Dominic Rivera is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Peoria for AZPreps365

A panther is one of the most feared and powerful predators in the wild and will stop at nothing to catch its prey.

Like its mascot, Peoria is hungry for its fourth championship, fueled by last season's early exit.

Early Saturday morning, the Panthers (23-3, 18-0 in region) found out they are the first seed and will play Bradshaw Mountain Tuesday in the first round in the 4A conference tournament.

Bradshaw Mountain (14-12, 10-8 in region) is the 16th seed and a tough, defensive team. It has not allowed an opponent to score more than 60 points this season.

Although the Panthers face the lowest seed, they know that seeding does not indicate the talent and ability of any opponent especially after last year's early elimination.

Peoria was the fifth seed in the conference tournament and lost to Mesquite High School 65-59 at home in the first round.

The early exit left a bad taste in the mouths of the team and served as motivation for the Panthers during the season and the upcoming playoffs.

“There is no better fuel than experience,” said coach Patrick Battillo. “That feeling and experience cannot be taught or preached, so that in it of itself provided an internal fuel to each of them that allowed us to collectively keep that focus.”

“The early exit in the playoffs was heartbreaking and I know this sounds crazy, but I feel like we needed it,” said senior guard Deandre Petty. “We got right back in the gym and worked harder than ever. This year’s playoffs mean a lot to all of us, for me, and my senior brothers, we know it is now or never.”

The pain from the loss suffered last year is the driving force behind the team’s confidence.

For the seniors, this is their last chance to win a state championship before their high school careers are over.

“(We’re) very hungry. More hungry than ever,” said senior guard Isaac Monroe. “The whole city is counting on us and we’re not trying to let them down.”