By Harold Kay – Scottsdale, AZ
The Desert Mountain Wolves are only two games into the season, but they already look like a team with something brewing. After a convincing win over Ironwood and a hard-fought victory against Pinnacle, the Wolves have opened their year with a 2 – 0 record and a growing sense of confidence. Their next test comes against Saguaro, a familiar rival that always brings out the intensity.
A STAR EMERGES: BELLA AGUIRRE IS THE ENGINE
If Desert Mountain has a pulse, sophomore guard Bella Aguirre is the one keeping it beating.
Through the first two games, Aguirre has been outstanding. She is averaging 21 points and 3 assists while shooting 39 percent from the field, but the impact goes beyond the stats. She has become the Wolves’ go-to player when the game tightens, staying calm, making the right decisions, and delivering big shots.
Her back-to-back 21-point performances have set the tone for a young roster that leans heavily on underclassmen. If she keeps playing at this level, Aguirre will be on the short list of breakout players in Arizona this season.
SEAMAN SETTING THE STANDARD ON BOTH ENDS
Sophomore guard Hayden Seaman has been one of the most important two-way players on the floor. She is averaging 13 points per game but has made her biggest impact defensively with 4.5 steals per contest. Seaman’s energy and willingness to do the dirty work have helped Desert Mountain control the tempo in both wins.
She is also chipping in with 6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, showing just how complete her role has become. When the Wolves need toughness, Seaman provides it.
WORKMAN ANCHORS THE INTERIOR
Inside, sophomore forward Carol Workman has emerged as the team’s anchor. She leads Desert Mountain with 9.5 rebounds per game and adds 1.5 blocks and 3.5 steals. Workman’s presence around the rim has helped the Wolves win the rebounding battle and hold opponents to under 40 points per game.
She also leads the team in free-throw percentage at 75 percent, an underrated factor that has mattered late in close games.
FRESHMEN MAKING WAVES
The Wolves are getting major contributions from their younger players as well. Freshman guard Maliah Hall owns the team’s best three-point mark at 33 percent and continues to stretch defenses every night. Her shooting has opened lanes for Aguirre and Seaman to attack the basket.
Freshman center Journey Phillips has also been impressive, averaging 8.5 rebounds and showing early signs of becoming a long-term interior force.
A VETERAN PRESENCE
Senior Adyson Lundberg brings leadership and rim protection that every successful team needs. She is averaging 3.5 blocks per game, the highest mark on the roster, and has been a steady presence on the defensive end.
DEFENSE DEFINES THE START
Desert Mountain’s defensive identity has been the foundation of their undefeated start. The Wolves swarm passing lanes, rotate with discipline, and protect the paint. Opponents are scoring just 36 and 43 points in the first two games, a testament to how well this group communicates and competes.
LOOKING AHEAD TO SAGUARO
The next matchup comes against the Saguaro Sabercats, a rivalry game that always brings extra emotion. Saguaro has athletes who can pressure the ball and run the floor, so Desert Mountain will need sharp execution to stay unbeaten.
If Aguirre continues her scoring tear, if Seaman keeps setting the tone defensively, and if the Wolves win the rebounding battle behind Workman and Phillips, they will have a strong chance to move to 3–0.
A PROMISING BEGINNING
Two games may not define a season, but Desert Mountain’s start feels meaningful. The Wolves are young, hungry, and playing with purpose. With a core that is improving every night, this group has the potential to become one of the most exciting teams in the area.
The showdown with Saguaro will say a lot about where they are headed, but one thing is already clear: Desert Mountain is a team worth watching.
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