It was the perfect finish to a nearly perfect season on Wednesday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena for the Salt River High School girl’s basketball team. Head coach Dino Puccetti and the Lady Eagles claimed the CAA Girl’s Basketball Division I Championship with a dominating, 70-32, win after reaching the title game for the second consecutive year. The team, who was selected as the Mercury’s 2015 Adopt-A-Team, finished the season 22-1.

“Last night was the culmination of a journey that started back in the summer after partnering with the Mercury,” said Puccetti. “Being able to come to Mercury games and practice with the team really set the stage for what we wanted our overall goal to be. Being around the team and seeing their three championship banners makes you really want to strive for a championship as well.”

The Lady Eagles’ tournament run was nothing short of impressive, winning by an average margin of 25 points in their three games. Puccetti said fans approached him following games to offer praise for how well his team played together. It came as no shock to Puccetti.

“We had a group of girls who were really committed to each other and the team,” remarked Puccetti. “From a coaching standpoint, there was less pressure to coach a team that was so dedicated to one another both on and off the court. They committed to being the kind of team that shares the ball, rather than have any individual control the game.”

Prior to the start of Salt River’s 2015-16 season, the Lady Eagles were selected for the Mercury’s Adopt-A-Team program. The program allowed members of the team to interact with Mercury players, receive private basketball clinics with Mercury players and coaches, attend every Mercury home game and attend seminars on college prep and internet safety training.

In addition to being recognized at halftime of a Mercury game, the Salt River girl’s basketball team assisted at the Mercury’s Luminaria Drive benefiting the American Cancer Society, and was surprised last December when the Mercury delivered travel gear, new shoes and game balls prior to a game.

READ MORE ABOUT SALT RIVERS AAT EXPERIENCE

 As a new Mercury season approaches, so does the opportunity to become this year’s Adopt-A-Team. Entering its ninth season, the Adopt-A-Team program seeks to enrich the lives of female athletes through various programs, on and off the court. In addition to participating in private basketball clinics with Mercury players, the program also teaches girls important life skills.

“The Adopt-A-Team program is not only about basketball,” remarked Puccetti. “The life skills the girls learned through seminars were extremely valuable, as each opportunity brought about a new learning experience. Not only were they able to grow as basketball players, but as women too. Whether it be during high school or college, when the girls look back on this experience, it will be one they will never forget.”

To apply to become this year’s Phoenix Mercury Adopt-A-Team, you can print the application by clicking here.