News Detail

Basketball Advances to AIA Open Elite Eight

2/16/2024

Senior Braeden Speed and junior Luke Wieskamp combined for 53 points in an 83-70 win over No. 25 Desert Vista. Ninth-seeded Brophy (17-10) advances to the quarterfinal round against top-seeded Perry on Friday, February 23.

“I am proud of the way the guys responded throughout the game,” said Head Coach Matt Hooten. “We came out and they put us on our heels a little bit. But we came back after it, staying together and responding well during moments of adversity. We pulled each other together. I think that is what it takes to win a playoff game against a really good and well-coached team. We are excited about moving on and getting a chance to extend our season.”

Sophomore Daylen Sharper scored seven points in the first quarter to keep the Broncos in the game early. Desert Vista led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but Brophy responded with a 30-point second quarter to flip the game.

Wieskamp scored 10 points in the second and eight in the third to finish with 20 on the night.

“We got some great energy plays throughout the game,” said Hooten. “Luke had some huge dunks and finishes at the rim after breaking their pressure. We had a great lob to Hale Hansen and we had some guys take some huge charges. A lot of guys make plays and our bench was great.”

Speed had nine in the second, 11 in the third, and nine in the fourth to finish with 33 on the night.

“Braeden is such a great competitor,” said Hooten. “He is elite with his competitive spirit. When we were looking for leadership in the first half, he stepped up in a big way. He gave his teammates confidence.”

Brophy will travel to play at Perry next Friday. The teams split two meetings on the season and tied with Basha for the Premier Region lead at 6-2.

Other quarterfinal matchups include No. 5 Desert Mountain at No. 4 Basha, No. 6 Millenium at No. 3 Sunnyslope, and No. 7 St. Mary’s at No. 2 Notre Dame Prep.

Brophy Scoring: Braeden Speed 33, Luke Wieskamp 20, Daylen Sharper 11, Luke Rehl 6, Ryan Burbach 6, Hale Hansen 4, Nick Snaford 3.

BASKETBALL / Braeden Speed had 33 points in an 83-70 win over Desert Vista to advance Brophy to the AIA Open Elite Eight. He talked about the win in potentially his final home game. @azc_obert pic.twitter.com/jcCyKeGgqB
— Brophy Athletics (@BrophyAthletics) February 17, 2024

BASKETBALL / Luke Wieskamp scored 20 points and talked about the team advancing to the AIA Open. #EliteEight pic.twitter.com/1w8XpKul1y
— Brophy Athletics (@BrophyAthletics) February 17, 2024