The People’s Guide to Section 7
- Jacob Seliga
- Jun 11
- 22 min read
Updated: Jun 11
Who to watch, what to watch, when to watch, and everything YOU need to know about every Arizona team competing in Section 7 this weekend.
Section 7 , the annual scholastic showcase based out of Arizona returns for it's seventh edition. The event which got its start at Brophy college prep and State Farm Stadium will take place for the second consecutive year at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa.
This year's edition features programs from 12 different states with the bulk of schools coming from the home state of Arizona and California.
As the event grows, so does the quality of talent in the state of Arizona in both the amount of prospects and the strength of teams.
2025-26 was a banner year for hoops in Arizona. Two teams were in the top 10 nationally last season for the first time in state history and three teams were ranked in the top 25. The McDonald's All-American Games were held in Glendale, the AIA for a third time in four years had a five star prospect, and six programs were ranked inside the top 100.
With last year now in the past, 2026-27 figures to be another special year for basketball in Arizona and it all starts this weekend at Section 7.
City of Mesa Bracket
Sunnyslope Vikings
The defending Open Division champions enter the Summer hoping to repeat one of the best seasons ever seen by an Arizona program. Senior to be Darius Wabbington is one of the most coveted prospects in the 2027 class and is fresh off playing for the United States U-18 national team. His running mate Delton Prescott will miss the Summer following a torn meniscus in club ball. Taking the reigns alongside Wabbington will be 6'8" power forward Donovan Palmer who comes over from Chandler and gives the Vikings a twin tower frontcourt almost no team in Arizona can matchup with. The biggest question becomes how do the Slope guards run the show without one of the best pure point guards on the west coast? St Mary's transfer Noah Ondua and sophomore Linus Turner will handle that responsibility as Saguaro transfer Bentley Elrod will set up in the wing spot.
First game: vs Rainier Beach (WA), 3:45 PM 6/12, CT. 1
Basha Bears
Widely considered the biggest threat to Sunnyslope's chances to repeat, Basha enters the post Mason Magee era with one of the best 1-2 punches in the state in Lleyton Leonard and Kingston Montague. However, do not sleep on the group around them. Transfer duo Cruz Kazmierski and Tre Terry add to the offensive punch of the Bears lineup while Maddox Lazor cleans things up in the post. The key for this group will be junior David Rossling handling the ball at point and how incoming freshman Isaiah King looks.
First game: vs Modesto Christian (CA), 12:00 PM 6/12, CT. 2
Perry Pumas
The 6A conference runner up enters the Summer hoping to take a jump into open division contention. Leading the way for Perry is LJ Diamond who has the potential to be the breakout prospect from the state of Arizona during Section 7. During the May live period, Diamond picked up an offer from West Virginia. The offer from the Mountaineers was his first power conference offer out of his seven total. With a strong performance, Diamond will surely pick up more high major attention. His running mate Viktor Babic won't be in attendance as he's out of the country competing for the Serbian national team. However, the Pumas boast a strong trio alongside Diamond with Austin Turner, JJ Howard, and Kolby Barnes who can allow Diamond to play as a combo guard as both Howard and Barnes can run the point and Turner can defend on the wing. The key will be what Perry gets out of the paint from 6'11" center Dane Montague who will have a tough matchup against St. Francis center Yann Kamagate.
First game: vs St Francis (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 3
Slam Grafix Bracket
Deer Valley Skyhawks
One of the deepest programs in all of Arizona spent the offseason getting even deeper. After four consecutive 4A conference championship game appearances, the core group that led the way has moved on with a few holdovers. Leading the new wave of Deer Valley hoops will be senior guard Micah Andrews who has become the guy for the Skyhawks and sophomore wing Giovanni Nielsen. Joining the duo is a transfer haul that could be the best in the state. Nasir Hailey comes over from Saguaro as does his former region rival, 6'8" big Ashton Musser who left St Mary's for Deer Valley. The biggest transfer could be Brexton Quinet who comes over from Desert Mountain and just like Hailey can play with the ball in his hands and make an already potent offense even more dangerous.
