Arizona’s top high school boys basketball teams delivered major upsets, rivalry drama and standout performances on Friday and Saturday (Jan. 16–17, 2026), shaking up the AIA rankings and intensifying the Open Division playoff race. The weekend saw a state title contender felled by an unranked opponent, powerhouse programs extending win streaks with blowout victories, and one elite squad making a statement on the national stage. Here is a comprehensive recap of the key games, players and storylines from a pivotal weekend in Open Division boys hoops.
Friday Night Fireworks: Upsets and Statement Wins
A stunning upset headlined Friday’s action, as the Casteel Colts knocked off the top ranked Perry Pumas 60–48 in Queen Creek. Casteel, a team on the Open Division bubble, sprang the ambush on Perry behind stifling defense and timely shooting. Perry entered the night as a presumed Open Division No. 1 seed but was held to a season low 48 points. The loss is Perry’s first in Arizona play this season and could unseat them from the top spot in the AIA power rankings. For Casteel, the marquee win dramatically boosts their Open Division resume and reinforces belief that they can compete with the state’s elite.
In Chandler, a heated rivalry delivered on its hype as the Basha Bears defeated the Hamilton Huskies 69–53 in front of a packed gym. Basha’s depth and defensive intensity wore down Hamilton in the second half, turning a close contest into a double digit victory. Senior leadership proved critical, as the Bears answered every Hamilton run and controlled the tempo late. Hamilton, a perennial contender, suffers another region loss and will need to regroup to solidify its Open Division positioning. The rivalry win keeps Basha rolling and cements the Bears as the East Valley team to beat.
Several top contenders delivered emphatic statement wins Friday, asserting dominance as the season enters its back stretch. Sunnyslope steamrolled Corona del Sol 76–40 on the road. The Vikings’ trademark defense held Corona to just 15 first half points, extending Sunnyslope’s winning streak and strengthening their case for the No. 1 overall Open Division seed. Meanwhile, Sandra Day O’Connor delivered one of the most eye opening results of the night by routing Boulder Creek 68–38 in a clash of top tier 6A programs. A decisive third quarter run blew the game open and avenged last season’s close loss. The 30 point margin against a highly ranked opponent could vault O’Connor up the rankings while shaking up the Desert Valley region race.
Other Open Division frontrunners handled business to stay on track for postseason byes. Highland overwhelmed Queen Creek 80–52, showcasing balanced scoring and improving to 4–0 in region play. Liberty dominated Mountain Ridge 86–48 on the road behind relentless pace and depth. Among 5A powers, Notre Dame Prep cruised past Scottsdale Chaparral 82–51 with a barrage of three pointers, while Willow Canyon stayed undefeated with an 81–47 win over Kellis. Ironwood delivered the most explosive performance of the night, hitting the century mark in a 100–41 demolition of Lake Havasu. Nine Eagles scored in the rout, underscoring Ironwood’s offensive depth and Open Division credentials.
Not all victories came easily. Brophy Prep survived a late surge to escape Desert Vista with a 65–61 road win in a rematch of last year’s semifinal. After leading comfortably late, the Broncos leaned on clutch free throws to avoid a damaging loss. West Point also faced resistance before pulling away from Apollo 61–53, preserving its first place standing in region play. These narrow wins may prove crucial as teams battle for playoff positioning.
Saturday Spotlight: Millennium Shines on National Stage
Saturday brought national attention to Arizona as Millennium delivered a statement victory at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Tigers defeated New York powerhouse Christ the King 62–47, pulling away late to secure an 18 point win. Sophomore forward Trey McKinney led the way with 23 points and eight rebounds on efficient shooting, outshining senior star Cameron Holmes and signaling the emergence of a new focal point for Millennium. While the win will not directly impact AIA power ratings, it reinforced Millennium’s status as a legitimate Open Division title threat and showcased Arizona basketball on a national stage.
St. Mary’s also competed in Hoophall action, gaining valuable experience against elite competition despite falling short in its matchup. Back in Arizona, Mesa earned a quality 75–68 win over Democracy Prep of Nevada in a showcase game, using a strong fourth quarter to pull away. Salpointe Catholic continued its strong Southern Arizona run with a 71–58 victory over Ironwood Ridge, keeping the Lancers firmly in the Open Division discussion.
Rankings and Open Division Playoff Picture
The weekend results carry major implications for the Open Division playoff race as the regular season moves into its final month. Perry’s upset loss opens the door for Sunnyslope to claim the top ranking after another dominant performance. Millennium remains entrenched near the top following its national showcase win, while Sandra Day O’Connor’s blowout of Boulder Creek could trigger one of the biggest ranking jumps of the week.
Basha strengthened its position among the Open elite, while Notre Dame Prep and Ironwood continued to separate themselves as the class of 5A. Highland and Liberty further solidified Open Division bids with convincing wins. On the bubble, Hamilton’s loss tightens its margin for error, while Casteel’s upset of Perry significantly boosts its chances of earning a spot in the 32 team field.
As January winds down, the Open Division picture continues to take shape, but little is settled. Upsets remain possible, depth continues to matter, and no contender can afford to slip. If this weekend was any indication, the race to the Open Division tournament will be as competitive and unpredictable as ever.
