Ranking Arizona’s top 10 AIA boys basketball teams to start season
With the season hitting the floor full throttle Monday, no looking back, let’s break down The Republic’s top 10 boys high school teams in the Arizona Interscholastic Association ranks. This is the last year of just conference state championships. Next year, the AIA will begin the Open Division, which will comprise the top eight teams among the three bigschool conference for a state tournament.
Preseason Super 10
1. Phoenix St. Mary’s
Even after losing Jason Fontenet Jr., to prep academy Bella Vista (he since suffered a season-ending torn ACL), the Knights look like the best team. Dynamic, fast, physical, relentless, the defending 4A champs are ready to repeat, led by guard Styles Phipps and swingman Garrison Phelps.
2. Gilbert Perry
Through 7-foot Dylan Anderson all things possible. Especially when he’s flanked by Cody Williams and Koa Peat. Anderson, who signed with Arizona, is on a mission after missing the playoffs last year while in concussion protocol.
3. Phoenix Brophy Prep
Experienced team that gets after it defensively and can score fast or slow it down. Arman Madi, Patrick Chew and Miles Nash are a tough Big 3 that can get the Broncos the gold ball in 6A.
4. Chandler Hamilton
This is the best team Doug Harris ever had, and that includes his years at Desert Vista. Four transfers, led by 6-foot-5 jumping jack Quincy Adams out of Texas, give the Huskies hope for a 6A title.
5. Phoenix Mountain Pointe
Tru Washington is a beast around the glass and can fill it up from outside the 3-point line. Mark Brown compliments him great, giving the Pride as good of a dynamic duo as there is in the state.
6. Phoenix Sunnyslope
The defending 6A champions Vikings bring back their top two players in forward Elijah Saunders and point guard Oakland Fort, but do they have enough around him to make another run at the title?
7. Surprise Paradise Honors
This is St. Mary’s biggest thorn in its 4A side. The Panthers are long, athletic, dynamic and will be nipping at the Knights’ heels again, behind Blessing Nwotite, Luke Light, Jayson Hunt, Matthew Henry-Harrison and Zander Kamai.
8. Peoria Centennial
With defending 5A champion Catalina Foothills losing too much, this could be the year the Coyotes come through for the title. It has arguably the state’s best outside shooter in Jake Lifgren.
9. Tucson Salpointe Catholic
The well-disciplined Lancers won 18 games last year. They lost coach Jim Reynolds but keeps continuity with longtime assistant Eric Castillo sliding in to take over the program.
10. Tempe McClintock
This could be the year of the Chargers in 5A after a strong summer winning the Summer 64, and with the return of four starters, led by Jaylen Wesley (16.8 points a game last year) and Erenzo Scroggins (14.1).