First game: vs Notre Dame (CA), 6:15 PM 6/12, CT. 1
Millennium Tigers
After another year with a gut-wrenching postseason loss, the Tigers enter the post Cameron Holmes era with the eyes of the nation on them. Maxpreps in April crowned them as the "way-too-early" number one team in the country and its fitting considering they boast the top ranked player in the 2027 class in Adan Diggs who recently reclassified from the 2028 cycle. The Tigers saw multiple JV and Frosh players leave the program which throws into the question just how deep Millennium truly is? The other two returning starters from last year's team is 6'6" wing Terry McKinney III who looks to showcase his improved perimeter game for college coaches and point guard Adrien Higuera who is one of the best playmakers in the state. Joining the Tigers however is a dynamic duo that could put Millennium on another level. Incoming freshman Tyler Dwyer Jr is one of the most skilled and impactful players in what looks to be one of the best classes in Arizona in some time. And the newest Tiger is Maurice Carter II who left Willow Canyon and could see his recruitment continue to improve after an already strong spring for his club team, Compton Magic.
First game: vs Bremerton (WA), 3:45 PM 6/12, CT. 2
Liberty Lions
The defending 6A champion had the breakout freshman of the year in 6'6" wing Trevin Davis who led Liberty on a cinderella run en route to its second title in three years. Now, the Lions return with a lot of the same core that got them there. 6'10" center Milton Phinnessee III has continued to develop and is ready to break out in one of the top brackets. Alongside those two is two other starters from last year's team, Jacob Hunter and Nicholas Topolosek who create shots off the dribble and create the spacing needed for Davis and Phinnessee to finish inside. The Lions also added Amaurie Beausejour from Desert Mountain to add to their guard rotation to replace TJ Harris who graduated for Liberty.
First game: vs Coronado (NV), 6:15 PM 6/12, CT. 6
Mountain Pointe Pride
After back to back losses in the 5A conference championship, the Pride look to make a run at the open division as one of the top 5A teams in the state. The once young core of four starters now all enter their junior season looking to take a jump. Jayvien Moody leads the offense with his shot creation, Zen London showcases some of the best defensive skills in Arizona and has added a better offensive game with it, Justin Kimbrough leads the way with his playmaking, and Marcus Isaac does it all as the 6'8" inside-out hybrid that colleges want for their programs. Joining the ride for the Pride is 6'8" Josh Blevins from Skyline Prep that relieves pressure for Isaac on the defensive end and makes an already stout unit for Mountain Pointe that much stronger.
First game: vs Damien (CA), 3:45 6/12, CT. 6
Delano Family Bracket
Brophy Prep Broncos
For the first time in some time, the Brophy Broncos don't have a sure fire division one prospect on their roster. Even then, for all the questions that are out there for the Broncos, Brophy still is ready to compete against the best of the best. The Broncos will be without Parker Morhrauster for all of June while he is recovering from injury. That opens the door for seniors Oliver Burbach, Cooper Frakes, and Tyrese Holmes to take more shots and get more opportunities. The leader of the show will be Aiden Williams who is one of the better point guards in Arizona and can run the offense regardless of the personnel on the court.
First game: vs Etiwanda (CA), 2:30 6/12, CT. 1
Pinnacle Pioneers
Just like other programs mentioned, Pinnacle boasts one of the deeper groups in Arizona and is always in the conversation for championship contention. 2026-27 should be no different in north Phoenix. The duo of Rhys Robinson and Tyonne Brown lead the way on the wings with their athleticism and two way ability. Meanwhile senior point guard Cameron Hurt and his partner Brandon Morris move the ball around the floor for everyone and run the show for the Pioneers. 6'8 forward Grant Budd holds the fort down inside while Lucas Alvarado leads the way from the perimeter.
First game: Centennial (OR), 12 PM 6/12 CT. 11
St Mary's Knights
Replacing a five star that is on his way to Duke University is a challenge. Replacing multiple starters that were around him makes that an even tougher challenge. However for returning stars Mick Riordan and Carter Bagley, the show must go on. Riordan and Bagley may be the best duo in the 4A conference and both have what it takes to take over the game at any moment. Joining the duo is Pierce Harrington who joins the Knights from region rival Saguaro. However, the wild card is incoming freshman forward Obatayo Adigun who is one of the top incoming stars in the state. Adigun will play the same power forward spot once held by Cameron Williams, which makes his role a large one to fill for a team trying to find its identity.
