SCOTTSDALE – With 1.5 seconds left on the clock in the semi-finals in Arizona’s open division, Mick Riordan from St. Mary’s delivered an epic game-winning three-point shot from way behind the arc to shock the state and defeat Millennium, one of the best high school basketball teams in the country.
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Tigers Trey McKinney (4) defends against Knights Riordan (11) during the open division semifinals at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, on March 4, 2026. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Millennium, a program widely viewed as one of the premier high school basketball teams in Arizona, and one that draws national attention, seemingly had the game under control late. Then came the late drama. Down by one point, the Knights had only enough time for a quick look and opportunity. The ball found Riordan, who immediately faded to the side with barely any time to gather, and no time to adjust. Riordan rose and launched a deep three-pointer well behind the arc, drifting sideways as the buzzer approached, and the ball splashed through the net. Game over.
Knights Riordan (11) shoots a jumper over Tigers DJ Spencer (11) during the open division semifinals at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, on March 4, 2026. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mick Riordan helps St. Mary’s defeat Millennium with buzzer-beater:
OH MY GOD MICK RIORDAN SEND ST MARY’S TO THE OPEN TITLE GAME pic.twitter.com/jV4UEVGsat
— Jacob Seliga (@jacob_seliga) March 5, 2026
In an instant, a tense high school showdown turned into one of the most unforgettable moments of this season for Arizona high school basketball. Teammates stormed the court, fans erupted, and the clip quickly began circulating across social media. For St. Mary’s, the shot represented more than just a dramatic win. It was proof that the program could stand toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s elite teams and deliver in the highest-pressure moment possible. For the Tigers, it was the cruel reality of basketball, sometimes a perfect defensive possession still ends with a player making a remarkable shot.
Knights Cam Williams (1) passes against Tigers DJ Spencer (11) during the open division semifinals at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, on March 4, 2026. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For students and basketball fans in Arizona, though, it was everything that makes high school basketball special. No script. No warning. Just one player, one shot, and a moment that instantly became part of Arizona hoops lore.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
