Sam Culver is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Basha High School for AZPreps365.com

In an unprecedented year, Basha basketball has kept its head above water despite numerous COVID protocols, starting the season 8-2 to continue a winning culture.

“I’m proud of our guys,” said coach Mike Grothaus. “No kid has ever had to go through something like this, to have had to face some of the adversities they have, they’ve done a great job.”

This will be the Grothaus’ eighth year coaching the Bears, enjoying a 120-79 record. Grothaus won the state championship in 2017 and looks to raise his 2021 Basha team to the same heights.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for them. Season starting, then pushed back, canceled, back on...they’ve done a great job,” said the coach.

Basha has impressive wins against Corona del Sol, Skyline, and Liberty. The Bears boast a 5-1 home record, and a 3-1 record on the road.

“The blueprint for us this year has been being who we are. It’s an old cliche...you got to focus more on your own team than trying to prepare to face somebody else,” said Grothaus. “We can only control our situation, so we try to prepare the best we can to continue to grow and to get this team better.”

Grothaus preaches accountability. His team is focused on only its ability. This mindset has worked for this season.

The Basha culture is instilled from the top of the roster. Seniors Thomas Hastings and Trent McLaughlin serve as the team captains. Hastings, the 6-1 guard, and McLaughlin, the 6-5 guard, are leading the team in scoring. Hastings has put up 15.6 points per game, and McLaughlin leads the team with a very impressive 23.4-point average. Hastings also leads the team in assists at 3.8 assists per game.

“This year has been about making every game count,” said McLaughlin. “Every game has been made more important.”

Hastings has his eyes set on what lays ahead.

“Go with the flow,” preaches Hastings. “Look towards the future.”

That future? A 2021 state championship for Basha?