Today, I will be talking about the state’s top five ranked Varsity Boys Basketball teams according to MaxPreps.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!#1: Perry (14-4), 6A
There is no other spot than #1 for the reigning open state champions. The Perry Pumas have continued their high level of play despite some tough losses this season. After taking their worst defeat in a long time losing 78-56 to Harvard-Westlake, Perry has put together four straight victories. Their last victory came against the top-ranked team in the state of Georgia, the Grayson Rams (15-2). The Pumas have proven to be able to compete with and defeat the most elite teams both in and out of Arizona. Led by five-star recruit and nationally-ranked wing Koa Peat, Perry is not an easy team to beat. Considering their dominant championship run last season and their start to this season, they should remain the top-ranked team until they are potentially knocked off in the playoffs.
Barron Silsby WINS IT for Perry with the buzzer-beater 3 at the @HoophallClassic 🚨 pic.twitter.com/frO9C0YRXY
— NBA Future Starts Now (@nbafuturenow) January 14, 2024
#2: Desert Mountain (14-4), 5A
The Desert Mountain Wolves have been one of the most exciting teams in the state this season. After entering last year’s open state tournament as the No. 13 seed, the Wolves defeated two top-five seeds and made a magical trip to the semifinals. However, they fell short against the eventual champion Pumas one game away from the championship.
While they have not been excellent defensively this season, the offense is more than making up for it. The team is allowing 72.5 points per game but is scoring a ridiculous 78 points per game. After taking two straight losses to out-of-state teams during the Visit Mesa Challenge, the Wolves have won three straight and picked the momentum back up. After falling short last season, Desert Mountain has one goal for the rest of the year and that is to be named Arizona’s open state basketball champion.
Ask Desert Mountain coach Mitch Armour about the AIA rankings, and he'll tell you that his team is not No. 1 but should be top 10. https://t.co/6zv9KrWMyb
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) January 10, 2024
#3: Sunnyslope (12-4), 6A
The Sunnyslope Vikings are on a revenge tour after finishing as runner-up to the Pumas in last year’s open state championship. After a relatively slow start to the season, the Vikings are now rolling and not a team you should want to face. Sunnyslope had an opportunity for revenge in early December as they faced the Pumas and capitalized on it, defeating them 53-52.
The team’s leading scorer this season has been sophomore guard John Mattingly. He is averaging 22 points, 4.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. While it has been a collective team effort, Mattingly is their offensive drive and will need to continue his level of play for the team to win a championship. Coming off a magical championship run last season, the Vikings will look to extend their win streak and get to the open state championship again, this time with a different result.
Sunnyslope HS (12-4) knocked off Pinnacle HS, 62-52. 6-10 rising superstar FR Darius Wabbington would come up big for the Vikings in the victory – knocking down three-pointers and finishing strong around the basket. Wabbington is a tremendous prospect. @slopebasketball pic.twitter.com/0svcsIIHew
— Anthony Ray (@ArizonaPreps) January 13, 2024
#4: Notre Dame Prep (17-3), 5A
The Notre Dame Prep Saints have dominated opponents like none other this season. Through 20 games played, they are averaging 76.8 points per game and only giving up 55.7 points per game. What separates the Saints from other teams is the number of players on the team who can score at will.
The team’s leading scorer is senior Anthony Batson Jr., who is averaging 24.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Not far behind him is junior Bryce Quinet, who is putting up 19.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. This dominant level of scoring has been a handful for opposing teams and not many have been able to even slow it down. The Saints are currently on a six-game win streak and will look to keep it rolling as the playoffs approach.
Congrats to NDP varsity boys' and girls' b-ball who both won their tourney games today. The boys wrap up tomorrow, while the girls go to the championship round on Sat. Tix: https://t.co/2CTnfEPHhM#GoSaints #reverencerespectresponsibility
Photos by Mike Harvey – Peak Image Photo pic.twitter.com/VWafhzlv40
— Notre Dame Prep Athletics (@NDP_Athletics) December 29, 2023
#5: Ironwood (18-2), 5A
The Ironwood Eagles of Glendale currently look unstoppable. After taking a couple of losses early on in the season, they have picked it up and look unstoppable. The team has now won 13 straight games and has all the momentum with just five regular-season games remaining.
While they do have a few players who can score at will, senior guard Noah Gifft highlights them. Through 20 games, Gifft is averaging an impressive 23.6 points per game and has been a huge part of the team’s success. While they have been rolling offensively, the defense is what stands out for the Eagles, as they are allowing just 48 points to opponents per game. As the season comes to a close, Ironwood should be considered a top team in the 5A and the entire state with a real shot at an open title.
All 3 levels walk away with a desirable result against a well ran and well coached program. Proud of the growth.
Never too high; never too low. On to the next. pic.twitter.com/362tMLqzWx
— IronwoodBB (@ihseagleshoops) January 10, 2024
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Saleh Awwad is a reporter/writer covering Phoenix High School Sports, Arizona State, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
