Lexus Matos is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Peoria High School for AZPreps365.com

With their fourth state title since the school’s opening, the Peoria Panthers can reminisce on their win and credit the Peoria community for the support.

The Panthers won 65-57 against regional rival Deer Valley on March 2 at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. Peoria was dominant throughout the 2022-23 season with a 28-5 record. The Panthers were undefeated in the 4A West Valley region, 10-0, and ranked No. 2 overall in the 4A conference before the playoffs began.

“Some people never have an experience to even attend or compete in a state championship game, let alone win it,” head coach Patrick Battillo said. “So all the joy I get knowing that the young men that we had on that squad are state champions now is such a meaningful feeling.”

The Panthers received multiple accolades for their accomplishments. Former player Andrew Camacho made the 4A All-Conference First team and won the conference offensive player of the year award. Former players Calvin Windley and Caden Bass made the all-conference 2nd team.

Former players Christopher Brookins and Elijah Ward were honorable mentions. Lastly, Battillo won conference coach of the year.

The Peoria Panthers celebrated their win with a trip to Disneyland suggested by the families of the players.

Winning the championship is indescribable for Battillo as he reminisces on the win. To win it for Peoria High School, the same school he graduated from “100 years ago” as he joked, meant a lot to him.

Peoria had another opportunity to compete in the state championship back in 2020. It was an exciting game as it went into overtime. However, the Panthers lost 54-48 against Salpointe Catholic. The Panthers were ranked No. 1 and were 26-4 in the 2020 season.

So for Peoria to return to the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in 2023 and win its fourth title was awesome for Battillo. The 2023 season was the 100th year since Peoria High School opened in the district, according to Battillo. He was thrilled to bring another championship title to the Peoria community during a milestone year.

“Being at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, you can see generations come out and support anytime Peoria is in any kind of championship game,” Battillo said. “Everybody that has been a part of the community is out and it was amazing to compete and win for the community.”

Junior Desmone Brooks-Conley said “winning the championship was a childhood dream, especially as a sophomore. It was a big moment for me, seeing my family in the crowd, having my brothers there with me. Winning that state championship was a different kind of feeling.”

DeAndre Petty is one of the new assistant coaches helping the team continue their success into 2023-24.

Petty had two kids graduate from Peoria in 2019 and 2020, and one is currently on the team. He has been a part of the Peoria community for six years despite living in Surprise. He took on the assistant coach role to give back to the community that helped his children. 

“My expectation is to drive the kids. You know, make sure they’re doing their job, working and trying to compete in every game to make the school better. Get people in the stands,” Petty said.

Ivan Hunter, another new assistant coach on this year’s staff, has experience with coaching basketball at the high school and college level. His cousin, the current freshman boys basketball coach, told Hunter about the opening on the coaching staff and he took the opportunity.

“I feel good about this season,” Hunter said. “The more guys we bring on, the more camaraderie they have with each other.”

As the oldest high school in the Peoria Unified School District, it put Peoria in the spotlight.

Since then, more high schools opened within the district, causing Peoria to decrease in size.

When Battillo attended Peoria, only the 5A conference existed at the time. For Peoria to win a title as a smaller school proved that Battillo and his program are elite.

“To be able to ... produce quality young men and talent to compete and win is just a big statement and testament to these young men,” Battillo said.

Battillo credits the community for its outstanding support throughout the season and playoffs.

He describes Peoria as unique. Everyone comes from various backgrounds and situations.

Winning the state championship taught his team the importance of community and strengthened the brotherhood he built in his program.

“Listening to coach, trusting our teammates and coaches, and just playing basketball as a team,” senior Tranell Bridges said about winning last year’s title. “I was so proud of my teammates, proud of the coaches for believing and trusting in us.”

One of the traditions that are seen with the Panthers is their circle huddle at the end of practices. Coaches and players form a giant circle at halfcourt. During that time, players and coaches praise and critique, which allows the opportunity to improve the program.

“It’s a circle that can’t be broken. We share everything, we are vulnerable and open with each other, and everything that we say stays in that circle. That allows us to come together truly as a brotherhood,” Battillo said. “Not every team that you’re on has that type of partnership or relationship. It’s something that we are all about here at Peoria.”

Despite all the young players joining the team, it’s an opportunity for Battillo. He’s prepared to teach the new players the traditions and foundations that he continues to emphasize every year.

“The next man steps up and fills in at the next rotation. The expectations are the same, the cultures are the same. It’s now giving others an opportunity to showcase, shine and come together as one,” Battillo said. “That’s everything that we’ve been doing since the day the championship ended.”

Junior Jordan Davis is one of the young players who is new to the team this season. As he works to become a starter before the season begins, he uses this opportunity to grow and take advantage of the open spots. Joining a team that had just won a state title, Davis feels the pressure but believes Peoria will continue its success.

“We adjust to our game and play more aggressively,” Davis said. “Crash more, get more rebounds and all around become a threat.”

The Peoria pride on campus was ignited after the championship win. Battillo noticed there was more buzz and excitement among the students after previous years filled with less school spirit.

Players were recognized for their accomplishments and felt the never-ending support from their community. Winning the championship was a way to give back to the Peoria community.

“It brought joy to our school and brought us all together,” senior Marcus Jackson Jr. said.  “We were all united after the win. It puts our school on the map.”

Added Battillo: “It’s just not what we do on the court, it’s what they do off the court as they graduate and go onto their next phase of life, to contribute to the community and teaching them even no matter what their upbringing is or their home situation, they can defy those odds or situations that exist to make their life impactful.”