Defensive miscues cause evaporation of 4-run lead

Harvard-Westlake 7
Brophy 5

By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP

The Harvard-Westlake Wolverines (North Hollywood, Calif) capitalized on three Brophy errors in a 7-5 comeback victory March 29 during pool play of the Horizon/Big League Dugout Invitational.

Trailing by four runs in the fourth inning, the Wolverines (8-2) rallied off of Brophy starting pitcher Nick Jones ’11.

With a runner on and a man out, Jordan Orringer reached on an error in the infield.

Two batters later, Alex Horowitz blasted a three run homer into the canal cutting the deficit to one.

The Wolverines tied the game later in the inning off of another error, and took the lead for good the following inning.

Jones was finished after guiding the Broncos through four innings giving up five runs – two earned, and threw 70 pitches.

His counterpart, flamethrower Lucas Giloto, known for his 96 mile per hour fastball, had difficulties navigating through his four innings.

Giloto hit four batters, threw three wild pitches, and found the strike zone in just 47 of his 96 pitches.

“He has a history of inconsistency finding the strike zone,” said Brophy baseball coach Mr. Tom Succow.

After two Brophy batters reached in the fifth inning, Harvard-Westlake coach Matt Lacour decided he had enough of his 6-6, 225 pound pitcher.

On came Conner Dillman.

For the game’s final three innings he held Brophy hitless and struck out seven of the nine batters he faced.

“He is unlike the starter because he was able to throw two pitches in a row for strikes,” said Succow.

Before Dillman entered, Brophy’s offense had been clicking.

In the third inning, Matt Mittlelstaedt ’11 broke a one-all tie with a bases-loaded, two-out single into the outfield, plating Joe Maggi ’11 and Chris Beall ’12.

In the next inning, the Broncos padded at their lead when Dave Graybill ’12 placed a hit inside the infield with the bases loaded and two men out.

Later, Maggi scored his second run of the game by advancing on a wild pitch, putting Brophy at a five to one advantage.

On Wednesday March 30 the Broncos were slated to conclude pool play of the Horizon/Big League Dugout Invitational by facing Regis Jesuit (Aurora, Colo.)

Baseball set to compete in Big League Dugout Invitational

By Justin Janssen '11

The Brophy Broncos carry their 10-4 2011 record into the Big League Dugout Invitational March 28-31.

The invitational is headed by Bishop Gorman (Nevada), a perennial power in most sports. They are ranked No. 1 by Maxpreps.com in the country.

The tournament is consists of 4 pools containing 4 teams each. Each team in a pool will play the rest of the pool. The four pool winners will face off in a single elimination style.

Brophy's schedule in this invitational (first three games at Brophy):

Monday March 28 7:00 PM: vs. La Jolla Country Day (La Jolla, CA)

Tuesday March 29: 7:00 PM: vs. Regis Jesuit (Aurora, CO)

Wednesday March 30 7:00 PM: vs. Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, CA)

Thursday March 31 (if victorious in pool play) 11:30 AM vs. winner of Pool A (at Horizon High School)

Championship game is at 7:07 PM March 31 at Horizon High and will be broadcasted by Cox 7.

Read recap of the previous Brophy baseball game here.

Brophy Track finishes 3rd in competitive Chandler Rotary Invitational

The Chandler Rotary Invitational might be bigger than the state meet in May.

107 different schools were represented in this track invitational March 25-26 at Chandler High School. 58 male high schools scored, while 41 female schools placed.

The host school, known for their dominance in Track & Field, captured the meet victory in both the men and women.

Followed by Chandler in the men's competition was the Hamilton Huskies, a team Brophy defeated 82 to 58 in a dual-meet just this past Wednesday at Brophy Sports Campus.

The top 5 men's teams were:

1. Chandler - 65 points
2. Hamilton - 43 points
3. Brophy - 39 points
4. Desert Vista - 39 points
4. Mesa Mountain View - 39 points

Devon Allen '13, who did not participate in the dual-meet vs. Hamilton, set a school record in the 200 meter with a time of 21.85. Allen finished fourth in race showing how competitive this Chandler Rotary is.

