Devon Horn is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza High School for AZPreps365.com.

The Division II East Valley region is set for a huge showdown between its top two teams, Marcos de Niza at AZ College Prep on Monday at 4 p.m.

It's both teams final regular season meeting.

The first-place AZ College Prep Knights (12-1 overall) and Marcos de Niza Padres (11-2 overall) both have an unbeaten 7-0 record in the region. The teams are Nos. 5 and 7 in this week's Division II rankings, respectively.

AZ College Prep has seen lots of success in recent years under head coach Melanie Klauer, who has finished 13-1 overall in each of her last two seasons. Marcos de Niza head coach Claudia Ramirez is looking to cap off one of her most successful seasons ever with a big win.

"We're a new program, we just started back up in 2015, so we've had to start it from the ground up. It's been a big learning experience coaching at Marcos," Ramirez said. "I didn't really have anyone hand off the baton to me, I had to reach out to some coaches who have been mentors to me and have helped me a lot."

One of the biggest reasons for the Padres' success has come from an unexpected underclassmen performance.

Within the Division II Singles Flight, there are 27 players listed, including 15 seniors and 11 juniors. But at the very top of that list, with a perfect 26-0 set record is freshman Lian Pan. She's taken the state by storm, boasting a perfect 13-0 record in doubles matches, in which she plays with senior teammate Naiya Laux.

"I feel very good. I feel very happy. I'm prepared for AZ College Prep," Lian said. Pan and Laux look to prepare for a good postseason following their last match next week.

Despite the talent Pan brings, Ramirez is still making sure to emphasize senior leadership.

"It's very important for me to see it grow, especially since I'm a senior now, so I'm teaching everyone else how things go. This year has been my best season," senior Shaylee Luna said about the importance of program development.

Ramirez understands getting past the Knights won't be easy.

"We do have some nerves against ACP. They do well at state every year, so I'm really looking forward to a good competitive matchup against them on Monday," Ramirez said.

With the combination of fiery young talent along with senior veteran leadership, the Padres program as a whole is starting to form a very bright future.

"A lot of these girls I've had since they were sophomores... I think a lot of it is just the chemistry, we're like a big family," Ramirez said. "Everybody gets along, we do a lot of team bonding activities together. We all root each other on when we're playing on or off the court, so that helps."