Arizona girls' high school basketball Super 10: Dec. 28
It wasn’t a landmark week at the Nike Tournament of Champions for Arizona schools, which failed to register a single semifinal appearance in the tournament’s six high school divisions. These early-season tournaments, though, are as much about learning as winning. Now, as the calendar turns to 2024 and section play kicks into gear, that calculus will begin to change.
As it does, here are The Republic’s top 10 teams in the state:
Phoenix Xavier Prep, 12-3
After beating ESPN’s No. 9 team in the nation, Sacred Heart (Ky.), to open the Tournament of Champions, Xavier Prep didn’t live up to that level for the rest of the tournament, dropping their final three games by at least 15 points. Two of those games, though, came against top 15 teams in ESPN’s national rankings. Even if the results weren’t what Xavier Prep wanted, the experience will serve them well come February.
2. Phoenix Desert Vista, 10-4
In the Joe Smith division of the Tournament of Champions, Desert Vista continued the growth it’s showed since the start of the season. The Thunder lost to 9-2 St. Mary’s (Calif.) in their second game but still went 3-1 during the week. Transfer Aniyah Riddell made an instant impact in some of her first games of the season, including with a double-double in the loss to St. Mary’s.
3. Chandler Hamilton, 10-4
Along with Desert Vista, Hamilton was one of two Arizona schools in the Joe Smith division — the second-most prestigious of the six. The Huskies didn’t perform as well as the Thunder, but they did pick up a nice win over Buena Park (Calif.), a 7-5 team out of the Los Angeles area.
4. Gilbert, 10-4
Gilbert was off this week, but its win over Gilbert Mesquite back on Dec. 7 looks even better after the Wildcats finished fifth place in the John Anderson division of the Tournament of Champions. Few teams have improved their stock more since the start of the season than the Tigers.
More girls' basketball reading: Bella Vista Prep wins sole Arizona team title at 2023 Nike TOC high school girls hoops event
5. Goodyear Millennium, 10-4
After beating Surprise Valley Vista two weeks ago, this week was a step back for Millennium. The Tigers went 1-3 at the Tournament of Champions, including a 48-41 loss to Phoenix Country Day School in the 13th place game.
6. Surprise Valley Vista, 6-3
Valley Vista has been off since Dec. 16. The Monsoon are back in action on Jan. 5 against Avondale West Point.
7. Tucson Salpointe Catholic, 7-2
Salpointe Catholic was another top team out of action during the Tournament of Champions. With their 4A schedule, the Lancers could rack up the wins over the next month.
8. Gilbert Mesquite, 13-2
Mesquite was among the biggest winners from the Tournament of Champions. The Wildcats opened with a win over Salesian Prep (Calif.) and an overtime loss to Park Hill South (Mo.) before impressive wins over a pair of strong opponents, Harpeth Hall (Tenn.) and St. Anthony (Calif.). In Navae Guidry and Vanessa Sepulveda, this team has two players that can score 20 points on any given night.
9. Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, 8-4
Like so many of Arizona’s top teams, O’Connor went 1-3 in its four games at the Tournament of Champions. All three of the Eagles’ losses, though, were by seven points or fewer. They’ll be hoping those tight contests prepared them for a difficult January that includes games against Xavier Prep, Phoenix Pinnacle and Phoenix Sunnyslope.
10. Phoenix Country Day School, 10-3
Until this week, it was difficult to tell just how good PCDS is. The 2A Eagles had dominated overmatched competition but in their one real test, they were blown out by Xavier Prep. Problem is, Xavier Prep is the best team in the state — a difficult challenge for anyone. Thursday’s 48-41 win over Millennium, though, proved PCDS’ legitimacy. If they were allowed in the Open Division, this team would be capable of a deep run.
Also considered: Phoenix Pinnacle, Gilbert Perry, Chandler Seton Catholic, Waddell Canyon View, Mesa Dobson, Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, Goodyear Estrella Foothills.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona girls' high school basketball Super 10: Dec. 28
