In basketball, like any sport, teams are largely judged by their wins and losses. But West Jordan girls basketball coach Julianne Tialavea knows there’s a lot more to a successful team than its record. 

The Jaguars are coming off a 14-9 overall record and a Region 4 championship, thanks to a glossy 9-1 mark. West Jordan lost in the Class 5A state tournament’s second round, falling to Timpview 47-32. Building on that is important to Tialavea, but she’s looking at the smaller, daily accomplishments too. Ultimately, she wants the girls to give it their all—not just in basketball but in their studies.

“Compete is the only goal and the only expectation we have for them on the court and in the classroom,” she said. 

So far this season, Tialavea is pleased with the players’ hard work, dedication and determination. Win or lose, the girls have put their hearts into their play. 

“On the court, our team is scrappy,” Tialavea said. “They are willing to dive on the ball for loose balls and be aggressive on rebounds and tough during tough games. Off the court, our team is beginning to build a stronger bond. It usually takes a while for our girls to be comfortable around each other, like region play. But our older girls have done a good job of mentoring our younger girls, teaching them what our program is all about: sisterhood.”

Tialavea is emphasizing teamwork and hopes the girls will play as a strong unit—one where each player knows her role and supports her teammates. 

“We just need to continue to trust and build on that trust with each other,” she said. “We need to compete all the time and always play with no regrets.”

Multiple players have stood out to Tialavea so far this season. She is pleased not only with their performance on the court but with their leadership. West Jordan has a good blend of experienced players and young newcomers to bolster the lineup and contribute to the team’s success. 

“It is hard to name just a few top performers; our team is a collective great effort,” Tialavea said. “Each girl on the court and even those coming off the bench have been great assets to the team. I give it up to our team captains: Upuia Luamanuvae, Erilyn Lokeni, Atyana Crosby and Tofi Delacerna. They have been monumental in bringing our team together on and off the court. I can't forget our other seniors, who have been with the team since their freshman year: Eva Penman and Jordyn Hughes. These two seniors also hold the standard and values of our program to the younger girls as well. Another big impact on our team is Francine McIntyre, who brings that spark and energy.” 

Through five games, West Jordan was 3-2, having defeated Jordan in the season opener on Nov. 20 (63-53), East on Dec. 2 (69-17) and Judge Memorial on Dec. 4 (56-48). The Jaguars dropped a 67-41 at Skyridge on Nov. 21 and lost at home to Pleasant Grove on Nov. 25 by the score of 80-35. 

Heading into a Dec. 12 contest with crosstown foe Copper Hills, West Jordan had four players scoring at least 6.2 points per game. Leading the way was Delacerna, a junior guard/forward, who is putting up 11.6 points an outing. She was leading the team at this point with 13 three-pointers made. McIntyre, a junior guard, was second on the squad through five games with 7.2 points per contest, while sophomore Naveah Crosby scores 6.2 points per game. Freshman Kalei Makakona has an average of 6.2 points per game for West Jordan. Lokeni, a senior center, is the top rebounder with an average of 7.6 boards per matchup. 

The rest of December featured more non-region games, as West Jordan prepared to step into Region 4 action. The first league game will be Jan. 2 at West. Tialavea knows that the region slate won’t be easy, and opponents will be motivated to take down the defending league champions. She is encouraging the girls to be mentally tough and play their best basketball when it matters most.

“The biggest challenges that lie ahead are keeping our composure and playing our game of basketball,” she said. “We have a tough region play for us to remain in good standing for state playoffs. Our girls just need to trust in our system of basketball and play our game. We talk about it all the time in practice; we need to compete and control what we can control. We can control three things: effort, attitude and energy, and we need to have all three controllable attributes all the time.”

Most importantly, the Jaguars have gotten along well and continue to build camaraderie and friendships. Tialavea knows what the girls are learning and living each day now as members of the basketball team will benefit them throughout life. 

“They are a lively group both on and off the court,” Tialavea said. “Watching the sisterhood they’re building is truly special because that bond endures longer than any personal achievement in the game. Basketball teaches valuable life lessons, connects you with incredible people and leaves lasting memories. This team is full of female leaders who will succeed and someday support younger generations. Their example motivates us as coaches to improve not just in coaching but as individuals too. Each member is unique, and they have profoundly impacted us as coaches in many ways. They've represented our program, school and community with excellence, making us incredibly proud. Go Jags!”