It is the dream of every high school student-athlete to be recognized by coaches, peers and family members during the last home game of the season, known officially as Senior Night. Every professional athlete currently playing in the major leagues has experienced the joys of Senior Night, walking on the field alongside their loved ones while being recognized for stellar varsity play.

On April 18, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community student-athletes Marcus Lasiloo and Bobby Maez were recognized for their achievements both in the classroom and on the diamond for the Westwood Warriors’ varsity baseball team.

Before their game began against the Maricopa High School Rams, Warriors coach Justin Langston and his staff organized a celebration honoring the senior student-athletes on this year’s varsity baseball team. Balloons, flowers, ceremonial baseballs and a ceremonial first pitch were all on the agenda prior to the home-game finale.

Parents and other family members of the student-athletes were invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch, with their senior catching the ball at home plate.

During the game, the Warriors got off to a strong start in the first inning, tallying three runs to Maricopa’s one. Their tenacious defense kept the Rams at a distance for the majority of the game.

The Warriors’ grip on the lead quickly faded in the sixth inning, when the Rams added four runs, which would be enough to defeat the Warriors on their home field to the tune of 6-3. The loss brought an end to the regular season for the Westwood Warriors. However, their play this season garnered them an invitation to the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) 6A Conference play-in game against the Basha High School Bears on April 24. Unfortunately, Westwood came up short in that game as well, with a final score of 11-2.

The Westwood Warriors finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 17 wins, 10 losses and 1 tie. It was apparent that they enjoyed playing at home this year, as their record at home was eight wins and five losses. Their only tie was an away game against Cactus Shadows in March.