Ava Chovanec is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chandler High School for AZPreps365.com 

Chandler High School handled Hamilton early but lost momentum and another game to its rival Tuesday.

“We were doing fine in the beginning cause we were all up hype, hype, hype, then when we get down, our adversity, we just can’t and we’re trying to learn that,” said coach Glena Skalitzky after the 45-34 loss.

Senior guard Victoria Mason, who finished with 10 points, said the Wolves biggest issue  was getting in their own heads.

"That’s effecting everyone else out on the court,” said Mason.

The Wolves had two runs to start off both halves, with a huge 10-0 run in the beginning of the third quarter to cut the 15-8 lead at halftime to only six. Five of those 10 points came from senior shooting guard Mykah Anderson. Then the Huskies answered back with their own 9-1 run to end the quarter and take control of the game.

Senior center Maya Peat and senior shooting guard Amara Wilson both fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Peat finished with 11 points while Wilson had 5.

The Wolves fell to 2-3 in their region and 10-3 overall. Hamilton improved to 11-2 overall and remained undefeated in region play. Coming into the game the Wolves were ranked  No. 6 while the Huskies sat at the No. 3 spot.

The Wolves have lost their last two after a three-game winning streak. Skalitzky said having four of the top 10 teams in their division doesn’t make it easy.

“We have to play them twice. So it’s not like you can just move on with next team, next team, we have to see them again,” said Skalitzky

Last time the Wolves played the Huskies, they lost 56-44. 

Skalitzky said she needs more people involved in her subbing rotations. “I need someone else who’s in there who can also get that spark, and that’s what I struggle with because some of our kids off the bench are so young, we don’t have those extra veterans,” said Skalitzy.

Skalitzky added Chandler needs to get back to the basics and fundamentals. That includes executing offense and boxing out.

Playing as a team is what Peat said will help the team get back in rhythm.The Wolves’ next game will be against Basha High School where they look to bounce back from the past two losses.

The Wolves next game is against Basha Friday.