Chandler, Arizona-- Last season, the third seed Coyote Men's Basketball team traveled to Glendale College in the first round of the playoffs and lost on a last second buzzer beating 30 foot prayer of a shot. A win wouldve set them up for a rematch with top seeded Scottsdale College, who they beat once earlier in the season. This was after a questionable call from the official against South Mountain College in the final regular season game of the year cost the Coyotes the 2nd seed going in to the playoffs; which would've allowed them to host a playoff game. Essentially, if a couple of plays throughout the season go a different way, the season has the potential for a very different outcome. This season, Head Coach Steve Silsby is optimistic about taking the next step as a program and making the national tournament.
Coach Silsby said, "I think we have a lot of potential, but every game in our conference will be tough. I like that we have some guys that played a lot of minutes last season, and I'm looking forward to adding a few players who redshirted last season too." Some of the aformentioned players who will be returning as sophomores are Isaiah Sommers (Chandler HS) who is a strong wing player and Kahan Shoulders (San Tan Charter HS), who played signifigant minutes at the point guard position last year. Some new additions to the team who are primed for big seasons are Kyree Jackson and Coleman Fields, who both sat out last season but are chomping at the bit to get back on the court.
The team will undoubtedly play hard each and every night, a staple of Coach Silsby's teams. In a conference loaded with talent, the guys will have their hands full in every game but with a good mix of experience and eagerness, the team should be primed for a long season. The Men's Basketball team will open up their official season on November 1st against the Benedictine Mesa Junior Varsity team at 5:30 PM.
