Spencer Molnar
ASU Student Journalist

Game Preview: Corona del Sol vs. Desert Ridge

January 26, 2018 by Spencer Molnar, Arizona State University


The Corona del Sol Aztecs head east to take on their region opponent, the Desert Ridge Jaguars, this Friday. in Mesa.

Corona del Sol posted 32 rebounds, six assists, 14 steals, and two blocks in their 56-42 win over Highland Tuesday night. The Aztecs look to continue their two-game winning streak tomorrow night facing a hungry Jaguars team celebrating their senior night.

The 7-15 Jaguars have struggled this season only going 1-5 against region opponents. Aztecs Head Coach Neil MacDonald feels that his team matches up well against Desert Ridge, but faces a difficult task playing on their home court.

MacDonald loves the energy and tenacity that his team brings day in and day out. 

 “It’s been a different guy every night,” MacDonald said confidently. 

Although MacDonald feels confident in how his team matches up to Desert Ridge, he understands that winning in this region doesn’t come easily.

“We have to maintain our composure…. They will shoot better at home, and we have to be prepared,” MacDonald said as he rallied his players together at the end of practice Thursday afternoon.

Miles Allen and Melek Alexander, senior leaders of the Aztec team, believe that defense is the key to defeating the Jaguars on their home court. 

“We got to get stops early and often, and we have to have that high energy,” Alexander said.

Alexander understands that the Aztecs can’t take anyone lightly.

“We’ve played this team before, and know what to expect, but they might play a lot better than the first time we played them since they are on their home court,” Allen said.

The two senior leaders feel prepared to hit the road tomorrow and hope to come home with a third consecutive win.

Corona del Sol and Desert Ridge tip off Friday night at 7 p.m.