BOYS BASKETBALL
With the Arizona Interscholastic Association 2018-19 boys basketball season coming soon, let's look at the 10 best teams, regardless of conference. Sites and dates for the 6A and 5A semifinals and finals have yet to be determined. Grand Canyon University Arena will host the 4A semis (Feb. 22) and final (Feb.25). Gila River Arena will host the 3A semis (Feb. 22) and final (Feb. 23). The Prescott Valley Events Center will host the 2A and 1A semis (Feb. 22) and finals (Feb. 23.).
Super 10 Preseason
No. 1 Phoenix Shadow Mountain Matadors (25-2 last season)
This might be coach Mike Bibby's deepest team, led by senior guards Jaelen House and Jovan Blacksher Jr., both looking for their fourth state championship ring.
No. 2 Phoenix Pinnacle Pioneers (23-7)
With Nico Mannion and Trent Brown returning to the backcourt, and Jordan Mains able to defend any position on the court, there is no reason to doubt this team as it tries to repeat as 6A champs.
No. 3 Gilbert Perry Pumas (16-13)
This should be the most improved team in Arizona. Coach Sam Duane Jr.has this team built to win a championship now with maybe the biggest overall team in the state.
No. 4 Phoenix Mountain Pointe Pride (26-4)
Even though coach Duane Eason has moved on to lead Phoenix College's men's basketball team, Kirk Fauske, Eason's top assistant last year, was left with a full cupboard.
No. 5 Buckeye Hawks (24-5)
They don't play Shadow Mountain in the regular season, but they'll be waiting for them in the 4A tournament. This team was very good last year, taking Tucson Salpointe Catholic into overtime in the semifinals.
No. 6 Surprise Paradise Honors (28-2)
Will miss 6-8 Jared Perry, but this 3A team will take off with newcomers Jerry Ilaya (6-6), Matur Dhal (6-10) and Roy Eze (6-7) joining senior guard Josh Hawkins.
No. 7 Goodyear Millennium Tigers (13-13)
They came on strong late last season in 6A. Now they're in 5A and return four starters, led by 6-9 sophomore DaRon Holmes, who has six Division I offers.
No. 8 Tucson Salpointe Catholic Lancers (15-16)
They're the only Arizona team last year to give Shadow Mountain a huge scare, before losing a double-digit lead in the 4A state final.
No. 9 Glendale Apollo Hawks (17-12)
A state quarterfinal team last year, they should be one of the better teams in a solid 5A conference, led by 6-7 senior Emmanuel Taban and 6-4 sophomore Paris Woods.
No. 10 Peoria Panthers (18-10)
A balanced, young, well-coached team should put it together for a final four 4A run.