Kendall Rooker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Peoria High School for AZPreps365.com

In the last five seasons, Peoria has improved in the win column every year. In 2019, the Panthers enjoyed their best season of their last five seasons finishing 14-12 and making it to the state tournament.

This season? Listen to coach Shawn Sullivan. “Start believing that we can win every game. I know they’re coached up; can we execute and believe that we can win.”

The Panthers have good leadership in their seniors. "Our seniors are solid kids. It doesn’t matter if you’re a sophomore or a senior they’ll treat you the same.”

Senior Drew Gunnell is excited about the season ahead. “We want to make it pretty deep in the playoffs this year.(I want to) lead the team in the right direction as a whole.” 

Sullivan echoed that. “Go as deep in the tournament, just winning the right way and doing things the right way.”

One of the other main goals he wants to achieve: Finish in the top eight.

The Panthers are young. Most are sophomores. A big loss: Cameron Torres, who plays at GCC now.