Anthony Bertran
ASU Student Journalist

Game Preview: Bourgade Catholic looking to upset Scottsdale Prep in last home game

January 26, 2018 by Anthony Bertran, Arizona State University


With their final final home game approaching Friday night, the Bourgade Catholic Golden Eagles are seeking a win against the Scottsdale Prep Spartans. The Golden Eagles fell to the Spartans last time they played and are hungry for a win in this rematch.

Golden Eagles head coach Shelton Simmons emphasized to his team that, when playing a taller team, rebounds are very important in getting the results he and his players, are looking for.

“Defense, and taking charges,” Simmons said. “Just the little things and winning the 50-50 battles. If they play hard and do what they’re supposed to do, it’ll be a good game, and that’s all I ask from them.”

With this being his last game as a Golden Eagle, senior Miguel Valenzuela is familiar with the Spartans and knows also that playing good defense and getting rebounds are very important in controlling the game and walking out with a win.

“If we get our defense going right from the beginning, that game is ours,” Valenzuela said. “Nothing is going to be able to stop us if we play good defense.”

On offense, Valenzuela made it clear that as long as he and his team keep the ball flowing, moving around and making the right passes then the shots will follow.

Bourgade sophomore Joshua Dreher knows the importance of this last home game and how a win can really help the team gain a groove in their last three games next week.

“It’s our last home game of the season,” Dreher said. “It’s the last time I’m going to see this crowd this year and it’s the last time our seniors are going to see this crowd. Our mindset going into the game is that it's for them, when I’m a senior I don’t want to lose my last home game.”

Dreher averages seven points and two steals per game. He believes that if he and his teammates stick to the game plan that Simmons laid out for them, then there’s no stopping them on the court.

The importance of home crowds is important to the Golden Eagles. With this being a conference game, coming out with a win can really help Bourgade make a push for playoffs if they can finish up with wins in their last few games next week.

“Always a home game and a conference game, (players) come out with a little more energy,” Simmons said. “They want to play hard in front of the fans, they get more comfortable at home.”

This last home game will be a themed night for students.

“When people just shout out your name, it’s just amazing and a moment you have to take in,” Dreher said.