Kolten Klein is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sunnyslope High School for AZPreps365.com

Fighting through adversity has been the theme of this season.  Sunnyslope passed every test, including a loss February 19.

The Vikings suffered a two-point loss at home, their first of the season, to the Mesa Jackrabbits.  The deciding factor was the 20 Viking turnovers.  A sloppy game all around that proved Sunnyslope beatable.

Head coach Ray Portela said, “We just learned that we have to come ready to play every time we step on the floor.  There are lots of very good teams in this state and if you don’t come ready to play, they can make you pay for it.  It was a good lesson for us.”

Vikings junior Elijah Saunders said they’ve been trying to take it one game at a time because the next game isn’t guaranteed.

Disappointed from not playing to their standard, they came back and routed Kofa the next day 76-31 with less than half the turnovers they had against Mesa.  The Vikings (14-1) have now won four straight.  The most impressive was a 19-point win against Salpoint Catholic, the top seed in 4A.  

With the Vikings rolling again after their misstep, humbled, Saunders said, “Knowing that the other team is going to give you their best game is motivating.”

That loss may have been a blessing in disguise.

“You’ve heard this before, but we have a bullseye on our back and have to play up to our standards whenever we compete.  We learned we have to respect our opponent as well as the athletic process.” Portela said.

Losing is all a part of the process of a team growing over the season on the path to the ultimate goal...a championship.  It is not the loss, but how the team comes back that defines them.

The Vikings remain at the top of the 6A standings and will look to stay there come playoff time.