Will Firth '11 finished fourth in the 1600 meter run with a personal record time of 4:17.76. This time is 2.5 seconds off of the school record set by Charles Hampton '03.

Firth set a personal record (PR) in the two mile race with a time of 9:25.12.

Tommy Williams '11, 2010 Arizona 5A mile champion finished seventh in the same ultra-competitive heat with a time of 4:21.71, or half a second off his PR.

Brophy's 4 X 100 relay team had the fourth best time (42.69) and just barely missed the school record clip (42.68).

Similarly, the 4 X 400 relay finished fourth with a blazing time of 3:24.11, less than 1.5 seconds off the school mark.

In the field events, Josh Dennard '11 set a PR by jumping 22 feet and 2.5 inches. Dennard finished third in the event, while Just'n Thymes of Hamilton won the long jump.



All results from this meet are posted here.

One-legged ASU wrestler finishes career on top

By Justin Janssen

Former Mesa High standout and Arizona State senior Anthony Robles, born without his right leg, closed his collegiate wrestling career by defeating the 125 pound defending champion Matt McDonough of Iowa.

Robles utilizes an unconventional style on the mat by playing entirely on the ground, challenging opponents to come down and get him.

Without his right leg, some think he has an advantage because someone with his upper body strength should be wrestling at a higher weight class.

But without two legs, Robles doesn't have much driving force from his lower body.

Off the mat Robles uses crutches to get around; in fact he can finish a mile in 10 minutes on them.

“This is how I was born,” Robles said of the sentiment that he has an advantage. “If anything I made it my advantage. I read a quote by Kobe Bryant the other day and what he said was that the only advantage he has is that wants what all men want, he just wants it more."

After coming back from a 7th place finish in his junior season to winning the national title, Robles said he is likely done with his wrestling career.

“As of right now, I think I am content to walk away from wrestling, win or lose at nationals," said Robles. "I think I have accomplished a lot in my career."

Robles won all 36 of his matches this season - 24 by technical fall.

In his career, Robles held a 122-23 record and won three Pac-10 championships.

Here's some video of Robles

Brophy Lacrosse extinguishes the Firebirds

In the second annual Robby Mayashich Cup March 18, the Broncos cruised to an 11-4 win over the Chapparal Firebirds.

Last year Robby Mayashich was killed by a car trying to complete a relay race from Prescott to Phoenix.

In the first R.M. Cup April 22, after trailing by three goals, the Firebirds famously scored the game's final four goals capping off the comeback victory.

The first R.M. Cup was the only defeat Brophy has suffered since the 2009 season.

On Friday, the Broncos (4-0) had little trouble this time around against Chapparal (4-2) behind a game-high three goals by 2010 state championship MVP Brock Ghelfi '12.

At halftime Chapparal was withing striking distance, down 4-3, but Brophy played suffocating defense the rest of the way.

Ryan Manos '11 allowed just one goal in the second half, and Brophy's offense countered with seven of their own to put away Chapparal.

Brophy is favored to repeat as champions in 2011 and a title would give the Broncos four in the past five seasons.

Over the past seven years, including the present one, Brophy has compiled a record of 87-11.

Take a Spring Break to the internet

By Justin Janssen '11

Springtime is almost here, daylights savings time has occurred, and the temperature is heating up. But the weather's not the only thing heating up; the Arizona high school sports landscape is as well. Mesa basketball coach Shane Burcar is nabbing at the AIA after falling to Brophy March 3 in the semifinals. North Pointe Prep canceled their next football season after viewing the computerized schedule. Anyway, here's the best links from around the internet landscape that will keep any reader up to date.

Burcar blasts AIA, officiating after loss By Mark Heller/The East Valley Tribune

Charter school North Pointe Prep cancels football after computer schedule dustup By Scott Bordow/The Arizona Republic

Sally Meyerhoff's death felt at track meet By Richard Obert/The Arizona Republic

'Selfless Brazilian finds second family with basketball team By Ian Beck '12/ THE ROUNDUP

Baseball club uses playoff loss as motivation heading into new season By Ian Beck '12/THE ROUNDUP

Volleyball player brings great tenacity to the team By Josh Galvin '13/THE ROUNDUP

Devon Allen on cusp of smashing Brophy's track record book

By Justin Janssen '11

Devon Allen '13 already holds the school's 100 meter dash record at 10.87 seconds and the 200 meter dash mark at 21.86 seconds - both set as a freshman.

