There are moments in a lifetime when you can step back, look at everything you’ve poured your heart into, and finally say we did it. For me, that moment is now.
For more than (30) years, since 1995, I have dedicated my life to scouting and covering basketball in the state of Arizona. I have traveled countless miles, sat in empty gyms, watched unknown prospects chase dreams, and worked tirelessly to help build something that, at the time, many believed was impossible - a basketball culture in Arizona that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best in the country.
When I first began this journey, Arizona was not considered a destination for elite basketball talent. College recruitment within the state was limited, and many of our top prospects often found themselves heading the junior college route, searching for opportunities that simply were not readily available at the Division-I level. Exposure was scarce, recognition was minimal, and respect on a national scale was something we were still striving to earn. But over time, through relentless hard work, growing infrastructure, and the dedication of countless players, coaches, and programs, Arizona basketball began to rise.
And now, after all these years, we have arrived.
This past season marked a defining moment for basketball in our state, as all three levels of the game, high school, prep school, and junior college, excelled on a national stage in a way we have never seen before.
At the prep school level, CIA Bella Vista Prep just captured this year's Chipotle National Championship on ESPN, and bringing major national attention and loads of more respect to Arizona. Led by a talented and diverse roster, including top-rated international prospects, they represented our state at the highest level and delivered. At the same time, #1 seed AZ Compass Prep finished third in the nation, falling just short in a highly competitive semi-final matchup against Montverde Academy (FL). With both programs competing on national television, Arizona’s prep schools again, and this time, significantly proved they are the very best in America.
At the high school level, members of the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) also delivered a season for the ages, as top-rated Sunnyslope High School captured the Open Division State Championship and finished ranked among the Top-5 programs in the country, while Millennium High School and also St. Mary's High School both secured a national Top-25 level ranking by MaxPreps.
This season also produced one of the most remarkable individual performances in high school basketball history, as Adrian ‘Ace’ Stubbs of Maryvale High School scored an astonishing 104 points in a single game - an historic feat that brought national attention and tremendous respect to the state of Arizona. Stubbs capped off one of the greatest individual seasons and careers the state has ever seen, further showcasing the elite level of talent now present across Arizona high school basketball.
And perhaps the clearest sign yet of Arizona’s rise came on the national stage, as the McDonald’s All-American Game was recently held in Arizona for the first time in history, marking one of the biggest grassroots basketball events ever hosted in our state. The event featured two of Arizona’s premier prospects in St. Mary's HS product Cam Williams (Duke signee) and Perry HS product, and current Prolific Prep (FL) prospect Bruce Branch (BYU signee) - further cementing Arizona’s place among the elite basketball states in the country. The eyes of the basketball world were on Arizona, and Arizona delivered. In fact, many national analysts declared the AIA Open Division playoff bracket as the most competitive in the country this season - a powerful statement about the depth and strength of Arizona high school basketball.
At the junior college level, Pima Community College continued to build a national powerhouse under legendary Head Coach Brian Peabody. Over the past two seasons, Pima has posted an incredible 70-2 record, won three-consecutive Region Titles, and finished ranked #3 in the nation in back-to-back years. Their dominance, including a National Tournament victory over the No. 1 team in the country, has elevated Arizona’s junior college basketball reputation to an elite status. The recent National Championship victory by University of Michigan, led by the play of former Arizona Western JC star Yaxel Lendeborg only also helped the respect of the ACCAC a great deal as well.
The results speak for themselves. Arizona will no longer be overlooked. Arizona is no longer developing. Arizona has officially become a hotbed for basketball talent.
This year’s graduating class also reflects that growth, with a record number of prospects earning opportunities at the Division-I level and beyond. Where once junior colleges were the primary path, today our athletes are being recruited nationally at an unprecedented rate.
And this rise is no coincidence.
The state of Arizona, and especially Phoenix, continues to experience rapid growth, with thousands of new residents arriving each month. This population boom has fueled the development of more programs, more prep schools, and more opportunities for student-athletes. With that growth has come increased competition, greater exposure, and a higher level of play across every level of basketball in our state.
As more talent continues to migrate to Arizona, and as more programs and players continue to invest in player development, our high schools, prep schools, and junior colleges will continue to compete and win on a national level.
After (30) years of covering this game, I can say this with complete confidence. The future of Arizona basketball has never been brighter. We have built something special here. And while it took many years of time, effort, and a vision to reach this point, we are now firmly established among the elite basketball states in the country.
Anthony Ray
Senior Editor, ArizonaPreps.com