First game: Lincoln (WA), 1:15 PM 6/12 CT. 11
Casteel Colts
Unlike some of the other teams in the top brackets, the Colts don't have a division one star or high level prospect. However, Casteel plays team basketball at the highest level and has everyone bought into their role entering the Summer. Kutter Workman controls the post, Matt Crowder scores the ball, and Landen Martineau runs the offense from the top of the key. They won't be the flashiest team on the court, but at any given time they can be the best team on the court.
First game: vs Bishop Montgomery (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 12
Higley Knights
After a banner season which saw Higley nearly reach the open division semifinals, the Knights start the new year with new expectations. Former coach Kenneth Drake resigned and in his place comes in Arizona coaching legend David Grace who returns to the state after previously coaching Campbell Hall (CA). Marquice Pless after a strong live period for club and at the Pangos All-American camp enters Section 7 with plenty of attention. His fellow 2029 partner Isaiah Rider IV is doubtful to play due to a back injury which opens the door for Deon Pless and Kaden Adams to take more shots. With Pless running the show on the perimeter and attacking, the pick and roll game with 6'7" forward Mike McIntyre will be featured heavily for Knights group that has multiple new faces stepping into the fold.
First game: vs Village Christian (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 12
Willow Canyon Wildcats
When a highly rated prospect leaves a program, many people sound the alarm. But for a program like Willow Canyon that has been built from the ground up, it's another moment in the growth process of becoming a basketball powerhouse. As previously mentioned, Maurice Carter II transferred to Millennium but that opens the door for his now previous running mate, Jaydon Hayes. As a two-way guard, Hayes now has a chance to lead the way for Willow Canyon and see his recruitment take off as the star of the show. His new running mate likely will be transfer Jacob Jensen who comes over from Millennium completing a pseudo player swap for both programs. Inside will once again be Garrison Bambolo who showcases the ability to play inside-out.
First game: vs Los Alamitos (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 13
AIA Bracket
Canyon View Jaguars
The eyes of Waddell are on the new look Jaguars. As Canyon View makes the jump to 6A, Cory Duke comes over as head coach from Democracy Prep (NV) and he has a duo that could be one of the best in the state. After a strong freshman season, Taylan Owens has blossomed into a quality point guard prospect that figures to capture attention this weekend as he runs the Canyon View offense. While Owens runs the offense, senior PJ Nowlin runs the team as the unquestioned leader on the court with his impact on both ends of the court. His ability to guard multiple positions and use that defense to generate offense both on the perimeter and inside makes him an intriguing prospect to watch.
First game: Lincoln (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 14
Arcadia Titans
After finally getting over the hump and winning a championship for the first time in school history, Arcadia enters the Summer hoping to build upon a strong foundation. He led the way as a freshman and entering his sophomore season, there's no doubt that this is Jacobi Thompson's team as he possesses one of the highest ceilings of any 2029 prospect in Arizona. Looking to step up and be the guy alongside Thompson will be Brock Knee who may be the best shooter in the state with a quick release on his shot that always looks like it's going in from deep.
First game: Redondo Union (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 15
Mesa Jackrabbits
The last month has been a whirlwind for Mesa basketball. First, Jakyi Miles transferred out of the program choosing to go to Arizona Compass Prep, the same school he attended while in middle school. Shortly after, Innocent Onwo was posted on social media to also be transferring out and off to Just Keep Pushing Prep. That was since deleted and Onwo returned to the program. Regardless of who is and who isn't in the program, the Jackrabbits have continued to "Carry On" and look strong entering Section 7. Onwo has come into his own as a star and that's been propped up by a slew of guards who impact the game differently. Daijon Grayson's athleticism is unmatched for the point guard position, Joshua Stewart and Steele Cummard each show skill running the offense as the primary ball handlers. But the sneaky strength of Mesa is their post duo of 6'8" Brig Bowden and 6'10" Jace Parris who can disrupt shots and crash the glass.
First game vs Francis Parker (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 16
Central Bobcats
It wasn't long ago, the excitement was in the air for what could the Mattingly brothers could do for the Central program. Fast forward two years and two 5A championships later, one brother is off to Nevada while the other is the star of the program. Grant Mattingly is a star in his own right and was the robin to his brother John as batman, but with him remaining and a lot of question marks, the younger Mattingly will have to put on the cape and take the reigns for a program in a state of transition.
