Phoenix, AZ, December 18, 2025
The Phoenix Central High School boys’ basketball team overcame Carl Hayden Community High School with a decisive score of 73-62, extending their unbeaten streak to 11-0. This thrilling game showcased Central’s disciplined gameplay and teamwork, highlighting the essence of high school athletics in building character and community spirit. Central’s performance not only served as a redemption for their previous narrow loss but also emphasizes the dedication of the players and coaching staff. The event reflects the growing tradition of competitive high school sports in Phoenix, engaging and uniting the local community.
Phoenix, AZ
Bobcats Roar: Central Fuels Past Carl Hayden, Extends Unbeaten Streak
Phoenix Central High School’s boys’ basketball team delivered a powerful performance this week, overcoming a determined Carl Hayden Community High School squad. This victory not only solidified Central’s undefeated run but also highlighted the character and resolve that define high school athletics in our community.
The highly anticipated matchup showcased the competitive spirit alive in Phoenix prep sports. Central’s disciplined play and cohesive teamwork were on full display, earning them a significant win against a formidable opponent. Such contests are more than just games; they are arenas where young athletes learn invaluable life lessons, forge unbreakable bonds, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our local identity.
Central Maintains Perfect Start
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Central Bobcats boys’ varsity basketball team defeated the Carl Hayden Community Falcons with a final score of 73-62 at Central High School. This decisive victory pushed Central’s impressive unbeaten record to 11-0 for the season [cite: original prompt]. The win carried additional significance, serving as a measure of redemption for Central, who had previously faced a narrow 74-73 loss to Carl Hayden in February 2022 due to a buzzer-beater shot [cite: original prompt, 22]. The consistent effort and strategic execution demonstrated by the Bobcats underscore their commitment to excellence on the court, a testament to the hard work instilled by the program.
Mattingly Brothers Light Up the Court
A driving force behind Central’s success is the dynamic duo of brothers, John and Grant Mattingly. John Mattingly, a senior, is widely regarded as one of Arizona high school basketball’s premier pure shooters [cite: original prompt]. In the game against Carl Hayden, he showcased his exceptional talent, delivering a standout performance [cite: original prompt]. For the current 2025-2026 season, as of November 20, 2025, John is averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.0 steals per game. His versatility as a point guard, shooting guard, and small forward allows him to impact every facet of the game. John, a member of the 2026 graduating class, has also drawn attention at the collegiate level, holding offers from programs such as Nevada, NAU, and Cal-State Sacramento.
Alongside John, his younger brother, Grant Mattingly, a sophomore, plays a crucial role for the Bobcats. For the 2025-2026 season, as of November 20, 2025, Grant is averaging 9.0 assists, 7.0 steals, and 6.0 rebounds per game. In the preceding 2024-2025 season, he contributed significantly with averages of 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, also attracting Division 1 college interest. The synergy and disciplined play of the Mattingly brothers exemplify the positive impact of teamwork and shared goals.
Carl Hayden’s Resilient Effort
The Carl Hayden Community Falcons, under the guidance of Head Coach Rodney Brown, displayed commendable effort and sportsmanship throughout the contest. Despite the loss, their performance reflects the competitive nature of the program. In the 2024-2025 season, the Falcons achieved a strong overall record of 21-8, with an impressive 11-1 standing in their region. Their persistent drive and commitment to the game are qualities that foster growth and resilience in young athletes, contributing to their personal development both on and off the court.
Building Character Through Athletics
High school athletics in Phoenix extends far beyond the scoreboard, serving as a vital platform for character development. The Phoenix Central School District’s interscholastic athletic program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop lifetime skills and make positive ethical choices. Central High School itself emphasizes character-building tenets such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship within its sports programs. Similarly, Innovations High School stresses sportsmanship and academic excellence for its athletes, encouraging them to be exemplary citizens in their communities. This holistic approach ensures that student-athletes are not only striving for athletic achievement but also for personal growth and leadership qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Community Support and Engagement in Phoenix AZ High School Basketball
The success of high school sports programs in Phoenix is deeply intertwined with robust community support and engagement. Organizations like the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) actively partner with entities such as USTA Southwest to foster the growth of high school sports, providing crucial resources and expanding participation opportunities for student-athletes across the state. The AIA’s mission is to create interscholastic activities that encourage maximum student participation, ensuring fair and equitable competition while emphasizing personal development and a balanced focus on academics and extracurricular activities.
The Fiesta Sports Foundation further demonstrates a commitment to enhancing Arizona communities through youth, sports, and education, with programs and charitable initiatives that positively impact many Arizonans annually. Additionally, Athletes for Arizona, a collaborative effort involving the Arizona Community Foundation, Athletes for Hope, and The Be Kind People Project, is dedicated to supporting youth in underserved communities, concentrating on education, mental and physical health, and advocacy and equity. These initiatives, coupled with district-sponsored programs like those in Phoenix #1 that offer team sports free of charge to foster strong character and increase student achievement, underscore the collective effort to create an environment where young athletes can thrive and grow.
Looking Ahead
The Central Bobcats’ continued unbeaten streak in Phoenix AZ high school basketball is a testament to the dedication of their players and coaching staff. The lessons learned on the court—discipline, teamwork, resilience, and personal responsibility—are shaping young men and women into future leaders. We encourage all Phoenix residents to experience the excitement of Arizona prep sports firsthand. Attend local games, cheer on these hardworking student-athletes, and support the athletic programs that are building character and opportunity within our community. For more captivating high school sports stories, follow HEREPhoenix.com’s comprehensive coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When did Phoenix Central defeat Phoenix Carl Hayden?
- Phoenix Central defeated Phoenix Carl Hayden on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
- What was the final score of the Central vs. Carl Hayden basketball game?
- The final score of the Central vs. Carl Hayden basketball game was 73-62, with Central winning.
- What is Central High School’s current record after this win?
- Central High School’s current record after this win is an unbeaten 11-0 [cite: original prompt].
- Who is John Mattingly?
- John Mattingly is a senior basketball player for Phoenix Central High School, widely considered one of Arizona high school basketball’s premier pure shooters [cite: original prompt].
- What were John Mattingly’s average stats for the 2025-2026 season (as of November 20, 2025)?
- For the 2025-2026 season, as of November 20, 2025, John Mattingly is averaging 22.0 points, 7.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 5.0 steals per game.
- Who is Grant Mattingly?
- Grant Mattingly is a sophomore basketball player for Phoenix Central High School and the younger brother of John Mattingly.
- What was Carl Hayden Community High School’s overall record in the 2024-2025 season?
- Carl Hayden Community High School’s overall record in the 2024-2025 season was 21-8.
- How do high school sports programs in Phoenix build character?
- High school sports programs in Phoenix, such as those in the Phoenix Central School District and Central High School, focus on developing lifetime skills, positive ethical choices, and character-building tenets like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Key Features of the Central vs. Carl Hayden Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winning Team | Phoenix Central High School |
| Losing Team | Phoenix Carl Hayden Community High School |
| Final Score | 73-62 |
| Date of Game | Tuesday, December 16, 2025 |
| Central’s Record Post-Game | 11-0 (unbeaten) [cite: original prompt] |
| Key Player Highlight | John Mattingly (Central) [cite: original prompt] |
| John Mattingly’s 2025-2026 Season Averages (as of Nov 20, 2025) | 22.0 points, 7.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 5.0 steals per game |
| Carl Hayden’s 2024-2025 Overall Record | 21-8 |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
