Hamilton High School Climbs into SI Power 25 After Dominant 28-12 Victory Over Rival Basha, Powered by Roye Oliver III’s Record-Breaking Night

In a thrilling display of Arizona football prowess, Hamilton High School has stormed into the national spotlight, securing a spot in the prestigious SI Power 25 rankings following a commanding 28-12 win over crosstown rival Basha. The victory, capped by sophomore wide receiver Roye Oliver III’s jaw-dropping record-setting performance, not only reignited one of the state’s fiercest rivalries but also propelled Hamilton into the national conversation as a serious contender in high school football.

The game, played under the bright lights of Veterans Memorial Stadium in Chandler, Arizona, drew a packed crowd of over 5,000 fans, all eager to witness the clash between two perennial powerhouses in Arizona football. Hamilton’s offensive explosion, led by Oliver’s historic night, saw the Huskies outgain Basha by a staggering 312 yards to 189, showcasing a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Bears’ defense from the opening whistle.

This isn’t just another win for Hamilton High School—it’s a statement. Entering the SI Power 25 at No. 23, the Huskies have now validated their undefeated 4-0 start to the season, drawing comparisons to past Arizona football dynasties like the 2018 Hamilton squad that reached the state semifinals. As the rankings solidify, eyes across the nation are turning to this suburban Phoenix program, wondering if they have the depth to sustain this momentum.

Sophomore Sensation Roye Oliver III Rewrites the Record Books

Roye Oliver III, the electrifying sophomore wide receiver for Hamilton High School, didn’t just play in Friday’s game—he redefined what it means to dominate in Arizona football. In what coaches are calling a “once-in-a-generation” performance, Oliver hauled in 12 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns, shattering Hamilton’s single-game receiving yardage record previously held by alumnus and current college standout Jalen Daniels at 192 yards set back in 2019.

From the outset, Oliver was unstoppable. On the game’s opening drive, he snagged a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart, a rising junior who’s already drawing scouts from Pac-12 programs. “Roye’s got that special something,” said Hamilton head coach Steve Brossman post-game. “He’s only 15, but he plays like he’s been in these lights for years. Tonight, he showed why he’s the heart of our offense.”

Oliver’s night wasn’t without drama. Midway through the second quarter, he made a contested one-handed grab over two Basha defenders for a 32-yard gain, setting up Hamilton’s second score. By halftime, he had already amassed 142 yards, forcing Basha’s secondary to adjust their game plan on the fly. His third touchdown, a 28-yard slant route in the fourth quarter, sealed the victory and etched his name into the annals of Arizona football history.

Off the field, Oliver remains humble. In a brief interview with local reporters, the soft-spoken athlete credited his linemen and Dart’s precision. “It’s a team thing,” Oliver said. “Basha’s tough—they always are—but we prepared all week for this. I’m just grateful to contribute.” His performance has already boosted his recruiting profile, with offers now pouring in from Arizona State, UCLA, and even Ohio State, signaling that Roye Oliver III is no flash in the pan.

Statistically, Oliver’s outburst places him at the top of Arizona football leaders in receiving yards per game, averaging 112 through four contests. Analysts project that if he maintains this pace, he could eclipse 1,500 yards by season’s end, a mark that would rank among the elite in national high school annals.

Rivalry Rekindled: Hamilton’s Tactical Masterclass Over Basha

The Hamilton-Basha matchup is more than a game—it’s a cornerstone of Arizona football lore, with roots dating back to 1995 when both schools first squared off in the East Valley. Friday’s 28-12 rout added another chapter to this storied rivalry, where Hamilton now leads the all-time series 18-12. Basha, known for their gritty defense and explosive counterattacks, entered the game ranked No. 8 in the state but couldn’t contain Hamilton’s multifaceted offense.

Hamilton’s strategy was textbook perfection. They opened in a spread formation, exploiting Basha’s man coverage with quick slants and deep posts that Oliver feasted on. By the third quarter, the Huskies had established a two-touchdown lead, thanks to a stifling ground game that racked up 156 rushing yards led by running back Marcus Rodriguez’s 98 yards and two scores. “We knew Basha would come out physical,” Brossman noted. “But our preparation paid off—we controlled the line of scrimmage from snap one.”

Basha’s offense, spearheaded by senior quarterback Tyler Shough’s replacement, freshman phenom Aiden Carter, showed flashes of brilliance. Carter connected on a 22-yard touchdown pass late in the first half to keep the Bears within striking distance. However, Hamilton’s defense, anchored by linebacker Jake Harlan’s 11 tackles and two sacks, forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception by safety Mia Reynolds that swung momentum decisively.

The crowd’s energy was palpable, with chants of “Hus-kies!” echoing through the stadium as Hamilton pulled away. Basha head coach Casey Christensen was gracious in defeat: “Hamilton’s the better team tonight. Oliver’s unguardable, and their D-line wore us down. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.” This loss drops Basha to 3-1, but their resilience in the rivalry ensures next year’s rematch will be even more anticipated.

