Caleb Jones is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com

Coming into this season, the Scottsdale Christian Academy Eagles had a lot of uncertainty due to only having four returning players from last year’s team. But despite this they, currently sit at 21-5 on the season and look ready to make a run at another state championship.

“Starting from a place where we did not really know what was going to happen and how we were going to play, we have over-exceeded all of our expectations,” said head coach Julie Dickerson.

Coachability and versatility were two of the factors that coach David Dickerson credited to the team’s success.

“We have some of them playing positions that are not their natural positions, but they are willing to jump in and be critiqued at times and do what is best for the team,” David Dickerson said.

Senior setter and team captain Lexie Lambert is one of the four returners for the Eagles. Heading into her senior year Lambert has already won three previous state championships. Lambert said that the lessons she had learned over her three years on the team have helped her be able to help teach the younger players how to continue the winning tradition at the program.

Despite the team having many newcomers this season the team chemistry seems to be no problem at all.

"We all love each other here and our cohesiveness has been a big part of our success," said senior Marley Dickerson when asked what has made the team so successful.

Even though there was uncertainty heading into the season the Eagles’ goal remained the same: “Our main goal is to push for another state championship,” said Lambert.

However, this year the Eagles will face tougher competition in the postseason than in previous years, with David Dickerson saying that "2A has way more strong teams than I have ever seen" heading into the playoffs.

“This year we don’t have the same kind of overwhelming offensive firepower that we have had in the past, but we have a phenomenal defense and we have way more chemistry then we have ever had.” said David. The Eagles will look to use their phenomenal defense and team chemistry in the postseason as they have done in the regular season to continue their winning ways.

When asked about what to expect from the team in the state tournament Lambert said, “We have been taking every game one by one and building up and learning from each loss and mistake, I think that we are going to hit our peak in the tournament.”

In a season of uncertainty, the Eagles have certainly been dominant and look to continue their to remain dominant in their hunt for another 2A state championship.