First game: vs Crossroads (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 16
Sandra Day O'Connor Eagles
In the post-Covid era, no 6A program has seen its basketball program make a jump quite like O'Connor. The Eagles once again reached the Elite Eight of the open division under head coach Josh Cole and show no signs of slowing down their ability to contend for championships whether it's the open or 6A. Leading the way for the Eagles will be Terrance Byrd, who may be the biggest stock riser in the entire 2028 class having recently picked up an offer from Wisconsin. He'll lead the way on the wing for O'Connor as Samay Wagh, Carter Glass, and Liam Pavey all step into new roles following the graduations of a large senior group.
First game: Loyola (CA), 2:30 PM 6/12, CT. 15
Red Mountain Mountain Lions
Another program that has seen its basketball success rise during the same stretch post-Covid has been Red Mountain. The Mountain Lions return a large group of players after only graduating four seniors from last season's team. 2026-27's edition of Red Mountain hoops will see if the Darby brothers can lead the Mountain Lions deep into the postseason. Travon Darby enters Section 7 as one of the under the radar prospects that could see his recruitment take a jump after the event.
First game vs Windward (CA), 2:30 PM 6/12, CT. 16
ASEC Bracket
Chandler Wolves
Similar to Willow Canyon in another bracket, losing a division one prospect is a blow for any program. But Chandler hopes that it could be to their benefit as the Wolves were forced to change their play style. With no 6'8" player down in the post, the floor has opened up for senior guard JT Mercado and Kendall Stapleton who both look to attack downhill and finish. Both guards play off of each other and complement each other's skills making this duo a fast and fun pair as Chandler looks to push the pace and attack.
First game: San Joaquin Memorial (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 5
San Tan Charter Roadrunners
2A programs aren't supposed to beat big conference contenders and shouldn't have division one talent right? Don't let Kyli Crooms and his program hear that. The Roadrunners have become the premier small school program in the state and have become a transfer hot bed pulling Deer Valley transfer Jayden Hollie and Wisconsin transfer Zaivion Goudeau. That duo joins a returning cast of Dylan Vargas, rim rocker Jase Benjamin, scorer Peyton Lubash, and forward Kellan Walz. The defending copper division champions are heavy favorites to repeat and look to start the new year strong this weekend.
First game: vs Orange Lutheran (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 5
Ironwood Eagles
One of the consistent contenders in the 5A conference and one of the most consistent programs in all of Arizona across the last decade has been Ironwood. However, 2025-26 was a little bit of a learning experience for the Eagles, but if anything was learned it was that the Eagles are the Dewey Henry show. Henry following his transfer from West Point became the guy for Ironwood becoming a big shot maker and the guy with the ball in his hands down the stretch. That has continued into the offseason and looks to be the case entering Section 7.
First game: vs St Bernard College Prep (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 7
Cactus Shadows Falcons
Eight points. That's what separated Cactus Shadows from a trip to the 4A championship game following a wild comeback and a flu game performance from Myles Godfrey. That was last season, and Godfrey returns with division one ambition and state championship aspirations. The featured stars on this year's group is different but expect returning Terrell Fair III to give Godfrey the 1-2 punch he needs and Kasen Broeker to control the game inside.
First game: vs Arcadia (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 9
Campo Verde Coyotes
Similar to its east valley counterpart in 6A the Casteel Colts, Campo Verde may not have a division one bound star, but their brand of team basketball makes them a tough team to beat. Last season, the Coyotes jumped out as one of the darlings of the season before a quick postseason exit. This year, Campo Verde behind the duo of Conner Tefteller and Collin Kvamme as well as brothers Bronson and Coleton Hedges look to slow you down and force you into mistakes as they shrink the game. If you don't react quick, the Coyotes will.
First game: vs Sheldon (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 8
ABCA Bracket
Verrado Vipers
It's a new era in Buckeye as Brayden Barrett has graduated and is off to San Jose State but head coach Dra Rogers has a new look Verrado team ready to hit the ground running at Section 7. With nearly all production gone, for Section 7 Rogers is turning to a pair of Ironwood transfers in Carsyn Dean and Braylon Hartley to run the show. Gamell Halloway comes over from Estrella Foothills and brings much needed size to the frontcourt. The wild card will be guard Cash Rogers who will step into a much bigger role this season.