The sophomore is on the verge of not just smashing Brophy's record book, but becoming Brophy's best runner of all time.

Allen could own as many as 11 of the 54 team records before this track year is over, and is on pace to become Brophy's all time leading scorer.

Some of the records that he could/have already won are:

Allen broke the sophomore 400 meter record set by Johnny Marshall '99 in 1997 at the 2011 Brophy A.M.D.G. invitational, and is just 0.3 seconds from clearing Marshall's school record regardless of age.

Allen is also on the four by 100 meter team that is .5 seconds away from the school mark along with Anthony Broglia '11, Josh Dennard '11, and D'Amani Grayer '13.

Grayer and Allen could also break the Sophomore record if teamed up with two of the following: Clarence Clark '13, Robert Relf '13, Mark DeLon-Fadok or Marche Dennard '13.

In addition, the four by 400 meter team led by Allen is three seconds off the school clip.

While, the school records are nice, the Broncos would like even more to win a state chamiponship in track - something they haven't done in nearly 10 years.

Tommy Williams running past knee injuries

By Justin Janssen '11

The first two years of Tommy Williams '11 track career could be summarized in three words: "How's the knee?" Brophy distance coach Mike Keahon '73 asked those words to Williams on a daily basis.

Williams is tall and thin, ideal for a distance runner, but in his early years he was still growing into the body.

"I was just in too much pain to really do much of anything during track season," said Williams. "It taught me I really have to persevere to do well and succeed in distance running. From that time forward I have improved a lot because of everything I've learned that season."

In his junior season, Williams exploded onto the Arizona Track scene by capturing the May 12 5A-I state championship in the mile with a time of 4:21:10.

During the meet of champions May 22, Williams imprinted his name into Brophy's record book by clearing Keahon's 37-year old record of 1:54:9 in the half mile.

Relatively new coach Alex Mason '05 has pushed Williams and teammate Will Firth '11 during their senior seasons by running workouts together showing that he's not just a coach on the sidelines.

"He's really been instrumental in helping Will and myself take our running to the next level," said Williams. "He provides sage advice and is a great balance to coach Keahon."

For college, Williams is looking at the Ivy Leagues in Brown and Columbia University, and is also considering Santa Clara.

Honors come flying in for state champion soccer team

By Justin Janssen '11

On top of capturing a state championship and breaking Brophy's goals scored record, Riggs Lennon '13 was named the Big Schools Player of the year by The Arizona Republic.

Lennon is the lone sophomore starter on a squad filled with senior-lad talent.

Lennon scored a school-record 35 goals, none bigger than in the quarterfinals vs. Desert Vista.

The Thunder handed the Broncos (23-1-1) their only loss all season, but in the playoffs, Lennon rescued Brophy by scoring a goal in the final minute of regulation to break a scoreless tie.

"Riggs has the ability to crack a game open with shots," Brophy soccer head coach Mr. Mark Kelly said. "He's made shots from 35-yards that went in and you're saying my god. He's a special player."

Kevin Grigsby '11, who scored two goals in the semifinal victory over Kofa Feb. 10, recently signed his letter of intent with the University of Michigan.

Midfielder Andre LeBlanc '11 signed his letter of intent with Long Island University.

Striker Sean Ayers '11 and defender Anthony Broglia '11 were named to The Arizona Republic's class 5A first team.

Broglia was the last defender and rescued the team on various occasions by stopping an opponent's chance at scoring.

Broglia used his quickness and athleticism to take on an opponent's best scorer head on, and more often that not, Broglia came away with the ball.

Ayers led the comeback vs. No. 2 Hamilton in the regular season with a goal and an assist in the second half after the Broncos were trailing 1-0 at the half.

