Dominic Garramone is and ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Coronado High School for AZPreps365.com

A first round exit is not how any team wants to end its season, but Coronado accomplished its goal.

“Our main goal was to get to the playoffs this year, once we made it we wanted to win state, but we still accomplished our goal for the season,” said junior Dylan Pendleton.

The No. 16 seed Dons were eliminated from the 3A state tournament by the No. 17 seed Fountain Hills Wednesday night,56-41. However, compared to previous years, this season was satisfying.

The Dons finished 17-9, their best record in 10 years.
“There has always been talent here but the ability to have this group commit to the amount of time that I ask for made the difference,” said Mitch Armour, who became the basketball coach in 2017.

He has since turned the program around by implementing off-season workouts and film sessions with his team.

Despite the home-court advantage for Coronado, Fountain Hills shot the three well and jumped out to a 32-19 lead at half. 

The Dons tried to close the gap in the second half but the Falcons shooting kept the lead to at least double digits for the entire game.

Fountain Hills advanced to play at No.1 seed Page on Saturday.

“I’m just gonna remember the practices, us going in at 3 for film and not getting out until 6,” said Pendleton.  “And having fun with everybody and going hard with each other making each other better.”
Said senior Wyatt Hayes: "I’ll look back on those practices, grinding in the gym with the team everyday.”

Hayes transferred to Coronado for his last year and spent his senior season playing his best basketball.

“I like the atmosphere here, I like what coach Armour is doing here, I think they will be good for a couple years.”

Despite the loss, Armour still views this season as a huge success from the point of mentoring his young athletes.

“I hope that the character building carries on and we are still learning, '' said Armour. “That's what we are doing here, we’re mentoring these men and if we can win some games in the process that cool.”