Chandler High girls basketball has been in the championship neighborhood several times since the new millennium began. The Lady Wolves just haven't been able to net  the 5A girls title that has eluded the program since 1999-2000.

With Chandler winning 12 of its last 13 games, nine in a row (71-35 over Desert Vista on Friday) and resting in the No. 2 slot of the 5A-I power rankings, coach Zon Thompson is more optimistic by the day his 19-4 team can be special.

"This team is ready if they keep working to open the door ," Thompson said. "The players are getting used to their roles. When they go in they are focused on their role. We've been right there the last couple years. We can open the door this year."

Chandler has been "right there". The last six seasons it has reached the finals once (2008), the semis twice (2007, 2010) and the quarterfinals twice (2005, 2006). They fell in the first round in 2009. The two seasons they lost in the semis they were beaten by the eventual state champs, (Red Mountain and Dobson, respectively).

Playing in the 5A Fiesta Region all that time -- with the likes of  Highland, Gilbert,  Mesquite, Hamilton, Desert Vista, Xavier and Red Mountain -- Chandler's schedule has never left it short of competition. It's also required extra effort, sometimes more than a team can overcome in a season.

"This region has been tough every year, even the last two when it changed," Thompson said. "It's difficult to survive it. It takes a toll during the season."

Chandler's brand of basketball with Thompson at the helm has always been up-tempo, high pressure so the Wolves expend a lot of energy. They take time to develop roles the first month or so to see how pieces fit. Thompson's style requires at least nine or 10 players each night and sometimes more since it is a high-energy.

"It's been a joy coaching this team because everyone understands their role," Thompson said. "We've mixed and matched lineups quite a bit."

Junior forward Je Zhe Newton will vouch for that. The 6-foot-2 Newton said often the team has no idea who will start until they meet in the lockerroom just prior to tipoff.

"It surprises everyone, the players even the other coaches," Newton said. "Really it doesn't matter to me or anyone else. I'm going out hard and be effective no matter if I start or not. Our whole team can start. We trust each other."

Changing starting lineups, at least as often as Thompson does, is unorthodox. Many coaches are uncomfortable making changes to their starting fives. Thompson has no qualms and believes the parts he has this season allow him to be more flexible than usual.

"Before we played Hamilton (last Tuesday) I thought about starting the second five and letting the first five we did start watch and see the flow of the game," Thompson said. "I'm open to changing the lineup any time. After a game we watch tape and sometimes I may have a different lineup for the next game for all different reasons. That's where knowing their roles, whether they start or not, is crucial."

With Chandler's pressure style come lots of turnovers -- both ways. While most coaches cringe at seeing miscues, Thompson doesn't sweat them.

In beating Hamilton earlier this week, Hamilton had 27 turnovers and Chandler 22. The Wolves converted nine baskets (layups) either directly off  Hamilton turnovers or in transition with their frenzied style.

"I love playing the style we play," 5-2 point guard Dezirae Elias said. "We have no choice with so many quick girls. With our speed we create a lot of turnovers, but (coach) knows we'll get the ball back. He trusts us, so we don't worry about them."

That modest difference in turnovers still achieved the desired outcome and was more than acceptable to Thompson.

"I always feel like we're going to get more than we give," Thompson said. "I want the girls to know the pressure is off of them when it comes to turning the ball over."

Chandler's lone loss to an Arizona school thus far came to this year's favorite to win 5A-I  -- St. Mary's. It happened Jan. 4 with the Knights prevailing, 64-41. Both teams crave pressure defense. The Wolves were beaten at their own game on that night.

Newton believes the outcome can be reversed should they meet again.

"I think we have a great chance to win state," Newton said. "Even if we played them again. We did not play well that game. We can play a lot better. The way we've been playing lately."