St. Mary's High School won it all last high school season, after the team came together down the stretch and would walk away with the 4A State Championship. It would not be easy for Head Coach Damin Lopez and his team, as they would squeak past one of the toughest teams in the state in Deer Valley High School to win it all. The championship victory would take a total team effort, and the emergence of 6-foot-4 rising sophomore guard/forward Carter Bagley. Bagley would come up big down the stretch for the Knights as a mere freshman. Bagley worked very hard throughout the off-season, and will now look to return this high school season as a young force for the Knights, in their quest to repeat as state champions and/or compete for an Open Division State Championship.
Bagley is a young man with loads of confidence in himself and his ability to play the game, and he expects to make things happen when he is on the floor. He proved that ability early on during his freshman season, as he was immediately inserted into the lineup by Damin Lopez. Bagley did not disappoint, as he proved he belonged through tough, hard-nosed defense and rebounding from the guard position. Throughout the season, Bagley moved from a forward to primarily giving backcourt support for the Knights - an opportunity he has relished and proved that he can play at a high level. Bagley will be able to provide support at several different positions this high school season, and he returns much stronger and physically more gifted than last season.
I recently watched Bagley compete in the Southwest Basketball Camp, organized by Gregg Rosenberg. In the event, Bagley earned a Top 24 All-Star Game performance and showed serious physicality in his play - almost beating up his defenders, as he punished them on the way to the basket. Bagley has gotten much physically stronger and much more athletic since last season, and it is not by accident, but instead a result of serious hard work on his game and his body over the past (6) months. Bagley looks ready to make an even bigger impact this high school season.
Bagley plays with superior confidence and with a mean streak that i have not seen before. He always has his game face on, which is a very unique trait, and he absolutely loves the game of basketball and will go to any lengths to develop his skillset and maximize his potential for the future. Sheer hard work with no shortcuts. Bagley is destined for winning, and he shares a resemblance as a player to NBA stars PJ Tucker or Dillan Brooks (Phoenix Suns) - a tough and skilled but compact performer that can guard multiple positions on the floor.
Players like Bagley help teams win, and that is exactly what Bagley did for the Knights last season. He got in where he fit in - doing whatever it took to help the team win. This season, I expect Bagley's numbers to increase a great deal in his sophomore season, as he looks to come into his own as a player and as a college prospect. He is one of the top prospects in Arizona's loaded 2028 Class. What will eventually set Bagley apart from other members of his class is that he is a winner, and makes the teams he plays for better.
I look forward to watching Bagley during his sophomore campaign, as he looks to help lead his Knights back to a repeat 4A State Championship, or even possibly an Open Division State Championship. He has a bright future ahead of him.
Arizona Preps Scouting Report: Carter Bagley is a versatile defender that can guard multiple positions on the floor, a rare attribute. He can defend guards and also front court players, as a result of his size, physical strength and lateral quickness. This is his best asset as a player. Bagley is also skilled offensively and has really improved his perimeter jump shot from longer ranges, and has a very good mid-range game which sets up his strong, punishing drives to the basket. A strong physical driver of the basketball that gets into the lane and finishes very strong at the rim. Gets to the free-throw line quite often as a result of his physical style of play. Plays fast and is good in the open floor, where he thrives. A very good ball handler that can play as a point in certain situations, and has good offensive overall versatility as a player. A strong rebounder and finisher around the basket. Has excellent work ethic and toughness as a player. A winner. Has upside.
