3 Takeaways:

• The Fountain Hills High School Falcons varsity girls’ basketball team made it to the Arizona Interscholastic Association 2A State Championship game.
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members Saedee Smith, Anaya Lewis and Tayla Rogers play for the Falcons.
• Community-member Falcons shared about their fun experience and sense of family playing for the Fountain Hills squad. 

The Fountain Hills High School Falcons varsity girls’ basketball team had quite a ride this season. Featured on the team are Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members Saedee Smith, Anaya Lewis and Tayla Rogers. 

Overall, the Falcons went 25-4 in the season and a perfect 7-0 in their 2A Central division, landing in first place. 

After defeating San Carlos High School, 62-57, on Feb. 26, the Falcons moved on to the Arizona Interscholastic Association 2A State Championship against St. Johns High School on Feb. 28 at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. 

Having lost twice earlier in the season to St. Johns, the Falcons knew what they were up against. Unfortunately for the Falcons, St. Johns showed no signs of slowing down.

St. Johns came out on top, 41-36, meaning the Falcons finished as the state runner-up.

“It was a fun and unexpected experience, and while it wasn’t the ending we had been dreaming [of], I wouldn’t trade this journey with this team for anything,” said Smith.

Her teammate concurred.

“It was such a big accomplishment to make it to state,” said Rogers. “Even though we came up short, I am still proud of the whole team, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

It was Lewis’ freshman year on the team. She said her teammates helped her grow more confident with every game.

“They always lifted me up when I got in my head. Even though we fell short in the championship, I’m so proud of this team. I couldn’t have asked for a better freshman season or a better family,” said Lewis.