34 JANUARY 2026 By Mark Hays With the high school basketball season underway, Arcadia-area programs are navigating early challenges, developing rotations, and laying the foundation for postseason contention. Here’s a behind- the-scenes look at Arcadia, Brophy, Veritas, and Xavier’s basketball teams:  Arcadia’s boys team, led by Head Coach Greg Richards, opened region play with wins over Coronado, Chaparral, Douglas, Prescott, and Camelback. With upcoming region matchups against St. Mary’s, Saguaro, Mesquite, and Cactus Shadows, the Titans are positioned for a competitive stretch of the season.  Arcadia’s girls program will play 18 regular-season games in addition to tournament competition. Head Coach Gavin Tolan said the team is preparing for key matchups against Coronado, Camelback, and Marco de Niza. “Those are three schools that we have had good battles with,” Tolan said. With a young roster, development has been a primary focus. Tolan said the team has great chemistry, is full of energy, and is improving quickly. Practices run over two hours and include conditioning, drills, sets, film, and scrimmages. He cited senior leadership as a team strength. “I hope we can become closer as a team, give our best effort toward every game we play, and make the most out of the season,” senior Greta Patterson said. Senior Julianna Gonzalez Martell added to that: “Our goals are for the team to play with heart, play with hustle, and play with pride!” Press time saw the Titans with two wins, seven losses (including the Coronado Thanksgiving Invitational), but there’s plenty of time for this team to show the Valley what they’re made of.  Brophy entered the season following the school’s first State Championship, and Head Coach Matt Hooten said three returning players led the team from last year’s title run. Hale Hansen, Rocket Schwertley, and Daylen Sharper are at the core of this group, so Coach Hooten believes the “engine” of the team will start with that trio. He also said ball movement and unselfish play remain central to the program’s identity. “When you have three players with their abilities that share the ball the way they do, it bleeds into your team’s culture,” he explained. Depth is also expected to play a role in the season. “We have six coming back, but we also have eight guys who are getting their first taste of varsity experience. They have been challenging their teammates and building them up,” he said. Senior forward Hale Hansen said the team showed early signs of growth, and as of press time, the Broncos were three for three against Mountain Ridge, Boulder Creek, and Pinnacle High. “It is really exciting,” he said. “After the first game, we showed significant upside. We are excited to see where we go this season.” Most recently, Daylen sealed the title at the free-throw line as Brophy beat Cathedral Catholic 63-59 to win the annual Father Barry Classic, claiming back-to-back championships for the first time and the fifth title in school history. Daylen scored a game-high 19 points to earn all-tournament honors and Hale was named MVP.  Veritas will play 18 regular-season games and compete in two Valley Region tournaments. Head Coach Brooks Dockter said region matchups remain a focal point, and the program emphasizes pressure and pace. “We like to put on a lot of defensive ball pressure and get up and down the floor offensively,” Dockter said. Practices are structured around “small-sided games… no longer than 90 minutes,” with a focus on speed and execution. Dockter said the goal is to peak late in the season. “To be playing our best basketball in February and allow ourselves to make a deep playoff run, that’s our goal,” Dockter said. The Falcons have a good start, with the boys’ team winning their first five games against teams from Chandler, Scottsdale, and Fountain Hills, and the girls’ team winning two of five against Chandler and Fountain Hills.  Veritas’ girls’ basketball team plays 17 regular-season games plus two tournaments for a total of 25 contests. Coach Rebecca Lane said some of the most anticipated matchups come against familiar rivals. “We always look forward to competing against our sister Great Hearts schools,” Lane said. “Scottsdale Prep and Glendale Prep consistently provide strong, physical competition. These matchups are especially meaningful there is a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, and they push our athletes to rise both in skill and in character.” Lane’s coaching is rooted as much in formation as in results. “At the heart of our program is a simple truth: we love basketball, and we love one another and it shows,” she said. “We prioritize character, discipline, and mastery of fundamentals. I trust my players. Practice is where we learn and refine; games are where we compete.”  Xavier is scheduled to play a 26-game regular season and, as of press time, is 4-2 in the 6A Central region. Head Coach Jenn Gillom, a former Olympian, said the program’s focus is on internal development rather than external rivalries. Since it’s only been a year playing in a different region, Gillom said they don’t have a particular team that is a rival… yet. With a coaching style described as “a fast pace run and gun with a defensive focus to have our defense create offense,” practices are intense, emphasizing individual skills and fundamentals. Players said the team’s culture has been a key component of its approach. “Being part of the team means being a part of a support system,” senior Sariah McNabb said. “I have people who are there to support me and always have my back. This season, I am looking forward to the playoffs.” “The basketball team is like a second family,” junior Sade Charles said. “I have learned the importance of confidence and moving with a positive attitude every day. I most look forward to the playoffs as it is an opportunity for us to put all our hard work together and perform.” High school basketball builds momentum as season kicks off Assistant Coach Mike Schwertley, Aiden Williams, Donovan McNabb, Jr., Bray Gray, Enoch Reasy, Brady Powell, Collin Goossen, Oliver Burbach, Tyrese Holmes, Parker Mohrhauser, Amaru Williams, Rocket Schwertley, Daylen Sharper, Cooper Frakes, Head Coach Matt Hooten, Hale Hansen and Brady Lauer. PHOTO COURTESY OF BROPHY PREP Arcadia’s Greta Patterson, Emily Daniels, Justine Uwamahoro, Gianna Marquez Ramirez, Julianna Gonzalez Martell, Emily Burnett, Layla Ramirez, Sophia Balinkie and Nina Tawney. PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCADIA HIGH Head Coach Brooks Dockter, Rocco Guido, Gabe Jackson, Jaspar Loel, Baylor Arnold, Will Barrett, Jackson O’Malley, Jack Mason, John Houle, Miles Perry and Assistant Coach Brevik Clark. PHOTO COURTESY OF VERITAS PREP

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