It was a wild spring and summer in Arizona basketball, especially after we learned that terrific 6-foot junior guard John Mattingly had decided to change high school programs - leaving Sunnyslope for Central High School. We soon learned that Mattingly was not coming alone, but also was joined by Sunnyslope's 5-foot-8 junior Dom Rojas and his younger brother and incoming freshman Grant Mattingly. This trio is set to lead the Central program to new heights this high school season, but I am expecting this to be an epic season for John Mattingly in particular, as he looks to begin his new era as the leader for a Central program that will look to now in it all in the state's 5A Division.
Last season, Central High School had a very successful season - finishing with a nice 18-9 overall record in the 5A Division, before losing to Higley High School in the state playoffs. This year's team lost a lot to graduation from last season, but the Bobcats also gained a lot through the transfers of John Mattingly and Dom Rojas, and the addition of Grant Mattingly. This guard trio is dynamic and will have Central very tough to beat each night out, with an opportunity to compete this season for a 5A State Championship and also for an Open Division State Championship. Anything is possible with this group that will ultimately be led by the superb guard play of John Mattingly.
John Mattingly is set to absolutely explode this season, and I believe he could lead the state in scoring this high school season. Mattingly does not look to overpower the game with scoring, but instead is a pure point guard prospect that can score almost at will. His offensive ability is very unique, once he makes up his mind to make plays, as he is an efficient scorer and shooter of the basketball that has a strong handle of the ball and can get to where he wants on the floor. He is a very difficult guard to defend for opposing guards, as a result of his feel for the game and advanced basketball IQ and skillset.
Mattingly is one of the state's top overall guard prospects and one of my top overall prospects in Arizona's very strong 2026 Class. He is set to have a big junior season, and also a terrific high school career.
College coaches are now also beginning to line up for Mattingly, who is coming off a strong spring and summer also, while leading his talented AZ Select 16U club program to numerous strong finishes. Mattingly has consistently proven that he can play with anyone, as a result of his exploits during the high school season and on the club circuit.
College coaches are also beginning to take notice of Mattingly as a serious Division-I prospect, as he now has offers from Nevada, Norther Arizona and Cal-State Sacramento. I look for Mattingly to gain much more college recruitment, after a terrific junior season, and in preparation for his final spring and summer on the high school and club circuits.
Mattingly made his stamp on the Sunnyslope team as a mere freshman starter, and has been regarded by our staff as one of the elite overall prospects in Arizona's 2026 Class for some time. After a storied middle school and club career, before entering the high school varsity ranks, Mattingly jumped right into the varsity scene as a freshman starter. Mattingly averaged impressive numbers during his freshman season, as he helped lead the team to a runner-up finish for the Open Division State Championship. Mattingly averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds per/contest as a freshman point guard. Last season as a sophomore, Mattingly returned to lead a much more talented team than his freshman season, and helped lead the Vikings to an 20-7 overall record on the season, and our #3 overall team ranking in the state. Mattingly averaged 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.7 steals per/game last season as a sophomore.
I expect Mattingly and his teammates to have a big season this year, while Mattingly will put up very impressive numbers in the process. I will continue to follow him and his team closely, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Mattingly is an excellent guard prospect for college programs to begin recruiting early in the process, as he has an excellent feel for the game - one of the best I have ever seen. He possesses an excellent shooting stroke with a very quick release and unlimited range. Every shot he takes looks like it is going in. He is also a strong ball handler and can get to where he wants on the floor, although his quickness is deceiving. He plays with a high level of confidence and makes his teammates better, as a result of his playmaking skills. He is an excellent passer that sees the floor, and pushes the basketball up the court. He can be a floor general or a strong scorer of the basketball, when he decides to. Mattingly is as fundamentally sound a prospect as there is in the state of Arizona, and he has a bright future ahead of him.
