As Brophy Prep (17-10) now reaches the quarterfinals for the Open Division State Playoffs, it is a bitter-sweet situation for 6-foot-3 junior guard Ayden Madi. Madi was an integral part of last season's state playoff run, in which Brophy Prep finished as a runner-up last season for the 6A State Championship. While he had expected to be an important piece for Brophy in their state title run this season, instead, Madi has had to watch from the sidelines in every game, while nursing a back injury that he suffered in the fall. While watching and supporting his teammates all season, it has been a very difficult test for Madi, who is now looking to return back to full health, but only after the end to this year's high school season.
Madi developed pain in his back this fall after workouts, and as a result, he could not compete at the level he was accustomed to. The pain in his back would eventually force him to go see a physician, after he was unable to shake the pain he was feeling consistently after workouts. Madi had suffered an injury to his lower back, which would take some time to heal. While Madi's back was expected to heal relatively quickly, the nagging injury continued to give him discomfort. The pain increased over time - forcing him to miss one game after another. After consistently missing games to open the season due to the injury, it became apparent that this issue with Madi's back had become much more serious than originally thought, and that it would take much more time for the back to heal than expected. It was finally determined by Madi's doctors that he had a bone fracture in his L4 bone, and that it would simply take a long time to heal on his own, without putting more pressure on the injury. As a result, Madi has now missed his entire junior season while having to sit on the bench - watching his teammates perform each night, and knowing he can help them, but not being able to do so.
"It was very tough all season to not be able to play," said Madi. "I just had to be patient."
Madi is one of the top overall guard prospects in Arizona's 2025 Class, and was expected to have a strong junior season for himself and the Brophy Prep team. Madi is the heart and soul of the Brophy team, as he is a fierce competitor and is very tough mentally and physically. Madi often guards the opposing team's best offensive player and also consistently applies pressure on defenses with his ability to drive the ball into the lane and finish in and around the paint. He has a good mid-range game and also is a good three-point shooter as well - all aspects of the game that Brophy Prep Head Coach Matt Hooten would have relied on for his team this season.
As a result of Madi's absence this high school season, Brophy Prep (17-10) has had to rely on other players to step up for the team, and to make up for the slack in production left by Madi's absence. Brophy Prep has had a good season thus far, but the addition of Madi in the lineup, could have resulted in more wins for this team this season. Brophy Prep though has reached the state quarterfinals for the Open Division State Playoffs this season, and will now face #1 seed and two-time defending Open Division State Champion Perry High School this week. This is the biggest game of the season for Brophy Prep, but again Madi will have to watch from the bench - cheering on his teammates with vigor and looking to help the Broncos emotionally, while he will not be able to help physically. But like he is on the basketball court, a fierce competitor, Madi will look to be there for his teammates, fierce in his approach to cheering, as he has all season.
Madi is now fully healed from the injury that took away his junior season, and he has started working out again hard, as he looks to return to the basketball court this spring and summer, in what will be the biggest spring and summer of his young career. Madi will look to regain the form as a player and as a college prospect that made him regarded as one of the state's top overall guard prospects. He will get back to form over time, but for now, he will focus primarily on supporting his Brophy Prep teammates as they take on Perry and superstar prospect 6-foot-8 junior Koa Peat, in what will be a very exciting contest for both teams, and a rematch of an earlier season match-up won by Brophy Prep.
I will continue to watch Madi's development as he returns to the basketball court soon, and will closely follow his progress, as he looks to regain his prowess as a player. I look forward to bringing you updates as they begin to develop for Madi. Congratulations to Ayden and his wonderful family in getting healthy again, as we look forward to seeing him back on the court. Also good luck to Brophy Prep this week, as they look to upset the defending state champs.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Madi is a good looking college prospect. His future college recruitment will depend heavily on need for college programs, as he is a combo-guard prospect with a good overall feel for the game. He is capable of playing both guard positions on the floor, but is at his best as a scorer, where he is able to make shots from the perimeter and also drive hard to the basket and finish in the lane. He relishes physical contact, and does not mind giving up his body to win games, as he plays with a purpose. I would like to see him develop his mid-range game more, as that would be a very good addition to his offensive package. He is a good ball handler and passer that sees the floor, and pushes the ball up the court. He is an active rebounder for his size and rebounds outside of his area on the floor. He is a very good defender that competes hard and has quick hands, and is able to play passing lanes. Also an excellent student-athlete and high academic performer.
