Ava Chovanec is an ASU student at the Cronkite School assigned to cover Chandler High School for AZPreps365.com

Defense and patience. That is what Chandler needs to work on to make a playoff run.

“(What) we definitely have to work on, but we’re getting better at, is being patient in the game and not rushing it because that can be our biggest weakness,” said senior shooting guard Amara Wilson.

No. 6 Chandler (14-4) will play No. 11 Chaparral (11-7) Tuesday at Chandler High School.

Last year the Wolves made it to the Elite Eight where they lost to Xavier College Prep. The last time Chandler won a state title was in 2000, under then coach Meg Gianesello.

Coach Glenda Skalitzky said the experience from last year is what’s going to help her team on Tuesday.

The loss in the Elite Eight last season has been the motivation for a state championship this year. With the starting five for Chandler all seniors, it means even more.

“Honestly it just kind of puts a chip on my shoulder. Now I really want it,” said senior center Maya Peat. “And being a senior I really want to bring it in for my coach and my teammates.”

It’s their last shot in their high school careers.

“I think we can make a run in the playoffs as long as we play together,” said senior shooting guard Mykah Anderson. “That’s our biggest thing. Working together and playing our defense like Chandler is known for.”

Chandler has struggled this season with defense, allowing too many open shots.

“We need to get back on defense. We can’t let easy layups and easy points,” said Skalitzky.

On a personal level, senior point guard Victoria Perez said needs to “be a better point guard and make sure I’m there for my girls, get my girls open and be more of a threat on the court.”

What Anderson said she needs to work on is her attitude.

“Sometimes I have highs and lows and it can mess up my game,” said Anderson. “It makes me get in my head, therefore I’m not really there for my team.”

Senior guard Victoria Mason said there can’t be any individualism on the court, “or else that will really take us.”

Skalitzky learned a lot from her senior-led team this season.

“I learned that we can be tenacious when we want to be. That we can be determined when we want to be and that we can overcome obstacles when we want to,” said Skalitzky.

The expectation for the Wolves? One game at a time.

“They’re taking it one game at a time because they know if they take it one game at a time they’re going to ultimately get to their goal which is a championship game,” said Skaliztky.