Nine players return for Tuba City girl's team, while the Warrior boy's squad have six returnees as both teams prepare for its season opener next week.

TUBA CITY LADY WARRIORS

Tuba City Lady Warriors head coach Kimberley Williams, who has been with the program for seven years, said the team's strengths are experience and depth.

The Lady Warriors return all five starters from last year's 17-9 team that advanced to the 3A state tournament Elite 8, before losing to eventual State Champion Page Lady Sand Devils by one point.

Returning starters from last year's 6-4 3A North Region team include, 3A North All-Region and All-State senior guard Larissa Yazzie; 3A North Honorable All-Region senior forward Jayda Chee; 3A North Honorable Mention All-Region junior forward Talisha Attakai; 3A North Honorable Mention junior guard/forward Chenille Nodman; and 3A North Honorable Mention junior guard Shiala Dugi.

Also returning for the Lady Warriors are senior forward Rainbow Willie; junior guard Mykeya Sheppard; sophomore guard Gracee Curley; and sophomore guard/foward Thalia Susanyatame.

"I will have a strong freshman guard, Kailer Reid, who will add speed and will be an offensive threat," Williams said. "I have a forward/guard transfer in Aliyah Blackhat, who will also add height, speed and scoring."

Williams said the Lady Warriors are working on free throw percentage, rebounding and continue to push the ball to Tuba City's tempo.

"My team strength is my depth," Williams said. "I can start any of the 12 players that make the team."

Williams noted that the Lady Williams competed throughout the summer in high school tournaments. Williams took the team to summer basketball tournaments to Page, Grand Canyon University, Arizona State University, and University of Nevad-Las Vegas. The Lady Warriors played in a summer high school basketball league at Coconino High School, competing in 30 games in five weeks.

Tuba City entertains the Hopi Lady Bruins on November 26 in a season opener at the Warrior Pavilion.

TUBA CIY WARRIORS

Tuba City Warriors first-year head coach Roger Tsingine, Jr. returns six players from last year's tream that finished 5-17 overall and 1-9 in the 3A North Region.

This is Tsingine's first year as head coach and has one year as an assistant coach.

"This will be my first year as the head varsity boy's coach at Tuba City High School," Tsingine said. "This will be my second year coaching/assistant coaching at Tuba City High School. I have coached at various age levels and gender since 2005, taking little breaks here and there. However, mostly volunteer coaching through club."

Returning players from last year's team include, senior guard Detmetrius Daw, senior forward Brent Joshevama; senior forward Tegan Tsingine; junior guard Jeremiah Byjoe; sophomore forward Britton Hardy; and sophomore Tyler Williams.

Byjoe was selected 3A North Second Team All-Region; Hardy was 3A North Honorable Mention All-Region; and Williams was 3A North Honorable Mention All-Region.

Tuba City struggled last year as the Warriors failed to earn a state tournament berth. The Warriors was eliminated in the first round of the 3A North Regional tournament.

Tsingine said he had summer basketball. Tsingine said some of the athletes participated and others had other obligations.

"Our team's strength's or drive thus far is to improve our defensive skills daily and begin consistent with fundamentals of the games," Tsingine said. "There seems to be less distractions and more focus."

Tsingine said the team needs to improve on the overall fundamentals of the game.

"We also have to improve on confidence of each player, becoming less passive and trusting each other on the court." Tsingine said.

Tsingine said he has goals and expectations to become a contender in the 3A North Region.

"We need to improve on our overall performance, compared to last season," Tsingine said. "Our expectation is to be excited for the challenges and acomplish our daily, weekly and game goals, which have been established individually. Overall, to do well in this region and hopefully above our expectations."

Tuba City hosts the Hopi Bruins on November 26 at the Warrior Pavilion for its first regular season game.