One of the biggest player movement stories of the offseason emerged last week when 6-foot-6 rising junior phenom Martray Bagley announced his decision to transfer from nationally recognized prep school powerhouse Dream City Christian Prep to St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. Bagley’s decision immediately sent shockwaves throughout Arizona’s basketball community, as he joins one of the most historic and successful high school basketball programs in the state.
St. Mary’s has long been regarded as one of Arizona’s premier basketball programs. The Knights captured the 4A State Championship just two seasons ago and followed that accomplishment with a runner-up finish in the Open Division State Championship last season. The program has consistently developed high-level talent and currently boasts (7) former players competing at the NCAA Division-I level. Over the years, St. Mary’s has also produced NBA talent, including former NBA standouts Jerryd Bayless and Channing Frye, further cementing its reputation as one of Arizona’s elite basketball destinations. However, Bagley’s transfer announcement has become even more intriguing following a major development that occurred on Monday.
Former St. Mary’s Head Coach Damin Lopez announced his resignation from the program, creating one of the most coveted coaching vacancies in Arizona high school basketball. As a result, questions now surround Bagley’s future plans. While it has been reported that Bagley intends to play his upcoming junior season at St. Mary’s, the coaching change leaves uncertainty regarding whether he will ultimately remain with the Knights or explore other options before the start of the season.
Regardless of where he ultimately plays, Bagley remains one of the nation’s most coveted young prospects. The talented 6-foot-6 wing is considered one of the top prospects in America's 2028 Class, and continues to attract significant attention from college programs across the country.
Basketball excellence runs deep within the Bagley family. Martray is the younger brother of former NBA Lottery pick Marvin Bagley III, who spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks, and former Arizona State standout Marcus Bagley, who played last season with the Philadelphia 76ers organization.
This past weekend, Bagley suited up for St. Mary’s at the prestigious Section 7 Tournament and made an immediate impact. His strong play earned him a scholarship offer from Oregon State, adding to a growing list of opportunities. He also recently received an offer from Tennessee State following his performances this spring on the club circuit with the loaded Paul George Elite club program.
With two years of high school basketball remaining and recruiting attention continuing to rise, Bagley’s future appears exceptionally bright. Whether his journey continues at St. Mary’s or ultimately takes another turn following the coaching change, one thing remains certain: Martray Bagley is a name college coaches, recruiting analysts, and basketball fans across the country will be following very closely over the next couple years. The story surrounding Martray Bagley and St. Mary’s is still developing, but it has already become one of the most compelling storylines in Arizona high school basketball heading into the 2026-27 season.
I will continue to follow this story closely, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
