It sometimes takes the darkest locations to see the brightest stars. The West Jordan girls basketball team has had a tough season, but head coach Carlson Boudreaux has seen the potential of his team.

“We only have one senior and start several sophomores, just depending on the situation. We are still learning and we make mistakes. There is no doubt we are the underdog almost always, but we know we have to go out there and prove we belong on the floor,” Boudreaux said.

Junior Siki Suguturaga gained valuable experience as a sophomore last season. The 5-foot-11 forward leads the Jaguars in scoring with 12.3 points per game. She scored a season high 25 points in their 43-40 win over Hillcrest Dec. 9. They overcame a three-point first half deficit to beat the Huskies for their first win of the season.

“Siki was good last year, and I am sure she will be just as good for us during our region games. She has a very soft touch around the basket. We have been really working on helping her become a good player,” Boudreaux said.

Sophomores Marina Latu and Zena Moeai have only been playing basketball a couple of years, but Boudreaux said they are important parts of the team.

“We have several girls that have not played basketball very long. Marin and Zena have nice touch. They give us an outside shot that will open up the middle for our inside players like Siki and Sierra (Coombs),” Boudreaux said.

Latu has hit a team high eight three-pointers. Moeai has hit four. Latu scored 11 points in a 47-37 loss to Taylorsville Dec. 30.

“I really like playing ball at West Jordan. Our team has a bond. I like the environment. We get lots of support from our coaches and teachers. We have goals to just keep improving,” Suguturaga said.

The Jaguars compete in Region 3. Boudreaux said the girls’ teams from Brighton, Alta and Bingham could all contend for the state title.

“We have a lot to prove. I love these kids. I think they are awesome young ladies. We just need to keep getting better. I love being around them,” Boudreaux said.

The Jaguars entered the regular season with two preseason wins. They beat Hillcrest (43-40) Dec. 9 and followed that with a 37-36 victory over Kearns Dec. 11. The Jaguars survived a fourth-quarter rally from the Cougars, but their last-second shot missed the mark.

“I have learned to be confident in myself and be a good leader. The basketball skills I have learned are good, but the off the court stuff I have learned will help me the most in life,” Suguturaga said.