First game: vs Bakersfield Christian (CA), 3:45 PM 6/12, CT. 7
Highland Hawks
Replacing a twin tower frontcourt that got you deep in the open division postseason is a tall task. But when you're a program like Highland that has multiple players who can knock down any shot from deep, you learn how to adjust as needed. The Hawks are in a state of transition, they lost the bigs as mentioned above but also saw Nick Reber graduate early leaving a hole in the back court. Ty Crandall was already due for a strong senior campaign but he likely will have one of the best statistical seasons in the AIA. Tyce Taylor and Brody Knollmiller now make up the size of the Hawks but with guards like Chase Crandall and Bennett Christensen, Highland should still thrive.
First game: Marin Catholic (CA), 2:30 PM 6/12, Ct. 8
Carl Hayden Falcons
The Three-Five is still thriving. Carl Hayden returns to Section 7 hoping its fast pace and new emphasis on a defensive identity can translate to success for its crafty guard group. Remy Rose leads the way as the two-way point man who may be the best defending point guard in his class with athleticism to show for it on both ends. Davion Rhymes and Kash McKinney hold it down at the two with the ability to also play the one which is where Jasiah Lloyd looks to get burn in a sixth man role. The key will be unlocking the success of incoming freshman Travius Tucker-Evans who comes in to play on the wing with interesting upside.
First game: Heritage Christian (CA), 3:45 PM 6/12, CT. 9
John Dawson Foundation Bracket
Tucson Badgers
The unquestioned top program in southern Arizona once again returns to Section 7 looking to maximize what has become a yearly experience. Head coach Eric Langford is one of the top coaches in Arizona and the new look Badgers are ready to roll after losing multiple key contributors to graduation. Leading the way will be the duo of junior point guard Jaylan Knight and sophomore forward Peter Hiadzi who is one of the top prospects in southern Arizona.
First game: vs Canyon (CA), 3:45 PM 6/12, CT. 4
Desert Edge Scorpions
Not many programs have to deal with two state championship contenders down the road from their school with a national championship contender just a few miles away. But that's the reality for this team from Goodyear that took a step forward in year one under head coach Cameron Johnson. His son CJ, recently picked up his first division one offer from Bethune-Cookman and could pick up more with a strong weekend. Alongside the younger Johnson is a pair of returning upperclassmen who could see their recruitments jump off following a couple of good performances, Mekhi Storkel and Nick Appenzeller. The Scorpions will also be trotting out one of the best incoming shooters in the state, freshman Valentino Barnes.
First game: vs St Anthony (CA), 2:30 6/12, CT. 11
Hamilton Huskies
Year one in the Kendall Aldridge era had its moments of highs and lows and that trend continued beyond the regular season. On one end, losing Tre Terry to rival Basha is a gut punch. However gaining Kha'leal Brown from McClintock and pairing him with one of the top incoming freshmen in the state in 6'6" CJ Robinson is a good start. With Robinson's status for Section 7 in the air, the Huskies may not have a top prospect for college coaches but their guard group led by Brown and Tahj Storey, and Davis Mason can score in flurries and takeover the game.
First game: vs Campbell Hall (CA), 3:45 6/12, CT. 13
OrthoArizona Bracket
Paradise Valley Trojans
At first glance when the initial auto bids were given out, many were surprised to see Paradise Valley on the list. But all it takes is a few possessions to see why the upstart Trojans earned their way into the event. 6'5" sophomore Zane Graham has high upside and could be a division one prospect. Couple Graham with a lineup that may be one of the longest and largest relative to their respective positions and it's no surprise why Paradise Valley will catch attention from colleges during the weekend.
First game: vs St Pius-St Matthias (CA), 3:45 6/12, CT. 15
Cienega Bobcats
Last season no team may've caught as many people by surprise in the 5A conference as much as Cienega did. The Bobcats went 17-1 in powerpoint games however that didn't lead to postseason success as two losses in a row sent them home early. Now with a new coach and a new roster around star point guard Jackson Moore, the Bobcats are hoping to replicate as much of 2025-26's success as they can.
