SPOKANE, Wash. — At Gonzaga Prep High School, boys basketball is about much more than points on the scoreboard.
“We talk about valuing other things, maybe not so much the personal success but the team’s success,” head coach Matty McIntyre said. “Not putting as much emphasis perhaps on scoring points or getting your name in the newspaper but doing the little things it takes to be successful.”
Those values shape everything the Bullpups do, from daily practice to game nights, fostering a team built on trust, effort and playing connected.
“I play for my brothers beside me. They mean everything to me,” senior guard Jack Pierce said. “My love for the game has grown so much more just by having the guys next to me that I have.”
From tipoff to the final buzzer, every possession reflects the pride the players carry in their jerseys and the responsibility of representing Gonzaga Prep.
“It’s pretty cool. It’s a legendary program. Obviously McIntyre has been able to achieve a lot of success,” senior guard Ryan Carney said. “That comes with a target on your back and you know you have to play a little harder and everyone is coming at you. It means a lot but it’s a fun challenge to have.”
Coming off last season’s state championship, the Bullpups know every year is a fresh start.
“You start from scratch. You go back to step one and try to rebuild it. No two seasons will be the same, no matter how many kids you have coming back,” McIntyre said.
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