Kolten Klein is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunnyslope High School for AZPreps365.com

For years, winning and Sunnyslope basketball have gone hand in hand.  Each season comes with unique challenges–none as difficult as this year.  

Games look different this time around with masks required for the duration of all games, only two parents allowed per student-athlete, and COVID-19 athlete/coach monitoring forms completed prior to game days. 

Asked about preparation, assistant coach Andy Foster said the players, “Have been practicing with masks on since the first week of December, so they are kind of used to having them on while playing at this point.” 

Foster added, “The most notable difference is not having fans in the gym (except parents), but at least the kids still get to play.”  

Sunnyslope has drawn some big crowds in the past, so adjusting to the desolate looking stands is difficult.

Practicing and playing safely requires discipline and poses challenges that the coaches and players must take head on.  Head Coach Ray Portela said, “We have built a reputation of playing hard and disciplined and it’s our job to fulfill that reputation every time we step on the floor.” 

The team completes a COVID-19 checklist before practice starts. Practices are structured, beginning with skillwork and transitioning into game preparation for the next opponent, while remaining socially distanced when possible. 

Players sanitize at water breaks and balls are cleaned after every practice.  

Logistically, Portela said, “It’s definitely been challenging due to COVID-19, we can’t mix levels together in a gym.” 

Freshman, JV, and varsity have to be in the gym separately, plus each team has to ride to the games with just themselves.

Portela has always had the philosophy to take it one game at a time and that holds true this year.  He said, “We expect to play up to our expectations,” having a “bullseye on our back.” 

Though this season has been trying, Sunnyslope basketball takes Portela’s approach no matter the opponent or obstacle in their way.  

The Vikings have started off with a 6-0 record and will look to continue that streak Tuesday at Shadow Ridge in Surprise.