Deer Valley and Verrado have had polar opposite seasons up to this point. 

The Skyhawks haven't lost a game since Dec. 29, when they suffered defeat against Pleasant Grove, a top-tier Utah school. They will attempt to continue their winning ways Tuesday night when they visit the Vipers in Buckeye. 

Meanwhile, Verrado has struggled this season coming into Tuesday night's game with a 3-14 record, although they have won two of their last five games. 

Deer Valley head coach Jed Dunn knows his players can't overlook an opposing team simply because of its record.

"They have higher goals. If they decide and mess around against those kinds of teams then they won't be able to achieve their goal," said Dunn. "That's something they have to find within themselves to be ready. The great thing about this team is the first five aren't ready, the second five is just as good." 

Dunn credited part of the team's success to the team's depth. That depth will be tested in the upcoming games as Dunn mentioned that senior Bryce Davis, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, will be out the next 10 days with a concussion. 

The team will be relying on junior Brandon Savage to help fill the gap in Davis' absence.  

Besides depth, Dunn attributes the team's 18-2 record to a combination of things. The team is filled with a lot of ball handlers to go along with athletic rebounders. He also acknowledges his senior leadership. 

Senior guards Ari Danzy and Devan Breckner, along with Davis have all played varsity for the past four years. 

"I think our team is a lot closer than it has been in the past, we're also locked in at practice a lot more this year," said Danzy.

Danzy also knows that the team can't forget about the ultimate goal during this final stretch of the regular season. 

"I think the focus is the most important thing that we can keep," said Danzy, "if we lose focus we can easily drop a game, drop out of the playoffs. Dropping a playoff game, that's the end of it. Dropping a regular season game can cost us too, I think our focus needs to be as sharp as its been all season." 

Deer Valley won both meetings with Verrado last season. The Skyhawks will go into Tuesday night's game trying to maintain their focus along with a "next man up" mentality. 

Tipoff is at 7 p.m. at Verrado.