that. Next, they will say that you need a good coaching scheme. Head coach Nancy Calahan, in her 18th year as head coach, and her son coach Nate Calahan, have a good coaching scheme.

The last thing a team needs to be successful is players that are willing to put all the effort they can into winning games. Our Lady Knights most definitely have that, which is the reason why hopes are so high for girls basketball this season.

Says Coach Nancy Calahan, “Our region is tough but our goal is to get to playoffs. We have had a drought recently when it comes to playoff games and it is time to end the drought.”

Not only are the coaches looking forward to a great season, but the players are as well. Sophomore Natalie Whitmer, when asked why she is excited for the season, says, “We have great coaches and players who are willing to give everything. It’s all looking up.”

While this team may be young, there is still some strong leadership to be looked up to. Coach Nancy Calahan states, “Our lone Senior, Aylin Cervantes-Villegas, has already proven to be a good team leader and works hard to set the tone for practices and encourages the younger players to come each day ready to work and improve. She is going to have a great senior year and I truly believe that.”

Backed by a strong juniors and strong-hearted underclassmen, Aylin and her team will definitely be something to look for.

Middle School Girls Soccer

By Borislava Panayotova

Winter sports are upon us and most students are choosing their favorite sports to play. Many middle school girls have decided that their favorite sport to play during the winter is soccer. This year the soccer team has about 20 players, making quite a large team. This will probably allow the team to score some major wins.

Assistant Coach Macdonald believes that passion will help the girls achieve more. He believes that even a player who has never played soccer before can take the ball away from an experienced player if they show passion for the game.

It is a bit early in the season to tell how the team is going to do, but there is a strong belief that no matter what happens these girls will have enjoyed themselves. During practices, Coach Mac leaves the players to do their own exercise. He believes that if the coach is not looking at the entire group together some players will do nothing. He lets the team figure out their own stretch and work together. This lets all the players do the exercises they want to do.

The team’s first game is on Nov. 26. If you are interested in girls soccer, go and check it out.