The 2025-2026 Arizona high school basketball season came to a dramatic conclusion Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, as the nation's #5 nationally ranked and #1 seeded Sunnyslope High School (28-2) captured the 2026 AIA Open Division State Championship with a hard-fought victory over St. Mary’s High School, 60-51. In a matchup featuring two of the state’s premier programs, Sunnyslope ultimately emerged victorious after a highly competitive championship battle that showcased the very best of Arizona high school basketball. The game capped a remarkable season and one of the most competitive Open Division tournaments in recent memory.
Sunnyslope began their postseason run with a big 78-37 playoff win over Centennial High School, and then a strong 58-43 victory over Mountain Pointe High School, setting the tone early with their defensive pressure and disciplined team play. They followed that with an impressive 53-49 victory over Brophy College Prep in the quarterfinal round, defeating one of the state’s most storied programs in a physical and tightly contested matchup. In the semi-finals, Sunnyslope faced a very talented Basha High School team in one of the most exciting games of the entire postseason. The contest went into overtime, where the Vikings held their composure and secured a dramatic 67-64 victory, and punching their ticket to the Open Division Championship game.
Waiting for them in the final was a St. Mary’s team that had also battled through a difficult bracket to earn its opportunity at the state’s biggest prize. St. Mary’s proved throughout the tournament that it was more than capable of competing with the best teams in the state. The Knights opened their Open Division playoff run with a victory over Campo Verde High School, before advancing past Highland High School in the quarterfinal round.
Behind the dominant play of superstar 6-foot-11 senior Cam Williams (Duke signee), St. Mary’s continued to build momentum throughout the postseason. His leadership and dominance throughout the tournament helped propel the Knights into the championship game, where they would face Sunnyslope for the Open Division title.
The championship matchup featured two of the state’s biggest stars going head-to-head, as Cam Williams would face Sunnyslope star 6-foot-6 senior Rider Portela. Portela would deliver another championship-level performance to close out a remarkable high school career. Portela, who signed with the University of Colorado during the fall signing period, capped off one of the most impressive careers in Arizona high school basketball history by leading the Vikings to the Open Division title.
Throughout the game, Portela made numerous key plays down the stretch, just as he has all season long and throughout his career. His leadership, versatility, and ability to perform in big moments once again proved critical for Sunnyslope as the Vikings fought to secure the victory.
Sunnyslope also received tremendous support from its experienced roster. Sunnyslope 6-foot-7 senior Nash Parmley and 6-foot-7 senior Cristian Simmons both delivered key performances in the championship game, providing strong interior play and helping anchor the Vikings on both ends of the floor. Another major contributor was 5-foot-10 junior point guard Delton Prescott, who knocked down several clutch baskets late in the contest, and played excellent defense as part of Sunnyslope’s aggressive defensive attack. Prescott’s timely scoring and defensive intensity helped swing momentum in Sunnyslope’s favor during the final minutes of the game.
While Sunnyslope ultimately captured the championship, St. Mary’s delivered an outstanding performance and pushed the Vikings throughout the contest. Williams was dominant once again, making big plays throughout the night and demonstrating why he is considered one of the elite prospects in the country.
The Knights also received strong contributions from 6-foot-4 sophomore guard Carter Bagley and 6-foot-4 junior Mick Riordan, both of whom stepped up in big moments. Riordan played tough down the stretch for the Knights, while Bagley came up really big with his overall play, which included several big shots down the stretch for his team. Bagley, who had poured in 48 points in a previous St. Mary's victory, proved why he is considered as one of the state's top overall young prospects. Bagley's performance helped keep St. Mary’s within striking distance.
St. Mary’s held the lead late in the game, becoming one of the few teams all season to truly challenge Sunnyslope in the closing moments. But Sunnyslope’s experience and composure ultimately proved to be the difference.
Sunnyslope’s championship run was the result of tremendous teamwork, resilience, and leadership throughout the season. The Vikings consistently demonstrated throughout the season why they are one of the nation's premier programs. Led by legendary Head Coach Ray Portela and his outstanding coaching staff, this team's preparation, discipline, and commitment to team basketball helped lead Sunnyslope to this year's Open Division State Title. With so many talented teams across Arizona competing for the Open Division State Championship this season, Sunnyslope truly earned the title through hard work, chemistry, and outstanding play when it mattered most.
Saturday night’s championship game marked the conclusion of another incredible Arizona high school basketball season. From many exciting tournament games and thrilling playoff battles to top performances from current stars, to breakout performances from rising stars, the 2026 season delivered excitement across the state from beginning to end. The season also marks the end of an era for the senior class of 2026, a group of players who helped shape one of the most amazing periods in Arizona high school basketball. Many of these players, including stars like Ryder Portela and Cam Williams, will now move on to the next level to continue their college basketball careers. But their impact on Arizona high school basketball will not be forgotten.
So as the final buzzer sounded on the 2026 season, one thing was clear: It was truly another unforgettable season for Arizona high school basketball.
