Cheer/Pom/Spirit

Tryouts are typically in September/October.  Basketball games begin in November.  The pom and cheer squads perform during home and away games.  Each Middle School has the choice of having a combined 7th Grade Team and an 8th Grade Team or separate.

The Boys' 7th grade and 8th grade Basketball Championship Tournament takes place during the first or second week of December, prior to Winter Break.  The Middle School Pom/Cheer Squads will officially finish their season the week prior to the tournament by participating in their own showcase event.  Some teams, however, do continue to perform during the tournament.

Practices at the Schools

The five middle schools participate in hosting each other and playing away at each others schools for a total of 8 regular season games.  The pom/cheer squads travel to away games and perform at home.  

At the end of the season the pom/cheer squads perform at the Annual Pom/Cheer Showcase where each time is able to show their best performances.  Rather than cheering for others, they come together to be cheered for.

Pom/Cheer is a tryout sport,  All who wish to participate need to tryout prior to the season.  Tryouts are based on skills such as memorizing and repeating routines, execution of specific movement, clear vocalization of song or cheers, and general physical movement, balance, and athleticism within and around others.  Other factors taken into account during tryouts - grades, behavior, communication, sportsmanship, leadership, and good team work.   Typically, teams are made up of 20 athletes. 

Each Middle School has the option of combining or splitting grade levels, creating different types of performance groups (spirit, cheer, dance, pom).  Most schools have two squads of approximately 14 athletes.    

Cholla, Desert Foothills, Mountain Sky, Palo Verde, and Royal Palm

Pom and Cheer is a highly competitive sport and there are tryouts.  Having previous experience in cheer, dance, performance groups, or gymnastics is helpful for making a team.  Anyone interested should practice the fundamental skills.