A dominant post-season performance helped Central High School secure the AIA 5A State Championship, as Central battled through a challenging playoff bracket to earn the program’s second consecutive state title. Central defeated Mountain Pointe High School for the second year in a row, 62–53, in the championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The victory completed another impressive post-season run for Central, as they finished the season with an outstanding 31–3 overall record. The (31) victories also set a new school record for wins in a season, further cementing Central as one of Arizona’s premier high school basketball programs in Arizona basketball history.
Central High School senior standout John Mattingly (University of Nevada signee) delivered another tremendous performance in the championship game - finishing with a game-high 24 points, along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, in what marked the final high school game of his career. For his outstanding performance, Mattingly was named the Championship Game Most Valuable Player. Mattingly, who has signed with the University of Nevada, showed throughout the game why he has been regarded as one of the elite players in Arizona high school basketball for some time now. His ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates helped the Bobcats control the game and ultimately secure the state title.
Central’s rise to the top of the 5A Division over the past two seasons was fueled by the addition of standout performers John Mattingly, brother and stud 6-foot-1 sophomore guard Grant Mattingly, and tough 5-foot-9 senior guard Dom Rojas. This amazing trio helped elevate the program into one of the most dominant programs in the state. Their talent, experience, and leadership helped transform Central into a championship team, and together with the rest of the roster, they led the program to back-to-back state championships.
Central began its playoff run with an explosive performance against Independence High School, rolling to a 109–65 victory in the opening round. The Bobcats then advanced to face Carl Hayden High School in the quarterfinals. Central delivered another strong performance, defeating Carl Hayden 71–44 to move one step closer to the championship. In the semifinals, Central faced one of its toughest challenges of the tournament against Willow Canyon High School. The matchup proved to be one of the most dramatic games of the playoffs, as Central narrowly escaped with a 67–66 victory - securing a spot in the championship game.
In the championship matchup, Central relied on its balance and experience to control the tempo of the game. With Mattingly leading the way and the rest of the roster contributing throughout the contest, Central maintained its composure down the stretch to secure the 62–53 victory and capture another 5A State Championship.
With the victory and a school-record (31) wins, Central secured its second-consecutive 5A State Championship, further establishing the Bobcats as one of the elite programs in Arizona high school basketball history. Over the past two seasons, the combination of talented transfers and strong coaching, helped Central build a program capable of competing at the highest level. And with back-to-back state titles now secured, the Bobcats have firmly established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in Arizona basketball history.
John Mattingly commented after the game, "I Just want people to remember me as a good teammate," Mattingly said. "Someone who just plays the game the right way."
