A lot has changed for the basketball program @ Higley High School recently. One of the state's elite basketball programs, as a result of several coaching changes in the program, each of the school's top-rated prospects are now on the move. One of Arizona’s brightest young basketball prospects is headed to the national stage, as Marquise Pless, a 6-foot-4 rising sophomore guard and one of the premier prospects in Arizona’s 2029 class, has announced that he will transfer from Higley High School to Bella Vista Prep, where he will begin his sophomore season. The move represents one of the biggest offseason developments in Arizona high school basketball, and is another indication of Bella Vista Prep’s growing appeal among the state’s elite young prospects.
Pless is widely regarded as one of the elite prospects in Arizona’s 2029 class, and is considered a future high-major talent. A fundamentally sound guard with excellent perimeter skills, and the versatility to play multiple positions, Pless has quickly emerged as one of the state’s most coveted young prospects. His decision to change schools comes during a period of significant change at Higley High School.
The Knights enjoyed an outstanding 19-8 season last year, advancing to the Open Division State Quarterfinals, before falling to eventual state power Millennium High School, 66-57. Since that postseason loss, however, the program has experienced major changes. Former Head Coach Kenny Drake departed, longtime Division I coach David Grace was hired to replace him, but shortly afterward accepted the head coaching position at Florida Southwestern State College, before coaching a regular-season game. Higley has since turned to one of Arizona’s most respected basketball coaches, Luke DallaRiva, to lead the program into its next chapter.
The coaching changes have resulted in significant roster movement, with several of Higley’s top young prospects electing to continue their careers elsewhere. Pless now becomes one of the highest-profile players to leave the AIA ranks for Bella Vista Prep, one of the nation’s premier basketball programs.
Bella Vista Prep is coming off a remarkable season after capturing the Nike EYBL Scholastic National Championship and finishing as the nation’s premier basketball program. The academy has become a destination for elite prospects seeking national competition, high-level development, and increased exposure to college coaches.
Pless is coming off an outstanding spring and summer in which he elevated his national profile considerably. Playing for the Arizona Unity 15U team on the Nike EYBL circuit, he helped lead his team to an impressive showing throughout the spring and at the prestigious Nike Peach Jam. His consistent production, maturity, and all-around skill-set caught the attention of coaches and evaluators from around the country. He also attended the prestigious Pangos All-American Camp, where he earned recognition as one of the Top 60 performers in attendance, further solidifying his status as one of the nation’s emerging young prospects.
College coaches have already began taking strong notice. Although still very early in his recruitment, Pless recently received big scholarship offers from West Virginia and UNLV, to go with offers from Arizona State and Southern Utah. I fully expect many more Division-I programs to extend offers to him as his development continues over the next several years.
Pless is a big-time talent. At 6-foot-4, he possesses excellent positional size, strong perimeter skills, and the versatility to impact the game at multiple positions. His basketball IQ, fundamentally sound approach, and continued physical development give him tremendous upside moving forward.
While his recruitment is only beginning, there is little doubt that Marquise Pless is one of Arizona’s brightest young prospects. His transfer to Bella Vista Prep is a significant move for both his development and Arizona basketball as a whole. It is also a notable loss for the AIA, as one of its premier young talents now heads to one of the nation’s elite prep programs.
I look forward to watching Pless continue his development over the next several years. His future is exceptionally bright, and I believe he has all the tools to become one of Arizona’s next nationally recognized basketball prospects.
