Over the last four seasons, Perry High School has emerged as one of the true dynasties in Arizona high school basketball. With four-consecutive State Championships, including 3-consecutive Open Division State Titles, the Pumas have solidified themselves as the gold standard in the state. Led by generational talent Koa Peat and guided by the experienced leadership of former legendary Head Coach Sam Duane Jr., Perry developed into a nationally recognized powerhouse. Now, a new era begins.
Following the graduation of Koa Peat, widely regarded as one of the very best players ever to grace the Arizona basketball hardwood, and the recent departure of longtime head coach Sam Duane Jr., who stepped away from the program and into retirement, Perry appeared to be entering a transitional phase. But instead of taking a step back, the Pumas are reloading with purpose under new Head Coach Justin Collard.
Collard, who takes over after a successful stint at Boulder Creek High School, brings a winning pedigree and a reputation for developing talent. At Boulder Creek, he turned the Jaguars into one of the most consistent programs in the state. Collard coached the last (6) seasons at Boulder Creek High School, where he led the Jaguars to the 6A Final Four three times, and reached the Elite Eight in the Open Division in 2025. His teams were known for their defensive intensity, cohesion, and preparation. Collard also played a key role in developing Division-I talent, 6-foot-8 standout Andrew Bhesania (Boston University signee), one of Arizona’s top 2025 prospects.
At Perry, Collard inherits a proud and proven program, and he’s already made waves by bringing in two elite transfers who will define the next chapter of Puma basketball - 6-foot-3 sophomore guard LJ Diamond and 6-foot-6 freshman forward Victor Babic.
Diamond is one of the top 2027 prospects in the West and brings a nice skillset, versatility and a high basketball IQ to the court. LJ is known for his aggressive defense, leadership, and natural scoring instincts. His presence gives Perry an instant go-to player and future centerpiece of the program. At Desert Vista High School last season, Diamond averaged 10.8 points, 2.5 assists and 1.9 rebounds per/game.
Babic, who transfers from ALA-Gilbert North, is a skilled and young talent with a nice skillset and versatility as well. At 6-foot-6 and still growing, Babic can score inside and out and defend multiple positions. His combination of size and skill makes him an ideal fit for Collard’s system and a major piece of Perry’s frontcourt going forward. Babic poured in strong numbers as a freshman last season - averaging 14 points and 3.8 rebounds per/game.
Despite the departure of Duane Jr. and the graduation of Peat, the Pumas are showing no signs of slowing down. With one of the strongest basketball cultures in the state, and a deep tradition of winning, Perry remains a destination for top talent and a contender for future state championships.
The foundation built by Duane Jr. and Koa Peat has set the bar high, but with Collard now at the helm and a talented young core taking shape, Perry is poised to carry the torch and continue its run at the top of Arizona high school basketball. A new chapter has begun in Gilbert, and the Perry Pumas are still writing their legacy.
