Elite 50: Counting down top 2023-24 Arizona high school girls basketball players

The 2023-24 Arizona high school girls' basketball season will reach its midpoint in January.

Here's a rundown of 50 players, who have produced big numbers and drawn many college offers, highly anticipated arrivals after sitting out because of the AIA's transfer rule, and playing well in this week's national extravaganza Nike Tournament of Champions in Mesa.

1. Shay Ijiwoye, Phoenix Desert Vista, senior guard

Currently averaging the defending Open Division champion Desert Vista (7-3) on team-highs 15.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 4.0 steals, and is within the state's top 10 at 0.3 charges drawn per game. The best player in the state doesn't necessarily mean they're the best scorer. It means that they're the most impactful on a top team in the raw stats of scoring (especially in the clutch), rebounding, and assists, how they make their teammates better as an elite defender, facilitator, and overall leader. The 5-foot-7 Stanford-committed point guard Ijiwoye fulfills that as this poll's top-ranked player for the second straight year.

2. Elli Guiney, Goodyear Millennium, senior guard

Proven winner, a great outside shooter, a tough defender, high basketball IQ, and is stellar in creating shots for herself and her teammates. The UNLV-commit Guiney is averaging the state’s second-best 25.8 points per game at an efficient 58% clip and 48% from deep, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. She's the state's most decorated two-guard for the past three seasons, having led Millennium (9-1) to nothing short of a state championship appearance. That includes the last two of Millennium's four-peat 5A conference dynasty during her freshman and sophomore years, and the team's Open Division title game loss last season.

3. Dominique Nesland, Phoenix Xavier Prep, senior guard

Nesland is the state's most gifted playmaker and facilitator by possessing an uncanny, owl-like court vision, elite basketball IQ, smooth outside shooter, and thrives on defense. Committed to Division I High Point, Nesland is putting up many of the best numbers on the vaunted Xavier Prep, which is expected to be an Open Division championship contender in March. She's posting team-highs 14.8 points and 3.6 steals, hits 58% of her shots including 43% from the 3, grabs 4.4 rebounds, leads the state and is currently in the nation's top 10 at 8.1 assists per game.

4. Sarah Miller, Phoenix Xavier Prep, senior guard

If Nesland is the Xavier Prep's engine, Miller resembles its pistons that revs it up for the races. Future Ivy Leaguer committed to Penn, Miller has come back in full force after she was sidelined all last season from a torn ACL. She's the Gators' most talented scorer producing 13.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 steals. Shifty shot creator off the dribble who penetrates through any kind of defensive schemes thrown at her, a strong finisher in the paint who accepts contact well, and is dangerous in transition with great speed. Miller put on a show dropping a game-high 29 points to lead Xavier over the nation's No. 7-ranked team Sacred Heart (Louisville, Kentucky) on the Nike Tournament of Champions' opening day on Monday.

5. Destiny "Ky'She" Lunan, Millennium, junior guard

Every Power 5 college conference has a team that team wants Lunan. She's received offers from Syracuse, Florida, Kentucky, Utah, Michigan, Arizona, and the extensive list goes on and on. Lunan is a smooth lefty with a long wingspan, cat-quick crossover dribble and ball-handling skills like a yo-yo exhibitionist, and a solid jump shot off the bounce. She began her high school career by helping lead Surprise Valley Vista to the 2022 6A conference title, then transferred to Scottsdale Bella Vista had a standout season there, and is back at her hometown school Millennium. But she hasn't played his season yet because of the AIA's transfer rule. Lunan's case is being reviewed by the AIA's Executive Board soon to determine when she's eligible to play. If Lunan is cleared to play this season, she and Guiney could be in the conversation with Nesland and Miller as the state's top tandems.

6. Olivia Owens, Phoenix Country Day, junior guard

Owens led Phoenix Country Day to the 2A state title last season as a sophomore after she transferred from the now-defunct Phoenix PHH Prep girls program. Make no mistake about her talent level playing in 2A because Owens is the real deal. She’s a slasher who can breeze past anyone in isolation plays and has a solid stepback jump shot off the dribble, plus is a state champion high jumper. Owens has produced 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two steals through three games, plus missed some time in this early season from a leg injury. She’s getting much attention from D-1 offers such as UNLV, Long Beach State, and Loyola Marymount (LMU).

7. Taliyah Henderson, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, junior forward

Henderson has been impressive since her freshman season when she helped lead Salpointe to the 4A state title. She’s 6-foot-1, plays very physical with finesse, has a deep cache of post moves and can solid stroke from mid-range and the perimeter. She’s the state’s most recruited forward receiving a glut of offers from top programs including, but not limited to, the nation’s No. 4-ranked Iowa, Oregon, California, Michigan, Washington State and Central Florida, Arizona, and Arizona State. Henderson has been out from a knee injury and likely will come back in January.

