Dribbling the basketball on the court, Zion Madden ’26 sprints across the hardwood. There are 10 minutes left in the playoff game against Ewing, and everyone is on edge. With the ball in hand, Madden shoots a three-pointer, and it swishes into the hoop. Throughout the rest of the game, he shoots six more threes as the crowd stamp their feet. 

Madden has loved basketball from a young age, but he only started playing competitively when he was 13 years old. He was introduced to the sport by his dad and brothers, who also taught him how to play, and their support played a huge role in his game and improvements over the years. 

“My brothers played it, but they didn’t ... play it seriously ... I was the first in my family to play it seriously,” said Madden. 

As Madden started to put more time into the sport over the course of his high school years, he learned he had to work much harder if he wanted to play at higher levels. 

“Something I’ve learned is that you’ve got to really earn it ... sophomore and junior year I started playing more and dedicating my time to play,” said Madden. 

Madden explains how he has been inspired by many role models who have helped him build confidence throughout his years of playing. “I really look up to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ... I like to watch him play … but in person, my role model’s probably my dad,” said Madden. 

Madden recognizes his responsibilities as a student athlete, as he recalls how his mom tells him to be a student before an athlete and to finish all his schoolwork, so he doesn’t have to worry about anything after practices. When he joined the basketball team at PHS in his sophomore year, Head Coach Patrick Noone knew he was going to make a big impact on the team. 

“[My] first impression of Zion was how fun and outgoing of a kid he is. And then the second impression was how good of an athlete [he was] and his passion for basketball,” said Noone. 

Reflecting on his years, Madden recalled that he started to dial up his training work as hard as he ever has in his freshman and sophomore years. He believes in never giving up and to always keep trying as much as possible. Noone also said that an initial setback Madden overcame during his years was the nerves he got while on court. With gradual improvement Madden goes on offense in a home match against Sayreville. over time, and despite his few years of experience playing basketball, Madden is a confident senior today. 

“I think he was a little bit overthinking it ... but I think last year, as we got through the season, culminating in that playoff game, he really was able to get comfortable and enjoy and have fun and take the pressure off,” said Noone. 

Madden was not always the player he is today, mentioning that it took him multiple years to start getting minutes on the team. 

“8th grade I didn’t play, freshman year I didn’t play, and then sophomore and junior year I started playing more and dedicating my time to play,” said Madden. 

Throughout his years at PHS, Madden continued to inspire and lead the team by creating a great experience for his teammates on and off the court. 

“He’s just always such a positive, outgoing person, so that makes everybody feel really comfortable and that they can do their best,” said Noone. “He takes a lot of accountability, so for the younger guys ... they can feel less pressure, and he’s just a really good person all around,” said Noone. 

Madden’s teammates describe the bonds Madden helps create between each other on and off the court, which lead them to play their best and have good teamwork during the season. 

“I think we’re all close friends off the court. And we play a lot of basketball outside of the school team and stuff, so when it comes to the season, we all have good chemistry together and are well-bonded,” said Noah Wadler ’26, one of Madden’s teammates. 

Madden has created bonds with his teammates and helps them have a great time, and overall improves their experience of being on the team, according to Madden’s teammates and coach.

“He’s got a lot of friends on the team, and makes sure they kind of enjoy the presence of being out there,” said Noone.

Madden is excited about the upcoming basketball season, and as he looks back on his career, he emphasizes the importance of persistence for progress.

“Don’t give up,” said Madden.

photo: Charley Hu

Despite a late start to his career, Madden quickly became a top scorer on the team and
the leader on steals.

Aariyana Patel's Work