First game: vs Fairmont Prep (CA), 12 PM 6/12, CT. 15
Gilbert Tigers
One of the sneakiest teams to watch this upcoming season will be the young yet improved Gilbert Tigers. The upstart Tigers will have Malik Frazier at point guard who comes over from Bourgade Catholic, he joins a long lineup led by wing Kyle Speed Jr as well as a pair of forwards in Dominic Lampe and Kennison Grady add in an additional guard with Gabe Tucker and Gilbert has all the makings of a team that can shock teams this weekend and in 6A.
First game: vs Vanden (CA), 5 PM 6/12, CT. 14
Palo Verde Titans
One of the best stories across the last few seasons has been the emergence of Palo Verde basketball out of Tucson. A magnet school in the heart of east Tucson has made it to back-to-back state championships and has now played its way into the premier team event of the Summer. Leading the way both to a championship and into this weekend for the Titans is senior Rashad Ortiz who is a sniper from deep and can score in bunches and quick for Palo Verde. He's joined by Kamaiu Ortiz and Kristian White as the returning trio for the Titans but what they added via transfer will be interesting to see as time goes on.
First game: Torrey Pines (CA), 6:15 PM 6/12, CT. 14
Dorsey & Whitney LLP Bracket
Centennial Coyotes
It's a new era in Peoria. Year one under Zach Hettel saw the Coyotes compete for a region title and make the postseason. But many key pieces from that team are gone and that means it's time for new stars to step up. The biggest key to the Coyotes success will be senior guard Jeremiah Haslerig who figures to be the leading shot taker and maker in a rotation that will be completely overhauled. There's many questions, but there's no doubt the Coyotes will compete and be ready for what's ahead.
First game: vs University (CA), 5 PM 6/12, CT. 13
Mesquite Wildcats
Another 4A team to watch will be Mesquite who got better as last season went on and after a strong appearance last weekend at the Best In Basketball Summer Invitational looks ready to take a jump this Summer. The Wildcats are led by a strong trio that compliments each other. Luke Galvanoni is on the wing attacking the rim but also shows the ability to spot up. Taj Deloney runs the offense from the top of the key and can blow past almost any defender while Noah Garven sets up on the perimeter and is ready to shoot. A lineup that can score and attack in different ways.
First game: vs Clovis North (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 2
Dysart Demons
Continuing the trend of 4A teams is a program that year in and year out is in contention for the 4A crown, the Dysart Demons. Under Keegan Cook, the Demons have become a threat in 4A however this year is a new look for Dysart. A strong senior class has since moved on and a few players have transferred out. Yet the Demons still have one of the best duos in 4A with Jordan Cruz at point with Ashton Havvard at forward. With those two running the show, Dysart will still compete but what production they get from the rest of the team is the key.
First game: vs Pacifica Christian (CA), 5 PM 6/12, CT. 12
Westview Knights
Westview for many years was a threat yearly and after a few down years, Kellan Holmes has come in and returned the program to contender status in short time. Leading the charge for the new era has been guard Myking Marfell-Williams who controls the team as the point guard and orchestrates the system the Knights like to run. Marfell-Williams now has a new partner with 6'5" Jamari Stephenson having made his way over from Millennium to become a focal point for Westview. The return to contention couples with the program jumping back up to the 5A conference.
First game: vs Santiago (CA), 1:15 PM 6/12, CT. 6
Prescott Badgers
Unlike most high school teams, Prescott is truly a rarity in modern basketball at this level. The Badgers have completely transitioned from a guard reliant team to one that plays through their double big lineup before the play settles on the perimeter. The Badgers rely on two under the radar guys in junior wing Caden Lozen and center Drew Jolley. Both bigs compliment each other well as Lozen can play outside the paint letting Jolley play to his strengths.
First game: vs Chaminade (CA), 5 PM 6/12, CT. 11
Silver Waves Media Bracket
Arizona College Prep Knights
For a program that finished 2025-26 3-19 in the 5A conference and is transitioning into the 6A conference, many would expect a program to roll over and just accept things aren't meant for them. But, ACP is not most programs. The Knights rolled through the qualifier defeating Estrella Foothills, Maryvale, Arizona Lutheran, and Sahuaro as the No. 8 seed in its bracket to advance to the main weekend. ACP did this behind a strong performance from forward Sam Hickson and guards Arash Kharot and Jake Steele.