Attendance figures underscore the rivalry’s draw: over 5,000 tickets sold, with local businesses reporting a 20% uptick in traffic around the stadium. In Arizona football circles, games like this are what fuel the passion, turning high school fields into proving grounds for future stars.

National Recognition: How Hamilton Earned a Spot in the SI Power 25

For Hamilton High School, entry into the SI Power 25 isn’t luck—it’s the culmination of a meticulously built program that’s transformed from regional contender to national darling. Sports Illustrated’s weekly rankings, which evaluate teams based on strength of schedule, margin of victory, and player talent, placed Hamilton at No. 23 this week, a leap from unranked status just two weeks ago.

The Basha win was the tipping point. Prior victories over Desert Edge (35-14) and Corona del Sol (42-7) built buzz, but toppling a top-10 Arizona football team like Basha provided the national validators. SI analyst Max Olson highlighted Oliver’s performance in his breakdown: “Hamilton’s rise is Oliver-driven, but their depth shines. At 4-0, they’re the most complete team in the Southwest.”

This ranking elevates Hamilton alongside powerhouses like Mater Dei (Calif.) and IMG Academy (Fla.), exposing them to a broader audience. Recruiting implications are immediate: College coaches from across the country, including those from SEC programs, have reached out to Brossman. The visibility also boosts player morale; Rodriguez shared, “Being in the Power 25? That’s motivation. We want to climb higher.”

Historically, Arizona football has produced talents like Kyler Murray and N’Keal Harry, both from Chandler-area schools. Hamilton’s inclusion signals a resurgence for the state, with three Arizona teams now in national top-50 polls. As the season progresses, Hamilton’s schedule—featuring upcoming games against perennial foes like Highland and eventual playoffs—will test their mettle, but for now, the Power 25 nod cements their arrival.

Behind the scenes, Hamilton’s success stems from community investment. The school’s booster club raised $150,000 last year for facility upgrades, including new turf and weight rooms, directly contributing to player development. This holistic approach has Hamilton not just winning games, but building legacies in Arizona football.

Defensive Anchors and Unsung Heroes Fuel Hamilton’s Surge

While Roye Oliver III stole the headlines, Hamilton High School’s defense deserves equal acclaim for their role in the 28-12 dismantling of Basha. The Huskies’ unit, which entered the game allowing just 12 points per contest, held Basha to under 200 total yards, a testament to their preparation and execution.

Linebacker Jake Harlan was a force, notching 11 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble that led to a Hamilton field goal. “Harlan’s our quarterback on defense,” Brossman praised. “He calls the plays, reads the keys—without him, we don’t shut down their run game.” The secondary, led by cornerback Devin Johnson, blanketed Basha’s receivers, limiting them to 4-of-12 on third-down conversions.

Special teams also played a pivotal role, with kicker Ethan Morales nailing a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter that extended the lead to 21-6. These unsung contributions highlight Hamilton’s team-first ethos, a philosophy that’s propelled them into the SI Power 25.

In the broader context of Arizona football, Hamilton’s defensive stats rank them No. 2 statewide in points allowed, behind only powerhouse Saguaro. As they face tougher opponents, this unit’s ability to adapt will be crucial. Players like Harlan, already fielding D-II offers, embody the blue-collar grit that complements Oliver’s flash.

Playoff Dreams and National Aspirations: Hamilton’s Road Ahead

With their SI Power 25 entry secured, Hamilton High School now eyes the stars in Arizona football. Undefeated at 4-0 and riding high after the Basha triumph, the Huskies face a gauntlet: next week’s matchup against 6-0 Highland could propel them into the top 20, while a late-season clash with state frontrunner American Fork looms large.

Playoff implications are sky-high. In Arizona’s 6A division, Hamilton’s strength of schedule positions them for a top seed in the AIA playoffs, potentially leading to a state championship run. Brossman envisions more: “We’ve got the talent for nationals. Oliver, Rodriguez, Harlan—they’re college-ready now.” Recruiting pipelines to in-state schools like ASU and UA are buzzing, with Oliver III already a top-100 national prospect per 247Sports.

The community’s abuzz too. Local media coverage has tripled, and youth programs in Chandler report enrollment spikes inspired by Hamilton’s success. As Roye Oliver III and crew push forward, the question isn’t if they’ll sustain this—it’s how high they can climb in the Power 25 and beyond. In Arizona football, Hamilton is no longer flying under the radar; they’re soaring, with a record-setting sophomore leading the charge toward potential glory.

For fans, the excitement builds. Tickets for the Highland game are 80% sold, and national scouts are confirmed in attendance. Hamilton’s story is just beginning, promising more thrills in a season that’s already rewriting the script for Arizona football excellence.