Skyline's 1-2 punch has Eagles eyeing another championship

Having a player who is both a talented athlete and a good teammate is a coach's dream.

But having two of those — in different sizes, with different physical strengths — well, that's enough to make a coach think she's won the lottery.

"I couldn't ask for a better situation," said Skyline girls basketball coach Deb Bennett. "It's awesome."

Her pair of aces, point guard Jenteal Jackson and center Danielle Peterson, led the Eagles to a 5A state title last season as sophomores. As juniors they bring maturity and poise to an already talented team of players — Teresa Uipi, Liz Johnson, Emily Copier, Allie Engmann and Tori Lindsay, just to name some — who just seem to roll with whatever opponents throw at them.

"They all have a good focus," Bennett said of the Eagles, most of whom are juniors and seniors. "They were all a part of that state championship week, which was magical. I think they had a taste of that and they realize, 'We're so much better when we're playing together."'

Both Peterson and Jackson were drawn to basketball because of the team aspect of the game.

"The main thing I like is the girls, and how we come together and win," said Peterson, who is averaging 18 points and has had double-digit rebounds in most of her preseason games this year.

Jackson, who is averaging 11.3 points per game, is also a top golfer but loves basketball because of the camaraderie.

"I just love it," she said. "Even practice. I think it's a lot of fun ... I love the bond you build with the girls."

Both worked hard in the off-season to improve their games. Peterson's growth has been both emotional and physical.

"I just think mentally I've grown," Peterson said. "I can handle more."

She said she feels some pressure to accomplish certain things each night, especially now that the Eagles are the lone undefeated 5A team, but adds she has a lot of help meeting her goals. "I know Jenteal and I are supposed to step it up when we need to, but it's kind of easy with the team we have," Peterson said. They both credit their teammates with making it easy to look so good, and they also acknowledge how lucky they are to be playing with each other.

"It doesn't get much better than (Jenteal)," Peterson said. "This year she's definitely our leader. She's gotten me the ball a ton this year, and she also just works so hard."

Jackson said having a 6-foot-1 center is an advantage a lot of guards don't have.