Alyssa Polczynski is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

There’s no stopping the Jackrabbits, who picked up their 10th straight win after sweeping Shadow Ridge on Thursday to improve to 13-1.

“We all have one common goal,” senior Jimari Grayson said, “and that’s to bring a championship to Mesa.”

The game started off with Shadow Ridge gathering a brief lead. However, it didn’t take long for that lead to break after Tanner Crawford dunked with an assist from Steven Cervantes, ending the first quarter 9-7.

From there, the Jackrabbits stayed consistent with staying ahead. The tight-knit relationship the boys have with one another is evident.

“We communicate on and off the court,” said Grayson. “Our friendship makes it easier to root for each other.”

By halftime, Mesa was up 30-13. The boys made time to show appreciation toward the cheerleaders who have been supportive from game one by handing each of them a gift basket before heading into the locker room.

“We wanted to let the cheerleaders know we appreciate them being at the games all year,” head coach Scott Stansberry said.

The second half of the game was even more exciting than the first. Tanner Crawford scored another dunk after Cervantes got a fast break steal and passed the ball to junior Talbot Cummard, who threw to Crawford for the play of the game for a 36-15 Mesa lead.

With another win under their belt, Crawford feels there is more pressure on the team.

“For us, we’re the hunted,” Crawford said. “But we can handle it and we will trust in our coaches and teammates.”

With the championship around the corner, it is important Mesa continues to stay focused and play each game one at a time.

“As a senior, it is super important for us to win this championship,” Cervantes said. “The senior class wants to be remembered and go down as legends at Mesa High.”

Mesa has 14 state championships, the last one won in 2016.

The Jackrabbits have their final home game Friday against Dobson at 7 p.m.