Katelynn Thun is a NAU School of Communication journalism student assigned to cover Northland Prep for AZPreps365.com.

Northland Prep began the 2025-26 season at home on Nov. 21 with a 59-21 loss to Rancho Solano Prep.

Northland Prep found itself in a 14-0 hole to begin the game and the offensive struggle would continue for the rest of the first quarter, scoring only two points, both coming from the free-throw line. 

Senior captain Hayden Massey scored the first field goal of the game for the Spartans off an offensive rebound with about six minutes left in the second quarter. It was the team’s only field goal of the first half.

The Spartans were able to get to the free-throw line on various occasions but had trouble converting, making just seven of their 19 free throw attempts. 

NPA head coach Jayden Dvorak said she thought her team’s inefficiency at the line in their first game was largely due to nerves.

By halftime, the Mustangs had jumped out to a 38-8 lead.

Coming out of the locker room, the game became a defensive battle, with both teams being held scoreless until the 3:31 mark of the third quarter when sophomore Ellysia Martinez made a layup for NPA. The Spartans were able to hold the Mustangs to four points in the third. 

Dvorak reflected on her team’s halftime defensive adjustments, saying, “we stopped giving them easy points in the paint.” 

Martinez led the Spartans in scoring off the bench with 10 points, eight coming in the fourth quarter.

“She’s earned more time, I know she’s someone I can rely on,” Dvorak said in regard to Martinez’s performance. “What she did in the fourth quarter is exactly what I talked to her about.”

Dvorak is confident that her team will strengthen their offensive efficiency as the season progresses. 

“They just have to not be afraid to drive,” Dvorak said of how the Spartans’ offense can improve. “It’s just translating practice to game.”

Junior Heidi Iancu led the game in scoring for the Mustangs with 17 points, including four 3-pointers. 

NPA will have an extended break before their next game due to the Thanksgiving holiday. They will face the Joseph City Wildcats on Dec. 2 at home.

“All the girls are committed to the team,” Dvorak said. “They’re all dedicated to getting better.” 

Joseph City, the defending 1A state champions, beat NPA 56-11 last season.