Amya Zapien is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesa High School for AZPreps365.com

 

At Mesa High School, the sound of sneakers squeaking and basketball dribbling isn't just noise, it's a rhythm. A rhythm built on pride, grit and a hunger that hasn't gone away since the Mesa Jackrabbits fell 13 points short of the 6A championship title last season. 

That’s what this season is about. Players and coaches said it’s about rebuilding, redefining their identity and committing to a level of grit and connection that will take them back to a championship. Behind early mornings and unpredictable practices is a culture shaped by last year's near miss -- one that the team says has strengthened their bond and sets them apart.

“We’ve really just been pushing the guys and getting back in shape and just putting them through a little bit of adversity,” Mesa basketball head coach Scott Stansberry said. “There's a bit of a target on our back this year. We’re really prepping them through any possible adversity, and we're getting their mental correct.”

After coming up 13 points shy of a state title against Brophy College Preparatory, Stansberry said Mesa enters the new season with more than motivation, but a mission.

“The team's feeling confident,” Stansberry said. “Everyone is excited to see what we can do this year. Everyone's back, we're healthy right now, and just excited to represent Mesa.”

That confidence comes from a packed sunrise-to-sunset schedule in the weight room, practicing in the gym and extra work on top of it all. Junior point guard Daijon Grayson said the team grinds every day as the season approaches.

“From morning to night, waking up early, we have practice, then we get in the weight room and then we have another practice later in the day,” said Grayson. “We put in a lot of work making sure we improve and get better.”

"Grind" is not just a buzzword word in Mesa’s program. Senior Brig Bowden says it's a process that players buy into.

“Basketball is definitely a grind,” Bowden said. “You're in the weight room, you're eating right, you're at practice. No one knows how hard to work in a practice, except for your teammates.”

Coach Stansberry intentionally makes practice challenges and unpredictable. 

“There are times where it's a little tougher than other times,” Stansberry said.  “They just don't know when that's going to actually hit. And so it's just having them ready, mentally and physically.”

But the grind isn't only about competition. Bowden said having a team connection and building up that trust is equally important. 

“We're like really good friends, we all know each other,” Bowden said. “We all hang out with each other on and off the court. I feel like I can talk to my teammates about anything; they're my best friends.”

that bond was tested last season when standout senior player John Petersen injured his foot right before the playoffs, but Mesa didn't fold. 

“We were scared,” Bowden said. “We actually made a great run all the way to the Big Championship. That just kind of just sums up our communication. We were still together.”

Stansberry said that connection is the core of what he considers ‘Mesa basketball.’ 

“I define Mesa basketball as grit,” Stansberry said. “Just the gritty team, you know, gonna do what we have to do to win games.”

The team focuses on what's directly in front of them, he added. 

“We talk about perfection and just winning the day, winning the drill, winning the moment,” Stansberry said. 

Their day-to-day approach helps the team stay grounded in the present rather than working in the future.

“We stay focused on the task in hand, and I'm trying not to worry about what's going to happen a day or a week from now,” Stansberry said.  “We just focus on what's happening at the moment.”

That means looking forward to what is coming. 

“What keeps me motivated is just thinking about the future,” Grayson said. “I know I gotta work hard so I can get to the championship and win.”

Bowden said the players hold each other up to that same standard. 

“Keeping each other accountable,” Bowden said. “If someone doesn't finish a drill, we’ll be like, 'Hold on, you got it.' Not to let them get off easy.”

For Stansberry, however, success is not just about wins and trophies. It’s about having an impact.

“My proudest moments are when the players who have come through the program who are now alumni, they come back and come see me,” Stansberry said. “They tell me how their life is going, and just hearing how they're going through Mesa basketball and allowing me to coach them has prepared them for life. I truly care about the guys more than just basketball.”

Every practice, sprint and film session is more than just a game. It’s about representing Mesa. 

Grayson said their connection shows up and improves the effect on team chemistry, making them a better team.

“I’m proud of how connected we are,” Grayson said. “We know our personality, so we can trust each other.”

Stansberry said Mesa is built on connection, pride and accountability, and it is what keeps them going when they leave that gym.

“We don't take it for granted when we put our Mesa gear on,” Stansberry said.  “We know exactly what we're representing, and we just want everyone to know that we don't take it for granted and we take it seriously.”