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That would mean moving deeper into the state tournament. The Wildcats are poised to do just that.
Last season, they reached the state quarterfinals with a mark of 26-5. This year, sights are set higher and coach Bob Bohon says his team has the tools to meet this preseason expectation.
”Our goal is to get better each year,” Bohon said. “We will not be the biggest team, so we’ll push the ball up the court and play tough defense.”
If the Wildcats can limit opponents and maintain last season’s scoring touch, a trip deep into the tourney may be realistic. Last year, the Wildcats averaged 82 points, and scored more than 100 six times.
Back for Willow Canyon is 6-3 senior Mike Planeta, who averaged 17 points. He earned first-team All-Region, and honorable mention All-State. Planeta is joined by Dion Williams, a 5-11 guard (7 ppg, 4 assists), 6-5 junior and small forward Justin Chambers, and 6-4 senior forward C. J. Crockom.
Girls hoops has new coach
For the girls basketball team, coach Missy Portela points out that her Wildcats are looking to make a statement. Willow Canyon’s first-year coach came from Boulder Creek. She admits the season will be a learning experience. Last year, the Wildcats finished 16-14.
Players slated to make contributions include 6-2 senior Ashley Brown, along with Kelsey Anderson, Michelle Ciaffone, Letrol Juniel, and Claire Planeta.
Soccer seeks success anew
Last season, Willow Canyon’s girls soccer team went 9-7, 4-1 in league play, and qualified for state finals as the 16th seed.
“We lost a few key players last season, but are gaining a lot of new and young talent,” said coach Kendra Clark. “Moving up to 5AII is going to be a challenge, but it is one I feel my team is up for. This should be an exciting new season.”
Returning Wildcats include Mariah Graham and Tawnya Howard, both junior forwards; senior Sami Palmer and juniors Morgan Gartrell, Rachele Valdez and Courtney Hoogervorst as midfielders; and junior Brittany Marks and seniors Shana Shamoon and Susanna Shamoon as defensemen. Goalie/forward Jadalynn Cirilo, a junior, and senior Molly Zahn are expected to handle the nets.
Boys soccer to be high-energy
Coach Dave Wilson likes European-style soccer: attacking, attacking and attacking some more.
“I like an aggressive, aggressive style,” Wilson said. “We want to force teams to make plays to beat us. It’s like an NBA fast-break style, and we want to constantly move the ball upfield.”
The team’s attack starts with senior midfielder Radaslaw Wendvich, a native of Poland. He is considered the team’s best passer and ball handler, and a clear threat to score. Wendvich is joined by senior defender Hugo Delgado, considered the core of the defense. Watch for sophomore midfielder Dave Cluff, whom Wilson considers a skilled player.
Wrestling faces challenges
One of the biggest challenges for coaches and athletes is Willow Canyon’s jump to class 5AII. Here, wrestling coach Shawn Isler is looking for ways to better a 6-16 season a year ago while going against stronger and more competitive athletes.
“Hard work, dedication and intensity are the three areas important to us,” Isler said.
Key returnees include junior Chris Humber at 189 pounds, senior Derrick Wade at 135, senior Nate Peterson at 119, senior A. J. Henley at 145, and Joey Cota at 171.
Reach Mark Brown, a Surprise writer, at beachcomer20032001@yahoo.com
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