PHOENIX – The Bourgade Catholic boys basketball program is embracing a fresh mindset heading into the 2025-26 season focused on growth, leadership and closing out games.
After a disappointing 4-14 season last year, the Golden Eagles return nine players, giving them a stronger foundation despite a young roster. Fifth-year head coach Otis Frazier said offseason work centered on consistency, communication and mental toughness, details needed to finish games that slipped way last season.
“We’ve done a lot of scrimmaging and tournaments and college camps, and I’m really looking forward to getting into some real games,” Frazier said. “We’re not getting blown out anymore. We’re in games. Now we just have to finish.”
Among the team’s biggest boosts this year is the return of senior guard Justin Rushing, who began his high school career at Bourgade as a freshman before transferring to Perry High School. After competing and gaining experience against top-tier talent, Rushing decided to return to Bourgade Catholic to help lead the program to new heights.
“Coach Frazier is what made me want to come back,” Rushing said. “I saw what they had last year and they didn’t have a bad core, they just needed a leader. I feel like I can come back here, be that leader, and we can actually do something.”
Rushing said the team’s offseason focus has been on identity, figuring out who they want to be and refusing to be defined by previous losing seasons.
“I want to bring a winning mentality here,” he said. “We don’t have to be losers. We can be winners. We can be something different.”
Frazier said Rushing’s return is a major lift for the team, noting his experience, leadership and talent will help set the tone for the season.
“For him to come back means a lot,” Frazier said. “When he transferred out, he experienced a lot that I think will prepare him for a great season. He’s happy, I’m happy and we’re looking to get him to the next level.”
Rushing, who has drawn attention from Division I programs said his personal goals this season are ambitious, to earn regional and statewide player of the year honors and help Bourgade make a deep playoff run.
“We all have the mutual goal of not just making the playoffs but winning it all,” Rushing said. “The last time Bourgade made the playoffs was my freshman year and I want to change that.”
Despite the varsity team’s youth, Frazier believes the Golden Eagles chemistry and unity will carry them. The team’s mix of athletes from various backgrounds, has helped create a supportive group.
“Our chemistry at times can be really high,” Frazier said. “Once we get one of those tough victories, I think their camaraderie and energy will be a lot stronger.”
Frazier also has a personal reason to be excited this season: his freshman son, Malik, joins the program as one of the team’s new point guards.
“It’s cool and I wish I would’ve had that opportunity with my dad,” Frazier said. “Just seeing his development over the summer has been great. I’m looking forward to coaching him and watching him grow.”
With leadership, experience, and a renewed sense of belief, Bourgade Catholic enters the 2025-26 season determined to prove that last year’s struggles were just part of the climb to success.
The Golden Eagles open their season on the road at Chino Valley on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., before hosting Kingman in their home opener on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
“I’m excited about showing everybody that we can win,” Rushing said. “I don’t want an empty crowd. I want the gym full because the basketball team’s winning.”