In one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025-2026 Arizona high school basketball season, Liberty High School captured the 2026 AIA 6A State Championship with a thrilling 69–65 overtime victory over Perry High School on Saturday afternoon. The championship matchup brought together two of the state’s premier programs, and the game lived up to its billing, as both teams battled fiercely for the title in front of an energetic crowd. For terrific longtime Liberty Head Coach Mark Wood and his experienced staff, the victory marked the program’s second state championship in the last three seasons - only further establishing Liberty as one of the elite programs in Arizona high school basketball.
Liberty showed its strength throughout the 6A State Playoffs, as they opened post-season play with an impressive 76–56 victory over Williams Field High School in the opening round. Liberty then advanced with a hard-fought 64–58 win over Red Mountain High School in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal round, Liberty faced a talented #1 seeded Mesa High School squad, but delivered one of its most complete performances of the tournament, and earning a convincing 67–50 victory to advance to the State final.
4-time state champion Perry High School also had a strong run through the postseason. Perry began their playoff journey with a dominant 90–53 victory over Maryvale High School, before advancing past top-seeded West Point High School, 65–45, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Perry battled past Tucson High School, earning a very impressive 69–64 road victory to reach the championship game. The appearance marked Perry’s fifth consecutive trip to a state championship game, an incredible run for the program. Perry also had won all (4) championship appearances.
Liberty jumped out to an early lead in the championship game and maintained control for much of the first half, and heading into halftime with momentum. Perry, however, showed the toughness and resilience that has defined the program over the past several seasons. Led by the strong play of star 6-foot-4 junior guard LJ Diamond, the Pumas mounted a strong second-half comeback, eventually tying the game late in regulation and forcing overtime.
But in the extra period, Liberty was able to make the key plays needed to secure the victory.
Liberty 6-foot stud senior guard TJ Harris played a critical role down the stretch for the Lions. Harris pushed the ball in transition and made several big plays late in the game to help Liberty regain control in overtime. However, the biggest performance of the day, came from Liberty 6-foot-5 rising star freshman Trevin Davis. Davis came up big throughout the contest, and finished with a game-high 23 points in the championship victory - delivering a remarkable performance on the biggest stage of the season.
Despite being just a mere freshman, Davis has proven throughout the season that he is one of the top young prospects in Arizona's 2029 Class, but his performance on Saturday proved that he is now regarded among the top overall basketball prospects now in the state - regardless of class. Davis quickly established himself as one of the elite freshman prospects in the state this season. With his combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability, Davis has the tools to develop into one of the premier players in Arizona over the next several years. His performance on Saturday only validated that. To dominate a state championship game as a mere freshman is a rare accomplishment, and Davis showed maturity well beyond his years while helping lead Liberty to the title.
Despite the loss, the season was still a strong one for Perry High School.
The Pumas were led this season by first-year Head Coach Justin Collard, who took over the program after legendary Head Coach Sam Duane Jr. retired following last season. Perry also faced adversity early in the season due to AIA transfer rules, which contributed to a slower start during the regular season. Even so, Collard and his staff were able to guide the program back to the state championship game in their first season leading the team - a testament to both the program’s culture and the resilience of the players.
In the end, Liberty’s balanced effort, clutch play in overtime, and the standout performance from freshman Trevin Davis proved to be the difference. With the 69–65 overtime victory, Liberty High School is now officially the 2026 AIA 6A State Champion, continuing the program’s rise as one of the premier powers in Arizona high school basketball, and with a young star like Trevin Davis already making a major impact, the future for the Liberty program looks incredibly bright.
Congratulations to Mark Wood, his staff and the Liberty program on this big championship win!
