Due to several internal changes within our organization over the past month, the release of our Arizona Preps Player of the Year selection was delayed. However, after careful evaluation of one of the most competitive and talent-rich high school basketball seasons in Arizona history, our selection is both clear and unanimous. St. Mary's High School's 6-foot-11 senior Cam Williams (Duke signee) is our Arizona Preps Player of the Year for the 2025–2026 high school basketball season. In a year that will be remembered as one of the greatest in state history, featuring multiple nationally ranked programs and unprecedented exposure for Arizona basketball, Williams stood above the rest as the most dominant, impactful, and complete player in the state.
Cam Williams delivered a remarkable senior campaign, leading his team to a Top 25 national ranking, while showcasing elite production, leadership and consistency throughout the season. Williams’ performance throughout the season elevated St. Mary’s into one of the premier programs not only in Arizona, but across the country. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, scoring, rebounding, protecting the rim, and anchoring his team defensively, made him the most valuable player in the state this season. Williams led St. Mary's to an Open Division State Championship runner-up finish, and a successful 23-7 overall record on the season.
Williams’ résumé speaks for itself and then some, as he has been selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year, was a McDonald’s All-American Game selection (Arizona’s lone representative), a participant in the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit and is also ranked as the #2 overall prospect in AMerica's 2026 Class by ESPN, after climbing the recruiting ranking sucbstantially during his senior season. These accomplishments place Williams among the elite high school players in America, and solidify his legacy as one of the top prospects to ever come out of Arizona.
What makes Williams’ story even more compelling is his journey. When he arrived at St. Mary’s HS as a mere sophomore, he was largely unheralded and unknown. But through relentless work ethic, commitment to development, and steady growth as both a player and a young man, Williams transformed himself into a top-five national prospect. His rise is a testament to discipline, perseverance, and belief - qualities that define not only great athletes, but future stars.
Williams has signed with Duke University, as he is widely regarded as one of the premier basketball programs in the country. His skill-set, size, and versatility make him an immediate impact player at the collegiate level. And his future doesn’t stop there. NBA scouts and analysts are already projecting Williams as a potential Top-5 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, a reflection of his immense upside and long-term potential at the highest level of the game.
In a season filled with elite talent, nationally ranked teams, and historic performances across Arizona, Cam Williams separated himself as the gold standard. His senior season didn’t just meet expectations, it exceeded them in every way - capping off a legendary high school career and setting the stage for an even brighter future. While Williams has already accomplished more than most at the high school level, the reality is he is only getting started. Cam Williams is the future of basketball - and that future is incredibly bright.
Congratulations again to Cam WIlliams and his family on this and all of his honors this season, and our staff wish him great luck in his future!
