Jackson Devine is an ASU journalist assigned to cover Deer Valley for AZPrep365.

Whether it was playing with new COVID guidelines or the uncertainty of the future schedule, this season was like no other for the Deer Valley JV basketball team. 

Even with these hurdles the SkyHawks had a winning season, but lost a game to the pandemic.

“The hardest part was adjusting to the mess, adjusting to all the covid issues,” said coach Lawrence Hill. “From a coaching perspective it was how delayed the season was. We just had two months of straight practice, instead of one month and then you start to play games. You would think the extra practice would have been helpful, but the kids learn a lot more from playing in games.”

The coaching staff at Deer Valley did its best to not allow this to affect the development of its players.

“Everyday we just practice hard. It's basketball, myself and coach (Jed) Dunn and all the other coaches are all basketball players, so we just tell the kids to come ready and work hard,” said Hill. “It starts with coach Dunn, the varsity coach. He doesn’t stop. He’s always working with kids, working out kids. He always pushes us coaches to do more. So we always challenge the kids and are constantly working in the gym.”  

The mentality they had going into each game changed.

“We are just always trying to go all out because not every game is promised,” said Justus Clark. “I treat every game like it’s my last.”

This allowed the Skyhawks players to be as prepared as they could be for the ever changing schedule. 

“This season has been tough,” said Clark. “I feel like we haven’t played at our full potential.”

The Skyhawks took the season one game at a time and appreciated every moment.

“We are so thankful for this season happening and grateful for every game. So we just want to put our best effort into every game,” said Logan Demeter.