Arizona is rocking right now. There may not have been a state in America that has seen more growth in the basketball space over the past 15 years. In fact, Arizona’s AIA Open Division bracket was recently ranked as the second toughest in the country only behind California’s CIF Southern Section open playoffs by Maxpreps. Given the influx of talent and great coaching, the AIA Open Division Final Four was a must scout event on the West Coast.
Held at gorgeous Chapparal High School in Scottsdale, the AIA Final Four had an absolutely electric atmosphere. Both games sold out instantly with the gym being cleared immediately in between, giving fans from all squads an equal opportunity to get the gym hyped.
Ultimately, unranked St. Mary’s (featuring Duke bound McDonald’s All-American Cameron Williams) topped an absolutely loaded and previously ranked No, 23 FAB 50 Millennium squad, 66-64, courtesy of an epic Mick Riordan buzzer beating three pointer when Williams was triple teamed on the out of bounds play.
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 the other semi-final, fans got some free basketball in an overtime thriller that eventual AIA Open Division State champion and then FAB 50 No. 29 Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) beat Basha (Chandler, Ariz.), 67-64. The game offered D-1 prospects at every position and may have had a different outcome had San Francisco bound Basha playmaker Delton Prescott not battled immense foul trouble the entire game.
With all that talent, it was tough to pick just six, but here were some standouts from the AIA Open Division Final Four:
Cameron Williams, 7’0, PF, St. Mary’s HS (Ariz.), 2026
The epitome of today’s new age big man, Cam Williams brought the full arsenal in St. Mary’s last second victory over Millennium. The agile forward showcased elite agility on both ends of the hardwood, was comfortable shooting the ball out to the 3-point line, and utilized his height to post smaller defenders. The similarities that the five star Duke recruit has to Cavs star Evan Mobley are undeniable and his play in the AIA tournament definitely put him in the conversation for top player in 2026 nationally.
Adan Diggs, 6’5, SG, Millennium HS (Ariz.), 2028
Recently ranked as the top player in the nation by Rivals, Adan Diggs certainly did everything in his power to show The Valley that his ranking was justified. The bouncy two guard scored at all three levels off the bounce, was an an outstanding cutter, and played with a higher motor than we’ve ever seen out of him. There wasn’t much more that Diggs could to in his 33 point performance to justify the fact that he’s next up in Arizona.
Photo: @delton3prescott
Delton Prescott, 5’10, PG, Sunnyslope HS (Ariz.), 2027
Perhaps the best pure point guard in Arizona, Delton Prescott showed everyone that while he may not be the biggest dude, he’s simply a winner in Sunnyslope’s state title run. The heady playmaker plays with elite pace, makes crazy reads in pick and roll play, and also maintains a constant presence as a scoring threat. You would be hard pressed to find many better pure point guards in the 2027 class than Delton Prescott, but now you can call him a state champ.
Rider Portela, 6’6, SG/SF, Sunnyslope HS (Ariz.), 2026
After deeply evaluating him for the first time at last year’s AIA Final Four, it’s great to see the growth that Rider Portela has made in his game. The versatile wing can play all three perimeter spots if needed, is a willing defender, and uses his IQ to play the game at his own pace. The son of Basha head coach Ray Portela took himself from a mid-major recruit to a high-major one in the past 12 months, as he will be rocking a jersey for Colorado next season.
Desean Middlebrook, 6’5, SF, Basha HS (Ariz.), 2026
A player that I hadn’t seen a ton of, Desean Middlebrooks is the type of glue guy that every elite program needs. Able to play inside or out, the versatile forward brings the type of versatility that you hope for in today’s positionless game. He is able to defend multiple spots, can hit open threes with his feet set, and can exploit you in the post. Still wide open recruitment wise, Desean is definitely name that you want to look at if you have scholarships to fill.
Mick Riordan,6’1, PG, St. Mary’s (Ariz.), 2027
Making the biggest shot of the year for St. Mary’s, Mick Riordan showed that he’s got the type of moxy that you hope for out of a lead guard. He’s an outstanding shooter with his feet set, has great touch once he gets into the paint, and knows how to utilize his change of speed. What Riordan showed in the state tourney definitely made him a guy that I look forward to watching more on the AAU circuit.
Editor’s Pick
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