On Tuesday, February 4th at 6:00 p.m. our Sahuaro Cougars played against Walden Grove for their senior night and it was an exciting but somber day for our Sahuaro Cougars.  Walden Grove fought a great fight against our lady Cougars. Sahuaro’s win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. Walden Grove could not break out of their rough patch as they went up against our varsity team, picking up their third straight loss. The score was 49-41 and was a huge hit from the hands of our Sahuaro Cougars. That was Walden Grove’s second time coming up short against Sahuaro this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 61-50 back in January. It was a big relief that Sahuaro stayed strong on their senior night last Tuesday, making it a great game to watch.

This year Senior Night was very emotional and full of happiness. Maggie Boyd, senior, #14, plays as a forward. She has played basketball for 4 years, with 3 of those years being at Sahuaro. She loved that basketball allowed her to travel and meet new people while making new friends. Maggie said, “My favorite memory  is going to California with my team and looking for seashells on the beach.” Maggie Boyd is a bundle of joy and we will miss her positive spirit here at Sahuaro.

Dazzy Gambrell, a senior, #4, plays a guard. She has played basketball for 10 years and 2 of those years were on the Sahuaro team. She loved the coaches she’s had over the years, especially Coach Botkin and also making new friends. Dazzy said, “My favorite memory was when my teammates and I went to California and rode on rollercoasters and walked on the beach.” Dazzy is a great presence to be around and her laugh is the most contagious thing you will ever hear – we will miss her spirit here at Sahuaro.

Carly Coolidge, a senior, #10, plays a guard. She has played basketball for 9 years and 3 years at Sahuaro. One of Carly’s favorite memories was the Casa Grande tournament that her team played in after Christmas. Carly said, “I loved getting to play basketball with my sister here and getting closer to my teammates.” Carly is a very active person who has played almost every sport – she will be missed greatly.

Gift Sika, a senior, #20, plays as a forward. She has played basketball for 8 years, 3 of those being at Sahuaro. Gift has enjoyed her time here at Sahuaro immensely because she made so many great memories playing basketball. Gift said, “I prefer away games cause we get to leave school, and riding on the bus with the team can be fun.” Her favorite memory is when she went on a roller coaster with her team when they had a tournament in California. Gift has truly been a gift to Sahuaro and we will miss her.

Our very own girls’ varsity basketball manager Haylee Au, a senior experienced her first year as the girls’ varsity basketball manager. Haylee said, “I love traveling and watching the girls on the team play. I especially love when they airball and I record it happen.” Her favorite memories are getting to watch her besties play basketball and getting closer to the girls on the team. Haylee has been involved in so much here at Sahuaro and we will miss her being everywhere all at once.

This team has done amazingly well, accomplishing so much. Coach Botkin is especially thankful for the team this year, making it very emotional having to soon let them go. We love our Sahuaro Cougars and know they will do tremendous things after high school.