by James Tate

Head Coach: Josie Williams

2025 Record: 0-22 Overall, 0-12 Region

After a rebuilding season a year ago, the Roy Royals enter their second season under head coach Josie Williams with reasons to be optimistic despite last year’s record.

The Royals must replace four-year starting point guard Jazzi Prieto, but they return a young core that gained valuable experience and improved steadily last season. According to Coach Williams, one of the biggest developments since the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season has been the team’s increased experience and maturity.

“We’ve made a jump in experience and maturity since last season,” Coach Williams said. “Beyond that, it’s been exciting to see some of our younger players step up and start finding their voices as leaders. Knowing how much growth has already taken place gives us confidence that we will continue to get better every single time we practice and play.”

Sophomores Lily Solomona (8.8 points per game) and Quincy Hoover (4.4 points per game), two of Roy’s leading scorers as freshmen, headline that young nucleus. Solomona and Hoover give the Royals two promising interior players to build around as the program continues to develop.

Williams said both players dedicated significant time to improving during the offseason and are ready for expanded responsibilities.

“Both Lily and Quincy put in a lot of work in the weight room and on the court over the summer and preseason,” Coach Williams said. “They’re starting to understand the game at a much deeper level, and they’re learning how to use their strengths. We expect their growth and physical preparation to translate into expanded roles on both ends of the floor.”

The Royals ended the 2025 season on an encouraging note, pushing Box Elder into overtime in their season finale. Senior guard Aniyah Gomez emerged as a key contributor, while Solomona and Hoover continued their strong play. Senior Laura Hogge also established herself as a consistent performer and is expected to play an important role this season.

Quincy Hoover

Other players expected to contribute include seniors Summer Garton, Kamree Hall, Lily Perez, and Aliyah Williams. Coach Williams is excited about all the returning players, including the young players ready to play on the varsity level.

“We’re excited about the core of returning players we have coming back with Lily Solomona, Quincy Hoover, Lily Perez, and Sunnie Pebley,” Coach Williams said. “But a newcomer to keep an eye on is Kayzli Wilberg. She’s a ninth grader coming up from Roy Junior High who has the potential to step in and make an impact for us.”

As Coach Williams enters her second season leading the program, the Royals’ identity centers less on wins and losses and more on continued growth and daily improvement.

“Our focus is entirely on the process over the outcome,” Coach Williams said. “We want every player to understand what that process looks like and why every single step matters. For us, a successful season means controlling and focusing on what we can control: our effort, our mindset, our routines, and our commitment to improving daily.”

Roy’s success this season will likely depend on Solomona and Hoover’s inside play while the perimeter players continue to gain experience. Avoiding foul trouble, playing disciplined defense, and creating easy scoring opportunities will be key if the Royals are to take another step forward.

“We are so excited to keep building this program,” Coach Williams said. “Growth is a continuous process, but we’re making real progress every day and can’t wait to keep moving forward together this season.”

photos by James Tate