ESPN RISE

Girls' Tennis - Boulder Creek

Coming off a season in which the Boulder Creek girls' tennis team finished second in the state in the Class 5A, Division II championships, it would be easy to suggest that the team's biggest expectation is to win it all this year. But new coach Cheryl Barnett isn't thinking that far ahead; in fact, her biggest expectation for the team won't happen anywhere near a tennis court. "We want to try to have the best academic team of anyone in our school," she says. "And then we'd like to try to make it to state." As the Jaguars return two of the area's best players, the team is certainly one of the favorites to be in contention as the season draws to a close. Senior Vanessa Green is known not only for her strong tennis game but also for her desire. "She has an attitude of, 'I want to win,'" Barnett says. "She is very strong mentally, and she's a left-handed player, which I think gives her an advantage." Junior teammate Vanessa Vogel, who has played tennis since she was 5 years old, continues to improve. "She's a good, strong competitor," Barnett says. "She can play both the power and finesse games. She has very good footwork and she knows how to play defensively." Boulder Creek's biggest strength comes from the top of its lineup, but the team is balanced and deep this year. Senior Jessica Houston, freshmen Alyssa Haney and Caitlan Ward, sophomore Taylor McCulley and junior Roxanne Anthony are propelling the Jaguars back to the state tournament.

Boys' Track - Queen Creek

As the defending 4A-I champs, the Bulldogs look to be in great shape in their quest to repeat this season. Junior Sherod Hardt, who finished second at state in the 1,600 and 3,200 last year, is considered one of the state's best distance runners and should keep the Bulldogs in contention for points this year. Senior Albert Balthazar will contend for a high jump title. Sophomore hurdler Colton Lock will be an athlete to watch this year as well.

Girls' Track - Tempe Prep

The Knights ran away with the Class 1A state championship last year, posting 187 points  nearly 100 more than second- place Blue Ridge. Many of the athletes responsible for leading Tempe Prep to a title last year are back this spring with the goal of doing it all again. Junior sprinter Briana Prince, the 1A winner in the 200 and 400 and the 100 runner-up, leads the Knights. Junior hurdler Tyler Galor could contend for the 100 and 300 hurdles crowns as well.

Baseball - Deer Valley

After a strong run through the Class 5A, Division II state tournament, which ended in the semifinals with a loss to eventual state champ Horizon, Deer Valley is back to try to move just a little closer to a state crown. This year's team has solid balance and is led by one of the area's top pitchers  senior righty Josh Dahl, who also patrols the outfield when he's not on the mound. Senior catcher Blaine Schmidt will be the other half of this very capable battery.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

SOFTBALL  PARADISE VALLEY
The Trojans are led by senior infielder Kristy Kellogg, who stole 28 bases last year. BOYS' VOLLEYBALL  HIGHLAND
All-East Valley Tribune senior Parker del Rae has the Hawks among the state's best. GIRLS' TENNIS  THATCHER
Seniors Demi Kempton and Brinlee Goodman have the Eagles thinking about a state crown. BOYS' TENNIS  BROPHY PREP
Juniors Eric Chalmers and Chris Salvatore make up one of the state's best doubles tandems.