The Skyline Coyotes look to get another check in the win column this season as they host the Westwood Warriors at 7:00 p.m. in a must-win 6A game for the Coyotes.

While a win in this game could lead to greater playoff hopes for Skyline, something else will be in the forefront of the minds of Skyline players, coaches and fans: Honoring former Coyote Kevin Anaya. 

Anaya, who played for coach James Capriotti and the Coyotes last season, passed away just days after graduating last spring in a swimming accident at Lake Mary near Flagstaff while on a family trip to celebrate his graduation.

Friday is not only meant to honor what Kevin did on the court during his time at Skyline, it is a time for the whole Coyote community to remember the young man that Kevin was. “Being part of our basketball program is more than just being a player, it’s a family and we felt like we lost a son that day,” said a choked-up Capriotti. 

The team plans to unveil a large banner that kids from the school have signed and will be presented to the Anaya family. In addition, Kevin’s jersey will be on display in a case for all to see along with his varsity letter from last season that will be framed and gifted to Kevin’s parents.

To cap off the celebration and honoring of Kevin’s life, Capriotti will announce the new Kevin Anaya Three-on-Three tournament that he hopes to put on annually to honor his former player. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated back to the Anaya family.

While Anaya was at Skyline, he didn’t play the most minutes or even score the most points but he left an impact of many of the younger players. “Kevin was a great teammate that no one ever spoke ill of. Off the court, he was smooth but as soon as he stepped on the floor, he became a different animal. I miss him so much and love him to death," sophomore guard Dayton Harris said. 

The Coyotes are closing in on a possible home court advantage in the first round of playoffs. 

With Skyline nearing a school record for most wins in a season, 13, Capriotti and the Coyotes will look to emerge victorious against a struggling Westwood team that has not won a region game all season long.