West Point Dragons
Prior to last offseason, many expected West Point to take a step back. The Dragons then proceeded to make their bracket final at Section 7 and made the open division postseason. The same conversations took place again which led to West Point being placed in the qualifier as a No. 1 seed. The Dragons rolled through Marcos De Niza, Skyline, and Catalina Foothills to clinch a spot in the main weekend. This year's group is led by the duo of King Kalikilwa and 6'8" center Gabe Mwizerwa.
First game: Milken Community (CA), 5 PM 6/12, CT. 7
Williams Field Black Hawks
No top seed in the qualifier brackets had as tough of a road into the main weekend as Williams Field did. As the top overall one see, the Black Hawks got started with a victory over Fountain Hills but had to sweat out tough victories over Sunrise Mountain and Cactus Canyon to narrowly clinch a spot in Section 7. Senior point guard Jacai Reed led the show for a Black Hawk team that outdueled multiple talented guards during its path to the weekend.
First game: vs Great Oak (CA), 6:15 PM 6/12, CT. 7
Gilbert Christian Knights
Not many small school programs have been a consistent thorn in the side of larger programs quite like Gilbert Christian has been. Although the Knights are in a slight rebuild, that didn't stop the strong returning group they had from running the table as a three seed in their bracket to reach the main weekend. Behind Hudson Noll on the wing, the Knights defeated Youngker, Shadow Ridge, Salpointe Catholic, and Mountain View. Noll is joined by a trio of guards that include Colin Burke, Jacob Jensen, and Trey Cicierelli.
First game: vs Murrieta Mesa (CA), 5 PM 6/12, CT. 8
Valley Christian Trojans
The last and final auto bid of Section 7 went to a program that for decades has been the benchmark of small school basketball in Arizona. However, with their loss in last year's copper division championship coupled with their first season in a while without a high level college prospect, there's questions in the air about Valley Christian. The Trojans enter a new era where a balanced team style will reign supreme as Calvin McCrory, Mason Tamlyn, and Max Johnson will have to lead the way as 6'8" center Bryson Eldridge will miss Section 7.
First game: vs Legacy (NV), 6:15 PM 6/12, CT. 13
Saguaro Sabercats
No program went through the ringer this offseason quite like Saguaro. The Sabercats reached the 4A conference semifinals in March and looked poised to possibly win a 4A championship with a trio of impressive sophomores. Now in June all three of those sophomores are elsewhere and Saguaro is left with the kids who want to be there, and head coach Lucas Ramirez wouldn't want it any other way. The Sabercats still have talent such as sophomore guard Jalen Knighton who figures to be a breakout sophomore star in the 4A conference. He'll be joined sophomore guard Ikenna Epum and junior forward Isaac Hnat.
First game: vs Serra (CA), 5PM 6/12, CT. 9
Chaparral Firebirds
Making it look easy, that was the theme of the qualifier for the Chaparral Firebirds who breezed through Pusch Ridge, ALA Queen Creek, and La Joya to clinch a spot in the main weekend as the top seed in their bracket. For how easy the Firebirds make it look, it's not a surprise with how detailed and how team oriented they play. Chaparral is led by a duo of high academic guards that get the job done in the classroom and score on the court, Jaiden Hong and Chase Swenson.
First game: vs Redwood (CA), 6:15 PM 6/12, CT. 9
Huettner Family Bracket
Notre Dame Prep
The figurative last spot into the main weekend went to the Saints from Scottsdale who defeated Florence, North Valley Christian, and Rancho Solano Prep to qualify for the event. The Saints are led by a trio of junior prospects who return from a team that went on a cinderella run in the 5A postseason. Preston Bauer, Owen Pope, and Chase Foreman lead the way for Notre Dame as each of them provide different skills for a balanced Saint lineup.
First game: Clovis (NM), 7:15 PM 6/13, CT. 6
Native American Qualifier Winner: Monument Valley
Congratulations to Monument Valley who won the first ever Native American qualifier bracket during the Section 7 qualifying rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Mustangs defeated Window Rock and Yakima Nation (WA) to clinch a spot into the main weekend of Section 7. The Mustangs will open up against Santa Fe Christian (CA) at 6 PM on Saturday night.
Comments