A tremendous postseason run helped Arcadia High School (24-6) win this year's AIA 4A State Championship, as the Titans defeated top-rated Deer Valley High School in the championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, completing an impressive playoff run against one of the premier basketball programs in the state. The victory carried added significance as Deer Valley has long been regarded as one of Arizona’s elite high school basketball programs. Knocking off such an established program on the biggest stage made the championship even more meaningful for Arcadia.
Leading the way for Arcadia throughout the season was freshman standout, 6-foot-4 freshman Jacobi Thompson, who delivered a tremendous performance in the championship game, and was named the 4A State Championship Game Most Valuable Player. Thompson has been a major factor for Arcadia all season long and proved once again on the biggest stage that he is one of the top young talents in Arizona high school basketball. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor helped propel the Titans to the state title.
Arcadia also relied heavily on the leadership and steady play of 6-foot-4 senior guard Mason Kendrick. Kendrick has been a consistent and reliable performer for the Titans over the past two seasons, providing leadership, experience, and production for the program. His ability to make plays in key moments and provide stability in the backcourt has been a major reason for Arcadia’s success.
Throughout the season and during the postseason run, Kendrick delivered important contributions and helped guide the Titans through several challenging matchups on the road to the championship.
Arcadia improved their playoff journey with a convincing semi-final performance against Saguaro High School, earning an 88–69 victory to advance to the tournament final. In the championship game, Arcadia displayed the poise and execution that had defined its season. The Titans controlled the tempo of the game and delivered strong performances on both ends of the floor.
With Thompson delivering a standout performance and Kendrick providing veteran leadership, Arcadia secured the victory and brought home the 4A State Championship trophy for hard-working and focused Arcadia Head Coach Greg Richards and his terrific coaching staff.
With a state championship secured and a rising star in Jacobi Thompson emerging as one of the top young players in the state, the future looks extremely bright for the Arcadia basketball program. Combined with the leadership and contributions of experienced players like Mason Kendrick, Arcadia proved this season that it possesses the balance of young talent and veteran leadership necessary to compete at the highest level. And by defeating one of Arizona’s most respected programs in Deer Valley for the championship, the Titans cemented their place as the top team in the 4A Division this season.
