The boys varsity basketball team had an up and down season. They started off strong going 3-2 in preseason tournaments. Within those 5 games was a tough battle against Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain in which they lost in overtime 61-60. They also had 3 blowout wins over Marcos De Niza from Tempe, Millennium from Goodyear, and Cienega from Vail, Arizona (Tucson area).

The first regular season game was against Section opponent the Scorpions of Desert Edge. They would win in blowout fashion to start the  sectional season off on a positive note and take a positive step toward their  goal of winning a Sectional crown.

Head coach Joshua Haagensen said, “Overall I was pleased with the effort and the heart and fight the kids showed and played with all year. We were in every game, lost a bunch of close ones, but never backed down from anybody we played. The seniors did a great job working hard every day and being good teammates. We have a great group of underclassmen who worked hard all season. Looking forward to another great year of Bulldog Basketball.”

The team played their best ball when in the Dawg Pound. They were 7-1 on their home court in front of a usually vocal crowd.  They averaged 66.2 points in front of the home crowd. The best home game came against the Trevor Browne Bruins. It was an intense nail biting game that went into an overtime period. Both teams fought hard defensively but the Bulldogs took the win 89-76.

They finished 5th in Division II Section V with a 6-5 record within their section and an overall record of 15-13.

Senior Dontae Aguirre said, “We felt as we could have did a lot more on the court but we let our opportunities slip away. As far as my overall high school basketball experience, it’s been a blessing. I feel honored to have played for the Sierra Linda program and my teammates who are now my brothers.”

Senior Edward Parker said, “I enjoyed hooping with my brothers. My overall high school basketball experience was great. I had a lot of fun.”

Junior Ahmire Gaines said, “I would describe this season as a test for something bigger to come. We went and fought through so many battles and that ended up making us stronger and much more ready for better things. I just hope next season is the best season in Sierra Linda history and the team is going to be ready for whatever comes.”

Dontae Aguirre, Ahmire Gaines, and Jorge Acuna during a free throw in an intense rivalry game against La Joya

Edward Parker going up for a defensive rebound.