One of the elite young basketball prospects in the state of Arizona, and quickly gaining national attention, is Basha High School’s 6-foot-4, 175-pound freshman forward LLeyton Leonard. A major talent from Arizona's 2028 Class, Leonard had an exceptional freshman campaign that immediately put him on the map among the state’s premier young performers, and now he has blossomed on the spring Nike EYBL club circuit with the Arizona Unity, and college programs are paying close attention to Leonard, early in the recruiting process.
Leonard started as a freshman for Basha High School and was very impressive under the leadership of Basha Head Coach Mike Grothaus. Leonard made a big impact right away. He averaged 13.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per game as a mere freshman starter - helping guide Basha to an impressive 20-8 overall record in Arizona’s highly competitive 6A Division. His efforts were instrumental in propelling Basha into the prestigious Open Division State Playoffs, a significant achievement for a freshman contributor.
While his freshman season turned heads, Leonard has taken his game to another level this spring - playing for the Arizona Unity club program, a Nike-sponsored powerhouse that competes on the Nike EYBL circuit. Leonard has been a standout performer for Unity’s very loaded 15U team in both Session 1 and Session 2 - showcasing his work ethic, rebounding dominance, and emerging offensive skill set against top national talent.
What sets Leonard apart is his relentless motor. Widely regarded as having the best motor of any player in the state, he brings energy to both ends of the floor. He crashes the glass with purpose, fights for every loose ball, and plays with a contagious passion that elevates those around him. He is considered one of the state’s best overall athletic rebounders, regardless of class.
Leonard’s play has not gone unnoticed, as he has already received serious early Division-I offers from programs like Cal and the University of Washington. As his reputation grows nationally, he’s expected to collect even more high-major interest and offers throughout the summer.
With his combination of size, toughness, and a will to win, LLeyton Leonard is quickly becoming a name to remember in the 2028 class - not just in Arizona, but across the country. As his skill-set continues to expand and he gains more experience on the national circuit, Leonard is poised for a meteoric rise in the recruiting world.
I look forward to watching him continue to develop over the years, and will bring you any recruiting updates as they continue to develop.
