CSHS Boys Basketball gearing up for another strong season

Senior Duncan Hearn (23) gathers himself in the paint during the Falcons home opener versus Sierra Linda HS, Tuesday, 11/27/18. CSHS won 81-35. Photo by Gina DeCarlo Brown.

Coming off a 21-5 overall record, and a final 8 appearance in the 4A State Playoffs last year, the Cactus Shadows boys varsity basketball team is poised for another strong season, and hope to make some noise in the State playoffs again this year. The team returns 4 starters and a total of 9 players from last year’s successful season, and despite moving up to 5A this year, it is no secret this squad has high expectations entering the 2018-19 season.

Lead by 2nd year head coach Zach Washut, and the addition of assistant coach Mark MacGowan (long time Paradise Valley HS head coach and 3-time State Champion) and the return of assistant coach Jeff Horst (former assistant Phoenix College women and longtime coach for local program DFAC), the group is well coached, with 10 seniors, strong incoming underclassmen, and overall very talented.

Senior Harry Denzak (left) brings the ball up the floor against Sierra Linda. Photo by Gina DeCarlo Brown.

The team has a deep roster, with an aggressive, fast paced, style of play that is fun to watch and is loaded with strong shooting, ball skills, and the toughness and physical play necessary to compete with the top teams in division 5A.

So far in the early stages of the current season, the Falcons have jumped to a 6-1 start, with a preseason tournament championship in the Thanksgiving Classic hosted by Gilbert Christian and Benjamin Franklin high schools.

WHATS NEXT: Home games this Thursday, 12/6/18, 7p vs. Campo Verde (Teacher Appreciation Night) and Friday, 12/7/18, 7p vs. North Canyon (Youth Night – free admission with paid adult)…Friday night is the best home game of the year with the infamous SILENT NIGHT game. Come on out and see why!

FALCONS NOTES: Goodwill Donation Drive on Saturday, 12/15/18, from 10am to noon…Help CSHS Boys Basketball raise money by simply donating your no longer needed items. Please bring your donations to Cactus Shadows High School, 5802 E. Dove Valley Rd., Cave Creek AZ 85331.

(Submitted by CSHS boosters)