San Tan Charter once again proved why it has been one of the most consistent and successful small-school basketball programs in Arizona. The Roadrunners captured the Copper State Championship this season, defeating perennial power Valley Christian High School 53–43 in the title game, and bringing an end to Valley Christian’s impressive four-year run of state championships. The Copper Division brings together some of the top small-school programs in the state, and serves as a championship format similar to the Open Division used by Arizona’s larger schools.
For San Tan Charter, the victory was another statement about the strength and stability of a program that has been a dominant force at the 2A level for years. Under the leadership of Head Coach Kyli Crooms, the Roadrunners have developed a reputation for disciplined basketball, strong guard play and relentless defensive effort. This season proved to be another example of that formula working to perfection.
San Tan Charter finished the year with an impressive 24–3 overall record, showing its ability to compete not only against schools in its classification, but also against larger programs across the state. Two of the team’s three losses came against higher-division opponents, including a matchup with 6A's Centennial High School, further demonstrating the Roadrunners’ willingness to challenge themselves against elite competition.
Throughout the season, San Tan Charter was fueled by the outstanding play of stud junior point guard Peyton Lubash, who has consistently emerged as one of the top overall performers in Arizona’s basketball ranks. Lubash averaged 21.2 points per game this season and consistently delivered when his team needed him most.
Palo Verde Wins First Ever 3A State Championship
It was a championship run built on toughness, defense, and timely scoring, as Palo Verde High School capped a tremendous season by winning the AIA 3A Boys Basketball State Championship, and defeating Coolidge High School 52–41 in the state final at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The victory completed an impressive post-season run for Palo Verde Magnet, and earned the program's first-ever State Championship. Palo Verde first had to get past a very talented Gilbert Christian High School program in the quarterfinals. In a competitive matchup, Palo Verde held strong down the stretch to earn a 66–60 victory and advance to the 3A semi-finals.
In the semifinal round, Palo Verde faced another elite program in Seton Catholic. The matchup proved to be one of the most competitive games of the tournament. Palo Verde relied on strong defense and clutch execution late in the game to secure a narrow 52–49 win, and punch its ticket to the state championship game.
Waiting in the final was a surging Coolidge High School team that had put together an impressive tournament run of its own. Coolidge reached the championship after defeating Winslow, Chinle and Snowflake High School to earn a shot at the title.
In the championship game, Palo Verde once again leaned on its defense and composure in big moments. The team controlled the tempo and limited scoring opportunities for Coolidge throughout the game. By the final buzzer, Palo Verde had secured a 52–41 victory, claiming the program's first ever 3A State Championship.
Pima Wins 2A State Championship With Dominant Tournament Run
The season ended in championship fashion for Pima High School, as they put together an impressive postseason run to capture the AIA 2A State Championship. Pima defeated North Valley Christian 40–29 in the championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, securing the state title with a strong defensive effort. Throughout the tournament, Pima showed balance, toughness, and the ability to control the tempo of games when it mattered most.
Pima began its postseason run with a convincing victory over Mohave Accelerated Learning Center, defeating them 61–44 to advance to the next round. In the semifinals, the Roughriders faced a talented Fountain Hills High School program that had built momentum after wins over Madison Highland Prep and Arizona Lutheran Academy. Pima once again leaned on its defensive intensity, limiting Fountain Hills’ scoring opportunities while maintaining control of the game. The Roughriders secured a 36–26 victory to advance to the state championship.
In the state final, it was a defensive battle, with both teams competing intensely on every possession. Pima’s disciplined defense proved to be the difference. The Roughriders held North Valley Christian Academy to just 29 points, controlling the pace of the game while executing offensively when opportunities arose. By the final buzzer, Pima had secured a 40–29 victory, completing its championship run and bringing home the 2A state title. The championship victory capped off an impressive postseason performance for Pima.
Fort Thomas Wins 1A State Championship
A dominant postseason performance helped Fort Thomas High School claim the AIA 1A State Championship, as they completed an outstanding playoff run with a convincing victory in the title game. Fort Thomas defeated St. David High School 77–45 in the championship game at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, finishing off one of the most dominant tournament runs in the 1A basketball history.
Fort Thomas began its playoff journey with a strong opening-round performance, defeating BASIS Flagstaff 76–43. In the quarterfinals, Fort Thomas continued its strong play by blowing out Mogollon High School 72–35 - displaying both offensive efficiency and defensive intensity. The Apaches then faced The Gregory School in the semifinal round. The Gregory School had advanced after victories over Ray High School and Joseph City High School. Fort Thomas proved to be too much once again, earning a 71–58 victory to advance to the state championship game.
Awaiting Fort Thomas in the title game was St. David High School, which had reached the championship after defeating Williams High School in the semifinals, but the championship game belonged to the Apaches. Fort Thomas controlled the game from start to finish, using balanced scoring and aggressive defense to build a comfortable lead. By the final buzzer, the Apaches had secured a decisive 77–45 victory, bringing home the 1A state championship.
The title caps an impressive postseason run for Fort Thomas, which consistently dominated opponents throughout the tournament with strong offensive execution and disciplined defensive play. Winning a state championship is always a special accomplishment, and the Apaches delivered a memorable performance throughout the playoffs to secure the 2026 1A State Title.
