Perfection continues for the Scorpions as the Sedona Red Rock Junior High girls head into the playoffs.

The Scorpions improved to 19-0 after defeating Middle Valley Prep 29-17 on Jan. 23, 20-0 with a win over Dr. Daniel Bright on Thursday, Jan. 24, and 21-0 after defeating Middle Valley Prep again on Monday, Jan. 28.

Sedona forward Helen Westervelt led all scorers with 16 points while also tallying seven rebounds and four assists on Jan. 23.

Mayra Parra added four points, six rebounds and two assists while Leah Pedersen recorded six assists.

“I would put our big three of Helen, Mayra and Leah against any other big three in the division,” Sedona coach Kirk Westervelt said. “I definitely do not think there are any girls better than our trio.”

Sedona’s big three trace their connection back to elementary school as Westervelt has coached the girls for the last four years.

“The girls have great team speed, they are smart and they have been with me for many years,” Westervelt said. “They have developed and grown a lot since Big Park Community School in fifth grade.”

Westervelt said he believes many characteristics set his trio apart from the rest of the region.

“In the tough games they know where to pass and how to come through in key situations,” Westervelt said. “They have been there before and trust each other in those moments.”

Not a squad to rest on its laurels, the Scorpions then dismantled Dr. Daniel Bright School 47-5 on Thursday, Jan. 24.
With the win, Sedona improved to a benchmark 20-0 this season.

Parra scored 15 points for Sedona and also accumulated two assists and two rebounds.

“Our defense has been our calling card all year as we have held every team under 20 points so far,” Westervelt said. “I told the girls that if they want to win a state championship, you hold teams under 20 points on a nightly basis.”

Helen Westervelt also scored 15 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists.

“Helen’s versatility is big for us. She can hit a three and drive to the basket,” Westervelt said.

Valdez cleaned the glass with eight rebounds while Pederson tallied six assists and two points.

Westervelt said he believes playing within the system has been the biggest factor toward the Scorpions’ defensive
success.

“Knowing your position and not trying to reach for steals in the press are key to success,” Westervelt said. “Do not try to sell out for the steal when your teammate is behind you and in a great position to help.”

Westervelt said he believes the Scorpions have shown great discipline on the defensive end despite being such a young team.

“It is boring and mundane but we harp on discipline and playing your role everyday in practice,” Westervelt said. “It is how we got to where we are this season.”

As the playoffs edge closer, Sedona anticipates shortening the rotation for its state championship push.

“We probably have a seven-girl rotation that we will rely on moving forward,” Westervelt said. “Our subs filled in admirably and we did not miss a beat when we lost two of our starters over Christmas break.”

For the Scorpions, limiting turnovers will be critical to a deep postseason run.

“Overall we might have had five turnovers in two games but we need to remain cautious on offense,” Westervelt said. “Sometimes we just chuck it down the court and anticipate someone is there rather than reading the court.”

Sedona ended its regular season on a high note as the Scorpions defeated Middle Valley Prep again — this time a closer match, 24-17 — on Monday, Jan. 28, to go 21-0.

“We were trailing at the end of the first quarter but were able to battle back,” Westervelt said. “It was good to get punched in the mouth like that before the playoffs.”

Regional finals for the Scorpions begin on Friday, Feb. 1, and will be held at Sedona.

The state tournament begins on Thursday, Feb. 7, and continues through Saturday, Feb. 9.

Sedona plays the 8-seed on Friday, Feb. 1.

Tipoff is at 2 p.m.

“You can be 23-0 and still get bounced in the first round so you have to stay prepared,” Westervelt said.

Clarkdale Middle School is the tournament host.

“Heading into the tournament we have to keep the players hungry, healthy and humble,” Westervelt said. “Do not underestimate any team just because you