Hopeful playoff run squashed in championship game

Mesa Mountain View 50
Brophy 29

By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP

One day after Brophy’s basketball bunch (21-8) chalked up a season high 96 points in the semifinals versus Mesa, they tallied just 29 points March 4 against Mesa Mountain View (27-3).

One day after never trailing, the Broncos never led.

“The best team won tonight,” said Brophy head coach Mr. Tony Fuller. “We scored 29 points tonight and that’s not going to get it done.”

James Harper ’12 led the Broncos to a tie ballgame after the first quarter by scoring seven of his team-high 11 points in the frame.

But then the game turned drastically.

Mesa Mountain View rode a 13-0 spurt lasting most of the second quarter all the way to their state championship.

After taking a 25-12 lead moments before halftime, the Toros led by double digits throughout.

Brophy’s best shot at making a comeback occurred early in the fourth quarter.

But after Brophy scored four quick points to start the quarter, the Broncos could not keep the momentum going.

Sai Tummala ’11 finished with eight points, while Fred Gammage ’12 scored six points and registered a team-high six rebounds from the point guard position.

Mountain View’s Camryn Boone led all scorers with 12 points and Mark Mazzucco added 11 for the victors.

“(The Toros) were tough and strong,” Fuller said.

The No. 6 Broncos needed three playoff wins to get to the championship game. In the first round, Fuller got his first playoff victory as head coach for Brophy by hanging on to a 61-54 win over No. 11 Cesar Chavez at home.

Then, Brophy upset two-time defending state champions No. 3 North 69-61 on the road. In the semifinals, the Broncos scored a season-best 96 points in a 96-82 victory against No. 2 Mesa at Jobing.com.

With the Friday night victory, the Toros have won four state championships in the last seven seasons.

Brophy’s basketball team is still searching for their first ever basketball championship. They have lost in the title game three times now: 1986, 2001, and now, 2011.

Brophy crushes Mesa in semifinals for chance at state title

Brophy 96

Mesa 82

By Justin Janssen ’11
THE ROUNDUP

Brophy (21-7) overcame a 58 point explosion by Jahii Carson March 3 in the semifinals vs. Mesa (21-6) and is one win away from capturing their first ever basketball championship.

“We’re looking to hang a banner in the gym,” said James Harper ’12, who led Brophy with 21 points, “We worked hard all season long and it’s going to pay off tomorrow.”

The Broncos countered Carson and Mesa with offensive sparks of their own.

They scored a season best 96 points, 24 more than their previous season high and equaled their season scoring average in the second half alone with 59 points.

Carson’s eruption was all part of the plan. “Our objective was to let Jahii go off and not let anyone else beat us,” Harper said.

In the regular season, the Jackrabbits defeat Brophy twice, but in the semifinals Mesa never led.

Fred Gammage ’12 scored 21 points despite suffering his fourth foul a few seconds after halftime.

Six players in the game could not remain for its entirety; a total of five fouled out and Mesa’s head coach was ejected.

Sai Tummala ’11 scored 17 points and recorded 10 rebounds with a slam dunk in the remaining minutes of the game.

Jordan Medl ’12 had a game-high 13 rebounds and also scored 13 points.

Brophy will get a chance to win their first ever basketball championship March 4 vs. Mesa Mountain View at Jobing.com arena. Tipoff is slated for 8:00 PM.

The last time the Broncos made the state championship game was in 2001.

Future schedules now available

The AIA now has released their computer scheduling for the upcoming seasons in the 2011-2012 school year. The computerized schedule accounts for most of the season and was done to reduce travel costs. Brophy will no longer have numerous trips to Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert, which all but ends a potential rivalry with Chandler Hamilton.

So here's a look at the football schedule (8 of 10 games and not in order):



vs. North Canyon
vs. Bolder Creek
vs. Saint Mary's
vs. Sandra Day O'Conner
at Mountain Pointe
at Mountain Ridge
at Pinnacle
at Westwood

Brophy can now add two more games to finish their schedule. The most important thing is the rivalry vs. St. Mary's continues. You'll also notice that the Broncos two playoff opponents from 2010 are on the schedule (Mountain Pointe and Mountain Ridge). You can see schedules for different sports by clicking on this link.