Dominic Rivera is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Peoria High School for AZPreps365.com

Isaac Monroe's career at Peoria ended Saturday but the senior guard left a legacy of leadership.

Monroe was on the varsity team since he was a freshman and always showed the ability to be a gifted basketball player.

Over the years, Monroe has gradually elevated his play - and his leadership.

Monroe led his team in scoring with 18 points along with averaging 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, all  career-highs.

He accomplished this with a work ethic and ability to “train, practice, and protect my mental health.” 

“That young man is constantly in the gym working on his game, not just in practice but on his own,” said coach Patrick Battillo. “He is a student of the game, he studies film, he watches back practices, he watches back games. He is always, always, always working on his craft and that is what leads to a lot of his success.”

Monroe not only focused on what he could do to advance his play but ways he could help his teammates as well.

He took time to share his knowledge, experience and maturity with the younger student-athletes on his team to set them on the right path to success both on and off the court.

“Isaac’s leadership is some of the best leadership ever,” said senior guard Deandre Petty. “He steps up his leadership every time we hit adversity; he guides us back on track. He helps anybody going through personal struggles. Also, he helps elevate my game. I always know he has got my back even if the world doesn’t.”

Monroe led by example and used  his voice to connect with his team.

Battillo has known Monroe for seven years and was aware of his ability to be a leader before he started his high school career.

“You could always see Isaac was special and was gifted as a basketball player,” said Battillo. “There was naturally that ability to be a leader on the court and over the years he has just grown in that setting to be able to truly have an impact on his team in a larger sense than just being a scorer.”

His leadership was a huge part of the team’s success as the Panthers went 26-3 with an 18-0 record in regional play before losing to Salpointe Catholic 54-48 in the 4A state championship game.