Peoria looks back on season and forward to next
February 29, 2020 by Kendall Rooker, Arizona State University
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Kendall Rooker is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Peoria High School for AZPreps365.com
There was disappointment but no regrets Saturday after Peoria's season came to an end with an overtime loss against No.2 Salpointe Catholic in the 4A championship game.
“Resiliency, and coming together as a brotherhood, can’t say enough about how they came and gave there all,” said coach Patrick Battillo following the 54-48 loss. “Their personality, having a positive outlook, their love for each other.”
Battillo was proud of his team's 26-4 record. “Proud and disappointed in myself, but (I am) proud of this team. (This team's) powerful.''
Freshman Andrew Camacho made his state championship debut.
“We left it all on the court, (I am) upset we lost but we made the city of Peoria proud. (I am) not disappointed in this team,” said Camacho.
Senior Deandre Petty said the end to his high school career was "bittersweet, but all great things got to come to an end. I can’t look back and say I would do it any different my path was unique and special to me I loved everything about it.''
The common theme for the Panthers was what they displayed on their pre-game hoodies - brotherhood.
“The thing I mostly (am) going to miss is the atmosphere of the crowds, I would say my coaches and teammates, but we built a brotherhood so when basketball ends out long lasting relationships do not,” Petty said.
Petty isn’t done with basketball quite yet; he is looking forward to the next level.
He is one of the many key seniors to this basketball team. Monroe, Jovon Scott and Jacob Wood all graduate.
“Deandre did all the little things, big contribution to the team. So was Isaac,” said Camacho.
Looking ahead to the next season, the Panthers will attempt to duplicate this season.
“(Our) ball movement, the ability of shooting 3’s, we will have the talent to go all the way to win state,” said Camacho.