Alyssa Polczynski is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

What one team may see as a drawback continues to morph into gratitude for the Mesa boys basketball team, amid regulations for keeping them safe from COVID-19.

“We are extremely thankful to be playing the game we love in these difficult times,” senior Steven Cervantes said. “The team is fully committed and follows all guidelines for us to play.”

The new regulations include wearing masks during practices and games, staggering the benches so players are not so close, and distributing meals in separate bags on the road.

“There have been no problems,” said head coach Scott Stansberry. “Players are honest. They’ll let you know if they aren’t feeling right.”

Though the team has adapted well to these changes, summer workouts were a different story.

“When it first happened, it was difficult,” said Stansberry. “But everyone got used to the masks, extra breaks were given and sanitizing became routine.”

Before the season started, new masks were given to the players that allowed for more comfort and breathability. But there was almost no season because of concerns from the Arizona Interscholastic Association.

“The [season] kept getting pushed back, getting pushed back, but we kept practicing,” said Stansberry. “It was a heck of a three days.”

At first, AIA weighed in 5-4 with the majority voting against having a season, considering the seriousness of COVID-19 throughout Arizona.

However, after some deliberation and additional safety protocols offered, like wearing masks on the court and benches and keeping health logs, the vote was overturned 5-4.

For the players, especially the seniors, not being able to play would have been a disappointment.

“We were definitely worried about not having a season,” Cervantes said. “We put in many hours prior, working and grinding.”

According to Stansberry, the energy was there day in and day out at practice and the boys kept their heads held high during the unknown.

As the season continues to move along, the team will attempt to bring that readiness and confidence despite fewer fans around to hype them up.

In a recent interview with Arizona Republic’s Richard Obert, senior Tanner Crawford mentioned he’d love to see more fans and have a student section present.

For now, many fans are showing their support by watching streams of each game and keeping up with highlights through social media.

The Jackrabbits are playing phenomenally and have a record of 12-1.

“The mentality is completely different,” Cervantes said. “We’re more prepared and the team is hungrier than ever.

“This year we are going back to our expectations: a state championship!”