Phoenix Union basketball was once regarded as the best in the state of Arizona, but a lot has changed over the years. With a much diminished reputation for the league today than year's past, one prospect is thriving and bringing it back, as Maryvale High School's superb 5-foot-10 junior point guard Adrian "Ace" Stubbs is absolutely destroying his competition, and has become one of the elite overall guard prospects in the state of Arizona. Stubbs is on another level completely this high school season - proving that basketball is strong in the Phoenix Union, and Stubbs is one of the state's best and purest overall basketball talents.
Stubbs has been a talent for some time, and he has really developed a fan base for himself, especially in the West Valley, where he thrives and has become a household name in the basketball community and in basketball circles. While playing at Maryvale HS and in the Maryvale area of town, Stubbs has brought a high level of respect back to an area of town that has a super rich tradition in athletics and sports. Maryvale has produced loads of basketball talent over the years, and has many years of history. Stubbs is the best overall basketball prospect that the school has seen in more than a decade, since 2015 Maryvale graduate Jorge Cano came from the program and eventually landed at Benedictine College, where he starred for the program and became an All-American. Stubbs has the potential and ability to have just as good a career as Cano, and potentially better when you consider his ability to play the game and high level offensive skillset.
"Ace," as he is known by his friends, is one of the elite overall talents in Arizona's 2026 Class. He is having a tremendous high school career already, but is having his best season to date as a junior. As a mere sophomore, Stubbs posted tremendous numbers - averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 5.8 steals per/game. Those numbers are staggering, but this season, Stubbs has been amazing for hard-working Head Coach Jeremy Smith and his staff - exploding for 27.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 6.8 steals per/game. These numbers are absolutely among the very best in the state, and this young man is still a mere junior guard prospect.
I caught my first glimpse of Stubbs while participating in a local event in the spring, and I personally enjoyed following him since. In this year's Arizona Preps Fall Showcase event, Stubbs was among the very best overall individual performers in the event among (50) different high schools in participation. Stubbs is a big-time talent and is well deserving of all the attention that he is now getting. He has truly earned it and is on his way to bigger things for him and his family, over time.
Stubbs is a very unique guard prospect that has a gift as a player and playmaker. His exploits on the basketball court are tremendous and unique to the game, as he plays with a true passion and love for the game. He is intense on the court, on both ends of the floor, and is a focused, two-way player. As a result, his size does not limit him, as he competes very hard and plays much bigger than his size suggests. He is a serious ball handler and passer that has an excellent feel for the game. With the ball in his hands, he is a magician of sorts and is absolutely a joy to watch perform. He makes players around him better and pushes the ball up the floor to the open man. He is an excellent scorer for his size, and is able to score from all (3) levels. His ability to create off the dribble is immense also, and he can make plays for himself and others, almost at will. A strong rebounder from the guard position, and an excellent on-the-ball defender that plays to win and with a purpose.
Stubbs is just starting to raise eyebrows with college coaches, and he should soon start to see his recruitment begin to take shape and begin to soar as more college coaches begin to learn about him and his ability to play the game. What level of college he will ultimately land at is still unknown, as he should see recruitment at every level of college. It will be very important for him to pick the right college program over time - one that will appreciate his value and worth. That shouldn't be hard.
Maryvale High School is currently 6-6 on the season, and has won their last (4) games in a row, which has included big wins over Durango HS (68-60) and also Farmington HS (56-51). Stubbs is worth the price of admission and will have Maryvale competitive in every game this season. I look forward to following his career and his play this season, and will bring you any updates on him as they continue to develop.
