Last season Brophy Prep was knocked out in the quarterfinals of the state championship and lost seven seniors. It was clear the team would have a different look and would need a kick-start to bounce back.

Upcoming senior Jaxson Baker knew immediately what had to be done for his team to improve.

“I remember the day after we lost in the playoffs to Desert Vista, [all the seniors] had seventh period training. Us being the leaders now, Ian [Burke] and I really took advantage of that and said, ‘We’re going to start right here, right now, from the first day and build.’”

 “[My motivation] was just understanding that we could be a really good team if we did that,” Baker added.  “That and putting a banner up on the wall.”

Baker and his teammate’s hard work has paid off this season. The Broncos are two games away from capturing their first state title, with a record of 20-0 in their home state of Arizona and theNo. 1 seed in the state playoffs. But they know their mission is not yet complete.

Brophy Prep plays Mountain Pointe in the6A semifinals Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

“We all have a different type of focus when it come to the playoffs,” said Baker. “We’ve made it a goal to play not only one game at a time but one quarter at a time. I think that’s a good way to the playoffs, especially with it being one game and done.”

Head coach Matt Hooten believes his team is in good position to continue its run. “If we just continue to do what we’ve been doing, if we block out, if we defend, if we run the floor, then I think the rest of it takes care of itself.”

Hooten said Baker is a leader on campus, not just the basketball team.

Baker was selected by teachers at his school to represent the student council and plays a large role in creating videos for the school’s broadcast department.

Baker gives the credit for his leadership to those whom he looked up too. “Being on the varsity team for three years, personally I’ve been able to learn what works and what doesn’t as a senior leader. I think I just tried to take the best average of that and put it into myself.”

Hooten also praised Baker’s work ethic and ability to get his teammates onboard. “He has been on the varsity team since his sophomore year. Any time you have that kind of experience your teammates are going to look to you. Both here and outside our gym he works hard, we’re fortunate to have somebody who really is a leader, who is working in that capacity.”

Ian Burke, Baker’s teammate since their freshman year, said, “He expects a lot out of himself, which is awesome. It makes for a really good leader.”