Graphic created by Anthony Francis '28 The graph showcases a map that includes each location the team has traveled to this season.
Brophy basketball faces multiple top-10 nationally ranked teams this year, making it one of the hardest schedules in recent years. With multiple players with 4 years of varsity play under their belt and an overall well-balanced team, Brophy is looking to make a strong run in the playoffs this year, being just outside the top 3 teams in the state.
Brophy is in the 6A Central Region, along with teams like Corona del Sol, Desert Vista, nationally ranked Millennium, and Sunnyslope.
“We do want to play a challenging schedule, because then we know that when we get to the playoffs, we’ll have experience in those types of environments, and we feel like that pays off for us in the long run,” said Mr. Matt Hooten, the 11th-year head coach for the varsity team.
As a fourth-year shooting guard, Daylen Sharper ’26 believes this year’s team is one of the most balanced and competitive teams he has played on. Even with a lot more away games than home games this season, Sharper still trusts in the team’s heavy preparation.
“When we play against big crowds against away teams … we have less momentum than regularly. But really, we’re up for any matchup. And we like being the underdogs and playing away because we really like to compete and give everyone our best,” said Sharper.
Each team is required to play every team in its division twice, which is what makes Brophy’s schedule so tough. The rigor of the schedule benefits Brophy in the long run, as playing these teams helps the Broncos to prepare for playing them in the playoffs.
Sharper said, “Our schedule this year in parts is more difficult … we play two top-10 teams in the country twice. It’s going to be a challenging season, but it really prepares us for the playoffs.”
Overall, Brophy will continue to learn from each game and improve the things that are controllable to increase their chances at another championship.