After previously overlooking the top-five ranked high school basketball teams in Arizona according to MaxPreps, I will now be talking about the state’s #6-10 ranked teams.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!#6: Sequoia Pathfinder Verrado Way (19-1), D3
Sequoia Pathfinder is a Canyon Division 3 team and has dominated this season. The team has lost just one of their 20 games played and has outscored opponents by 500 points. While it has been a collective effort for the team, senior Branden Trujillo has been leading the way. Trujillo is averaging 21.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game showing consistency on both sides of the floor. With just seven games left in regular season play, Sequoia will look to end on a strong note and make a deep playoff run.
#7: St. Mary’s (15-6), 4A
St. Mary’s has improved significantly in regular season play from last season. Despite a 16-14 record last year, the Knights entered the open division playoffs and made a real run. The team made it to the quarterfinals but fell short by one score to the Sunnyslope Vikings. They will now attempt to finish strong during this last stretch of play and make a potiential championship run in the open state playoffs.
Dwan Hurt Holiday Classic Title Game Final Score: St. Marys/AZ 48 Rolling Hills Prep/CA 41
Tourney MVP & Grand Canyon signee 2024 PG Styles Phipps had 17 pts/6 assts@FrankieBur @azc_obert pic.twitter.com/O6idQsGDN8— Dinos Trigonis (@Trigonis30) December 24, 2023
#8: O’Connor (17-4), 6A
The O’Connor Eagles have been nothing short of dominant this season. The team is averaging almost 70 points per game and is holding opponents to under 50. O’Connor has just four losses on the season but two of them have come in the last three games. They were last defeated by the No. 3 ranked Sunnyslope Vikings on Thursday. Coming off a season where they were bounced out in the first round of the open state playoffs, the Eagles have built the momentum to make a much deeper run.
#9: Basha (16-5), 6A
The Basha Bears are a dangerous team that should never be counted out. They are led by head coach Mike Grothaus, who has already brought the program a state championship in 2017. Basha is coming off a season where they lost just five total games and were knocked out in the final four of the open state playoffs. They are once again rolling this season but have dropped a few crucial games to elite programs. Despite the immense level of play they will have to face, the Bears have a real shot at the open state championship this season.
Basha 26’ Guard @masonmagee03 is one of the best young players in AZ!!
Has been having a great year!
A shifty guard who is consistent shooting the ball, has great defensive energy, and gets to the basket with ease. One of the most explosive guards i’ve seen. @Bashabasketball pic.twitter.com/BCtyJDp9Lq— Peter Clark (@5StarPete) January 17, 2024
#10: Learning Foundation & Performing Arts (18-3), D3
The Wolves are another Canyon Division 3 team that has improved significantly from last season. The team won just five games last season and didn’t have an opportunity to play in the playoffs. What stands out the most about the Wolves is their elite defensive play. They are allowing just 37 points a game and completely shutting down opposing offenses. Defense is what will matter when playoff time comes and this is a team that will have no trouble with that. With just five games remaining, the Wolves will look to keep their win streak going into the playoffs.
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Saleh Awwad is a reporter/writer covering Phoenix High School Sports, Arizona State Sun Devils, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
