Mariah Gallegos
ASU Student Journalist

Game Preview: Paradise Valley vs. Ironwood

January 24, 2018 by Mariah Gallegos, Arizona State University


Paradise Valley's girls basketball team hopes to get back in the winning column Thursday night against Ironwood Eagles after a 39-32 loss to Notre Dame Preparatory on Tuesday.

“There were a lot of different factors going on during that game,” PV sophomore guard Zoe Lesher commented. “Honestly we just needed to focus more on what we were doing and I think we did that kind of well.”

The Trojans entered the fourth quarter in the lead, however it didn’t last long. Coach Britt Fulk had difficulty finding the words to explain how the game went.

“I have never had a technical foul called on my team for as long as I’ve been a coach and of course they’re called in the fourth quarter,” said Fulk.

Fulk hopes her team will use the loss to their advantage and to fire them up for Thursday night’s matchup.

“Takeaway from Tuesday night’s game, maybe a little chip on their shoulder and I hope it makes them push a little harder so we can pull it off,” Fulk said.

The Trojans believe they have a secret weapon, however, that will allow them to overcome Thursday night’s game - the bond the team shares.

“Just playing with a team like this, I mean everyone is so different on our team and we really do work all together,” said Lesher.

The Trojans (1-5 in conference) are fourth in the 5A Northeast Valley, and the Eagles (3-5) are also fourth in their 5A Metro Conference. With only four games left in the season, both teams will be fighting for a win with future goals for playoffs.

“I think it’s very crucial for us to pull off tomorrow,” said Fulk. “If we can pull off the win then I think we’ll still be really close to the (No.) 24 spot for playoffs, it’s going to be close.”

The Trojans believe it’s going to take team work and focus to overcome Thursday’s game with a victory.

“I just want to bring that fight back into the next game,” said Lesher. “We were down a lot in the game against the Saints at first and we had to fight back, I want to bring that intensity into the next game and start the game fighting.”

The Trojans are prepared to battle for redemption against the Eagles after last year’s 61-40 defeat.

Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Thursday at Paradise Valley.