By Dennis Orellana

My name is Dennis Orellana, Coach D, Head Varsity Coach, Boys Basketball at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School, with campuses located in Somerville and Cambridge.

We are off on a Historical run (10-1). Once rankings were released back on January 9, 2026, the Wizards have been ranked #5, #4, and #3 in the State of Massachusetts for Division 5 basketball (highest in any sport in school history). As of January 20, the Wizards are ranked #3 for back-to-back weeks.

We have accomplished our first goal, and that’s 10 wins to clinch the state tournament, which is our third time in school history. We have many goals left. Our motto is ‘Brick by Brick, Day by Day,’ that’s our focus.

We have a special #PHAmily, mixed with a group of seniors and underclassmen, all connected and selfless. 17 players, but they all bring a purpose every day to practice and games.

#PURPOSE is the theme of the season, “what’s the purpose of this pass, class, school, shot, dribble, etc?”

The Wizards are 10-1, with their only loss to D2 Reading Memorial 63-60 in overtime over the Highlander Holiday Tournament. The Wizards have their hardest schedule in Program history, playing the league minimum of games 7 for MCSAO (MCSAC). All the other games are all D5-Division 1 schools. I was disappointed when schools dropped PHA from the schedule, but it’s been a blessing in disguise. We only play the league minimum of 7 games, no more “we only play charter schools.”

The goal for this PHAmily was to be challenged, after the bar they set last season, and they are up for it!

The biggest win of the regular season came Thursday night at Division 1 Billerica, who play in the powerhouse Merrimack Valley Conference. The Wizards made history winning 50-49, 1st Division 1 win in Program history. This was a challenging week as a couple of main contributors and starters were out sick or fighting through the winter germs.

“We have a lot more work to do, Brick by Brick, Day by Day is our motto, we keep working,” says Captain #3 Edward Nyasembi.

Saturday, January 17, was a great afternoon of high school basketball between two teams, which is looking to turn into a Rivalry between Pioneer 1 (Everett) and Prospect Hill Academy.

Both teams are 9-1 and are looking for the 10th win to clinch the MIAA State Tournament, playing at the Wizards’ home court, St. Clements Parish (next to Tufts). The Panthers and Wizards battled in front of a packed crowd: family, friends, fans, alumni. Massachusetts film ICON, Mukala Kabongo, came to announce the Wizards game, player and coaches interviews, and The Mayomethod, local videographer, came out to film a couple of team mixes.

The game was filled with a 3rd quarter half-court buzzer beater by Freshman Isaiah Richmond and his second dunk in a Varsity game, which left the gym rocking. The three who led the way in this game, because every game is different: Isaiah Richmond had 22 pts., 7 rebounds, 1 steal, Edward Nyasembi 15 pts., 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and Pedro Hartmann had 9 pts., 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.

The Wizards ultimately won 58-49 to clinch for the third time in the history of the MIAA State Tournament.

The Wizards’ first 11 games have only three at home. The Wizards are away in league play vs. Excel Academy (6-6) in East Boston. Then Saturday play #4 in the state, KIPP Academy (6-4), last game Wizards won 61-49.

The Wizards’ next goal is to make it back to the MCSAO League Championship and win the league. Prospect Hill Academy hasn’t been to the league championship in 14 years until last year, when the Wizards made it but fell short.  Then work on the next goal, which started by reaching 10 wins, to get into the State Tournament.

Follow @pha_basketball on social media.

Coaches quotes:

Assistant/MS Coach Eamon Roberts

“The hard work that everyone puts in, it’s really been a community accomplishment.

While being ranked #3 is a huge accomplishment and school record. Everyone on the team believes in what we’re capable of and that’s a mentality that starts from the top down with Coach D. Brick by brick these guys get better and are hungry to continue to do so. It’s funny middle schoolers always come up to me first thing the morning after a game and ask about what happened. They ask what it’s like to be on the bench or let me know they were at the game. They really care about it, and basketball is a big part of the PHA identity. It’s something kids want to be a part of, which is evident by the 50 boys who tried out for the middle school team this year. It’s been an awesome journey so far, but the job is far from done.

Assistant/JV Coach: Galland Francois C/O ’10

“We missed the states my first year here. So clinching the states in back-to-back years (2nd and 3rd) is a testament to what we’re building here at PHA. To be #3 in the state is amazing, and as an alum. It puts PHA on the map as a team to definitely be recognized and hopefully even regarded as a powerhouse in our division. We’ve spent three years so far building this program. The team is cohesive, accountable, and committed to the process. It’s been an absolute pleasure, honor, and joy to work with the coaching staff as we continue to push this team towards getting better every day and leading these gentlemen to success on and off the court.”

Players quotes:

#11 Elijah Richmond: Senior Captain

“After being on varsity for four years, I am glad to say. Being a Captain for this team is a blessing and responsibility that I have been waiting for since my sophomore year. We aren’t number 3 only because of our skill, we are number 3 because we are family. Playing with my brother is a blessing. Glad to have him a part of the team and being able to share the court with him. I learn from him, and he learns from me. Who’s younger and older doesn’t matter when it comes to learning. I am happy to be able to watch him play and for him to watch me play.”

#22 Isaiah Richmond: Freshman

It feels amazing to share the court with my brother. We’ve always played with each other since we were young, and he’s the one who taught me all the moves and finishes I do. He was my motivation to play the sport, and now I get to be on a varsity team with him. All the time, he used to beat me 11-0 and made me cry, and gave me criticism at the same time, really helped, and especially after his injury. I’m just so grateful to be able to play with him.

#1 Pedro Hartmann: Senior (2x All League)

This season has meant everything to me. We’ve built something deeper than basketball. We’ve built a brotherhood. Hearing we’re ranked in the top 5 in the states doesn’t surprise me at all because I’ve always believed in this group. We’ve sacrificed, we’ve worked, and now the results are starting to show.

#20 Lucian Grant: Sophomore Captain

“It feels great being a captain of such a great team. Every day we come into practice, the energy from my teammates shifts my mind off of anything going on outside of basketball, and helps me focus on just getting better. We live by the words brick by brick and get better every day, which has been crucial in our success.”