The ultimate goal for Chinle's girl's and boy's basketball teams are earn a post seaon state tournament berth.

The road to Glendale, Arizona for Chinle begins on Monday, November 25, when Chinle visits the Holbrook Roadrunners in a Freedom game. Girl's and boy's freshmen, junior varsity and varsity games will be played.

CHINLE LADY WILDCATS

Francine McCurtain begins her third year as Chinle Lady Wildcats head coach. McCurtain has eight years of head coaching experience.

McCurtain played her high school basketball at Winslow. After a stellar career at Winslow, McCurtain signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball at Washington State University in the PAC-12 Conference. Later in her college career, McCurtain transferred to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, where she completed her college basketball career.

McCurtain guided Chinle into the 3A Final Four last year. The Lady Wildcats finished 17-11 overall, more importantly 6-4 in the challenging 3A North Region.

McCurtain has four players returning from last year's team. Returning players are senior center Tea Murray; senior guard Brandii Clah; senior guard Meishyla Begay; and sophomore forward Aisha Ashley.

Chinle does not have any returning starters, although Clah and Ashley were part-time starters last year.

McCurtain played numerous games throughout the summer, developing her program.

"We had a summer program going for our team," McCurtain said. "We still have some good size underneath and some quick guards. So those are some of our strengths. With four returning to varsity from last year, they will move into this year being our leaders at practice and games. They know the expectations and need practice like it's a game."

McCurtain said there are some areas of her team that need improvement.

"We really need to work on our defense," McCurtain said. "Defense will help push our confidence and push our team to do better every practice and game."

McCurtain said she holds very high expectations for the Lady Wildcats.

"Just like every other team, we want to utilize what we have to our best ability," McCurtain said. "We want to give great competition to everyone on our schedule, not just the north teams."

McCurtain said Chinle has a challenging schedule, including 3A East Region schools, Show Low, Holbrook and Winslow.

"We have to be ready to compete and to prepare for the next game each time," McCurtain said. "Our post season goal is to make it to state and get as far as we can in the bracket. At the beginning of every season, I am always positively optimistic and believe in my team."

McCurtain said the Lady Wildcats have to practice with a purpose.

"We need to have everyone on the same page," McCurtain said. "We simply just got to play the game to our game plan, not opponents. Another expectation is to be consistent and get through obstacles with mental toughness."

CHINLE WILDCATS

Veteran head coach Raul Mendoza begins his 40th year at the high school level and fourth year at Chinle.

Mendoza led Chinle to an undefeated 10-0 mark in the 3A North Region and 28-5 overall. Chinle earned a berth in the state tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals. before Tucson Sabino eliminated the Wildcats.

Mendoza returns eight players from last year's team, including senior shooting guard Cooper Burbank, last year's 3A North Region Player of the Year and First Team All-State. Joining Burbank is senior point guard Curtis Begay, 3A North Region Second Team.

Retuning players are senior forward Darren Woody; junior shooting guard Colin Yazzie; junior forward Cael Denetdeel; junior forward Payton Wagner; junior forward Cory Nakai; and sophomore point guard Kylen Yazzie.

"We will be strong at the guard positions, with good quickness," Mendoza said. "We will be strong defensively."

Mendoza added, "We need to work on developing the inside game with our incoming juniors and sophomores."

Mendoza concluded, "Our goal is to make the state playoffs and go deep into the tournament."

Chinle will be at Whiteriver to scrimmage the Alchesay Falcons and Show Low Cougars on Thursday, November 21.