Sam Culver is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Basha High School for Azpreps365.com

The end result was not what Basha wanted, but there are silver linings to their 10-9 record that led them into the state playoffs. Their combined seven sophomores and juniors will continue to develop under Coach Mike Grothaus.

For graduating senior guards Trent McLaughlin and Thomas Hastings, this is not the end of their basketball journey.

Hastings is headed to Scottsdale Community College next year. “I’m doing my best right now to stay in the gym as much as I can,” said Hastings.

Hastings was grateful for the season. “We didn’t even know if we were going to be able to have a season in the first place. We went through conditioning, we went through all the COVID stuff,” said Hastings. “Having the senior year, me and Trent get to have is what you ask for being able to leave the team how we did.”

Hastings faced numerous personal challenges during the season. And facing injuries all year pushed Thomas to become more resilient.

“I actually tore my labrum before the season started….I was going to need surgery,” said Thomas. Hastings also battled against a high ankle sprain for most of the season.

“Thomas and Trent….they’re playing through some stuff, but that’s what seniors do,” said Grothaus. “To their credit, they show up every day and work hard. We’re in this thing together, all the way through the finish.”

Hastings had plenty to say regarding his former coach. Thomas credits the coach for helping him get to the next level.

“Me and coach have a great relationship,” said Hastings. “Obviously being in the program for four years, being on varsity for three years….especially as I had gotten older, we came closer every single year….I’m sure we will be in touch for a long time. We have a great relationship with each other.”

“He is the reason I’ve become a better basketball player over the years, It helped me a ton, how much he pushed me.”

While it wasn’t the end the Bears were looking for, this isn’t the end of their story. It’s a new beginning. Grothaus will continue to develop the program with his emphasis on resilience and toughness, crafting a new crop of players. The returning sophomores and juniors like Brady Reynolds, Torin Bosch, and Mason Blankenship will have to take the reins next year.