Richard Smith West Valley Preps

At this point, local girls basketball fans and observers can no longer ignore the Centennial Coyotes or their quiet superstar.

For two years, the team was a solid playoff participant and Taylor Leonard was a prolific player in 5A. But the focus has been further west, on Valley Vista’s quest for a state title, their rivalry with Goodyear Millennium that led to the Monsoon’s first state title and their star guard named Taylor from the Class of 2018 — Oregon-bound Taylor Chavez.

Heck, Leonard’s older sister, Reagan, was the star libero on the Coyotes’ 2015 5A state champion volleyball team and now plays for Fresno State

The Monsoon are still right there among the best from the West, along with the Tigers. But so are the 18-4 Coyotes following their 54-45 victory Jan. 10 over 2017 5A finalist Phoenix Sierra Linda.

The word is out about the team and its star on this campus that concentrates on the football and volleyball teams’ annual title drives in fall.

"Last night there were a lot more students there, and people were telling me they were going to go to our games," Leonard said on Jan. 11. "We kept losing to them last year, so we knew we had to get it done."

Matt Visintainer has coached the Coyotes for more than two decades, mostly to success. But the program was in a bit of a lull, finishing 13-13 and 11-15 the two previous seasons.

Leonard was more part of the blend as a freshman, averaging 8 points, 4.6 rebounds and an assist per contest while starting at point guard. The Coyotes finished 15-11 and just missed the playoffs.

"We have only had two seasons over the past 16 that were below .500. Taylor was a quiet kid who worked exceptionally hard at improving her game. She didn’t talk a lot that first year but has always led by example," Visintainer said.

As a sophomore, Leonard broke out and the team broke through for a playoff spot. She more than doubled her output, with 17.3 points and 8.2 rebounds a contest as the Coyotes improved to 16-11 and lost to Flagstaff in the first round of the postseason.

More promising, that squad’s No. 2 and 3 scorers were also sophomores. Wing Chantel Sloan made the varsity along with Leonard as a freshman, while guard Paige Issac joined varsity as a sophomore and immediately freed up her classmate.

"It was a moment where we realized we were legit and a good team together. We got it," Leonard said. "My freshman year I was point guard. When Paige was brought up she took point guard more, so it was easier for me to get more scoring options."

Visintainer also noticed how well his three sophomores played together.

He said they all play different positions and have different specialties, but share a unique bond and comfort with each other on the court.

"It has been incredible watching them grow up to be exceptional young women. Basketball aside the character of these kids is second to none. They have very supportive parents and grandparents that make games home and away all the time. The chemistry is not forced they all want the same thing to improve and become the best they can be," Visintainer said.

Centennial had four seniors on its roster last year, but the trio, now juniors, also took the reins. Their stats and record remained in the same range, as Centennial went 17-11.

Technically, the Coyotes lost in the first round of the playoffs as the No. 14 seed. But they beat Verrado to get there under the new play-in round system.

"Our junior year, we were more set and we knew what we had to do to win games and for our other teammates also. Being juniors, we were the leaders too," Sloan said.

Now the team is at a new plateau, ranked No. 5 in 5A. Its regular-season losses are to the heavyweights of the conference, No. 2 Scottsdale Chaparral, No. 1 Gilbert Mesquite and No. 6 Apollo.

Leonard said she has not put that much thought into her likely college career, preferring to focus on this season and this team. She said beyond themselves, the Coyotes want a memorable season for their stalwart coach.

"We have a really good bond. He’s our teacher and we check in with him every single day. He’s a great role model for us," Leonard said.

Leonard again leads the way, though she remains more concerned with winning and blending in, not racking up numbers. She averages 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and two steals a contest and is more than content to see junior forward Jamia Clark (13.8 points and 6 rebounds) step up as a second threat.

For his part, Visintainer said the girl he and the team call "Cheese" is in the top if not the top most solid player to come through the program in the last two seasons. He said she has never been worried about her numbers and is always focused on winning the game.

"Her understanding of the game is far more mature than most. She always does what is asked of her. I could count on one hand how many workouts she has missed over all her years at Centennial," Visintainer said. "She is a tremendous competitor and one of the most genuine players I have ever had the honor of coaching. She is loved by her teammates and is the epitome of the program — work hard, be selfless, and always show integrity. With all the accolades she has earned over the years she never once stopped working to improve. It is a testament of the kind of kid she is."