Obren Manjencich is an ASU student at the Cronkite School assigned to cover Perry High School for AZPreps365.com.

Opening the season with a tournament is a unique opportunity to project the future and set the tone for the present.

The Perry Pumas will begin their quest for the 6A state championship in the Adam Donnenfield Memorial tournament Wednesday.

The tournament is named after Adam Donnenfield, a former Brophy player who lost his life in a car accident in 1990.

This season, the tournament features 19 teams with 13 host sites. The schools participating range from as far north as Flagstaff and Yuma to the southwest.

In Perry’s group is Kofa and Skyline, with two games against Westwood and Dobson who aren’t in the group.

Kofa located in Yuma is over two hours from Perry.

Head coach Damien Tippett is aware of the logistical issues that can arise but acknowledged Kofa’s grueling travel schedule is normal.

“(It is) a long drive for them,” said Tippett. “It’s what they do; it’s what they’re use to.”

Perry plays Kofa once in the tournament and then they meet again in Perry’s first regular season game.

“Will I put everything on that I would in a power point game against Kofa, probably not,” said Tippett. "I might play a little bit closer to the vest, knowing we’re playing them in a power point game the week after.”

Implementing new tactics while showcasing familiar ones can affect players progression.

“At the same time if we pull back at all, our kids aren’t getting any better,” said Tippett.

During tournament play, Perry will adjust its pitching as needed.

“We use a rotation… if it ends up being so and so’s day to pitch, their gonna pitch this day,” said Tippett. “Now I may limit their pitches or their innings because I am trying to save bullets for May.”

Senior pitcher Kai Taylor’s mindset on the mound doesn’t change.

“Whenever I go out there to pitch, I keep the same demeanor and keep the same attitude as I would a power point game.” said Taylor. “Every outing is something special in my opinion.”

The tournament also provides teams opportunities to give players who have the potential to be on varsity a chance.

Catcher Carter Richey’s was the backup last season but was tabbed to start one game in the tournament. The experience was enough for Tippett to see his future was bright.

“Now he’s a junior. He’s got the starting job and now he has varsity experience,” said Tippett.

Tournament games can play a key part in developing a team, something Tippett values.

“Those tournaments are really priceless for developing next year’s team,” said Tippett.

Due to teams playing multiple games in a day, there can be lengthy delays waiting for a team to finish one game to play another right after.

What a team does in between that time can vary, however. Perry maintains a straightforward approach.

“You don’t really do too much in between cause you know you’re already hot,” said senior pitcher Jason Barres. “You might get something to eat real quick, stretch, and be ready to get right into the next game.”

Taking control of a game in a neutral site or on the road is imperative to winning.

“If you can get very hyper compared to the other being kinda monotone you can usually take control of the game,” said Barres. “The other team won’t have as much energy; they won’t be as loose.”

At games against unfamiliar opponents, a program can leave a mark in more ways than one.

Representing the Pumas program is something Perry’s players recognize.

“It’s very important,” said Barres. “If you have a good attitude, then you get the reputation that you have a very good school, your team is disciplined, stuff like that.”

Equally important in these games is communication.

Relaying what an opposing pitcher is doing or helping your own teammate can go a long a way toward winning.

“I try to focus on every pitch, just to see if the opposing pitcher is maybe tipping pitches,” said Taylor. “Or maybe my teammate is pulling his side out to something of that nature, to where I can let him know to better our chances of winning.”

The goal for the tournament is simple; it also sets up the approach for the season that will follow.

“Pitchers throw strikes, get guys out; fielders do their job, get outs; hitters make contact with the ball, get hits, win games,” said Barres.