After eight long months, dozens of team and club events, and multiple media days, the Arizona high school basketball season tips off this week.
With this new season comes plenty of changes, for the first time in four years Perry could potentially be dethroned as the kings of Arizona, multiple potential future NBA draft picks will face off against one another, and for the first time in the Maxpreps era multiple programs enter the season inside the top 25.
With potentially the best season in Arizona high school basketball history on the horizon, Arizona Varsity’s Gregg Rosenberg and Jacob Seliga after countless hours of debate and conversation present their preseason all-state teams.
Five teams of eight players were selected based off multiple factors including previous success, potential role within their team, our personal evaluations, and more.
First Team
- Adan Diggs, Millennium
- Cameron Holmes, Millennium
- Mason Magee, Basha
- Cameron Williams, St. Mary’s
- Rider Portela, Sunnyslope
- Darius Wabbington, Sunnyslope
- John Mattingly, Central
- Jakyi Miles, Mesa
Gregg’s Take: The notion that the AIA has lost a lot of talent is false as we start off with this First team which is truly impressive. This group of players are all nationally ranked and are legit D1 athletes. This group will have incredible careers and multiple players have the ability to be potential pro’s.
Seliga’s Take: This unit is a huge reason why the talent pool in Arizona is the deepest it has ever been. Eight elite prospects and players that can impact the game in every way on any given night. Get your popcorn ready when these guys are on the court.
Second Team
- Colby Jessup, Valley Christian
- Jase Benjamin, San Tan Charter
- Andre Tyler, Higley
- Maurice Carter II, Willow Canyon
- Colton Watson, Sandra Day O’Connor
- Lleyton Leonard, Basha
- Hale Hansen, Brophy Prep
- Delton Prescott III, Sunnyslope
Gregg’s Take: Second team just like first team is another group that is loaded with quality college prospects as each member of this unit is getting offers and getting interest from programs all over the country.
Seliga’s Take: Most people would consider “second team” as a lesser than the “first team” but do not doubt this unit. This group is full of stars and players who’ll play D1. Each of these players could’ve made first team and will play huge roles in potentially bringing home a state championship for their team.
Third Team
- Micah Andrews, Deer Valley
- Carsyn Dean, Ironwood
- Grant Mattingly, Central
- Cameron Hurt, Pinnacle
- Rylan Parsley, Sandra Day O’Connor
- Sergio Gonzales, Deer Valley
- Mick Riordan, St. Mary’s
- Marcus Isaac, Mountain Pointe
Gregg’s Take: Third team has multiple impressive non seniors who are ready to make a statement as to why they’re the top players in their class and show why they are college players. The seniors in this group are leaders who can play a huge role in getting their team’s into the postseason.
Seliga’s Take: Another group of divisions one prospects who can make a difference on every single night whether it’s locking down on defense or getting buckets on the other side. This group is full of underrated and high effort stars.
Fourth Team
- Isaiah Rider IV, Higley
- Melvin Stubbs Jr., Sandra Day O’Connor
- LJ Diamond, Perry
- Viktor Babic, Perry
- Miles Godfrey, Cactus Shadows
- Josh Dillard, Ironwood
- Nick Reber, Highland
- Ty Crandall, Highland
Gregg’s Take: Our fourth team has a few big-time transfers that will help their teams once eligible along with the top freshman, one of the top junior point guards and a salty duo of juniors at Highland.
Seliga’s Take: Do not doubt this unit. Each of these players have takeover potential and possess the ability to dominate every time they step on the court. Whether it’s length and athleticism or ball handling and tough shot making, each of these players have a skill that separates them from the competition.
Fifth Team
- Peyton Lubash, San Tan Charter
- Trey McKinney III, Millennium
- Kingston Montague, Basha
- Adrian Stubbs, Maryvale
- Marquise Cole Jr., Hamilton
- Kareem Alkhakifa, Pinnacle
- Daylen Sharper, Brophy Prep
- Mason Kendrick, Arcadia
- Marquice Pless, Higley
Gregg’s Take: The fifth team features players that are all on teams that can make DEEP playoff runs. If these players step up at the right time, their teams will be lifted up around them. This unit also features two of the most dynamic scorers in the senior class in Cole Jr and Stubbs.
Seliga’s Take: These players may be doubted by most because they’re not a “first team” player, but do not for one moment lower your expectations for this group. This team is full of two way dynamic pieces and each of these players have winning traits that can be the reason why their team could win a state championship.
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