8. Adeang Ring, Scottsdale Bella Vista Prep, senior center

Central Florida commit Ring has a sinewy 6-foot-5 frame with lots of length and athleticism. She’s the Grind Session prep circuit’s best big alongside Fenn. Ring is an elite shot blocker, has solid footwork to finish well around the rim, can play with her back to the basket on duck-ins to the paint and facing the hoop, is great in pick and rolls, and stretches defenses with her soft shooting touch from deep off of fades from screens.

9. Sydney Fenn, Chandler AZ Compass Prep, senior forward

This 6-foot-3 post and wing player is a Buffalo, New York native who makes her presence felt in the middle on both ends of the floor. She’s committed to 16th-ranked Indiana, and is the top player on AZ Compass Prep’s elite national team that has shipped out D-1 talent yearly since the start of this decade. She’s the Dragons’ defensive anchor with lots of size that she uses well to her advantage.

10. Heather Stedman, Pinnacle, junior forward

Stedman can do it all on offense and defense with her. At 6 feet tall, she leads one of 6A’s deepest teams Pinnacle in scoring (17.6 points), steals (2.9), blocks (1.0), and is the team’s second-highest rebounder (4.6) per game. She’s gotten offers from GCU, Florida Atlantic, Elon, Utah State, Hawaii, San Jose State, LaSalle, Long Beach State, Fresno State, LMU, and Pacific.

11. Jocelyn Chavez, Surprise Valley Vista, senior forward

Similar to Guiney, Chavez hasn’t been in anything short of a 6A championship since her freshman year. Committed to New Jersey-based D-1 school Rider, Chavez combines flash-taking defenders off the dribble into the paint to rack up dimes, outside shooting, solid assist-to-turnover efficiency, and size as a 5-foot-9. She’s averaging 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, team-highs 4.6 assists, and 1.4 steals.

12. Aiyanna Perkins, Bella Vista Prep, junior guard

Perkins had one of the state’s top-scoring averages last season and scored her 1,000^th point at Tempe McClintock. Then she took her talents to North Scottsdale’s Bella Vista this off-season. At 5-foot-7, she’s got an explosive first step on drives and snatching steals to start fast breaks, getting hit in the paint doesn’t faze her, plays like she’s ambidextrous, and can leap like a kangaroo to grab rebounds.

13. Dylan Swindle, Desert Vista, junior guard

Second-leading scorer behind Ijiwoye on Desert Vista at 14.5 points per game. Swindle is also producing 3.2 steals, five rebounds, 2.2 assists, leads the team at 39% from deep, and is fearless attacking the hoop. She received her first D-1 offer from Fresno State earlier this month.

14. America Cazares, Pueblo, sophomore guard

After sharing the spotlight with her sister, Victoria, last year, America is the star for Pueblo now. She's living up to the billing and then some, averaging the state's best 31.2 points per game. In a win over Tucson Palo Verde earlier this month, she set Pueblo's school record with a 59-point performance. She's a skilled player who can score at all three levels.

15. Savanna Creal, Chandler Hamilton, senior forward

Best player for high-powered Hamilton (9-2), which is expected to make a deep Open playoff run. The 5-foot-10 wing Creal will play for Vermont in college next year. Streaky shooter from deep, sneaky in transition with a knack for steals and scoring on the break, and intelligently gets teammates open and racks up assists from making defenses shifts toward her in the half-court.

16. Mia Singstock, Phoenix Pinnacle, senior forward

One of the purest shooters on this list and a great rebounder committed to Division II school Southern Nazarene. Singstock entered as Pinnacle’s top player during her freshman season, has been its heart and soul throughout her time here, and helped revive it to a 6A title contender or a deep Open run in February. She’s averaging the team’s second-best 15 points, leads with 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest.

17. Aniyah Rowe, AZ Compass, senior guard

Buffalo-commit and 5-foot-7 combo guard who facilitates the AZ Compass’ fast-paced offense and can score at a high rate. She’s the best all-around player for Compass who brings strength to rack up and-ones and get to the free throw line, great midrange shot, a wide assortment of moves with her handle, and gritty defender.

18. Eanae Dagons, Desert Vista, senior guard

Desert Vista might have three players in the top 15, including Ijiwoye, but much of the reason for its excellence lies in their depth. Dagons is the perfect example. She's averaging an efficient 12.5 points per game on 58% shooting to start the season, while also playing strong defense.

19. Sage Henry, Gilbert Perry, sophomore guard

Henry was the second-best player behind The Republic’s 2023 Player of the Year Khamil Pierre, who’s now playing for Vanderbilt. Henry helped lead Perry to the Open semifinal and lost to runner-up Millennium as a freshman. This season, Henry is leading the Pumas despite their struggles (6-8). She’s 5-foot-9 with a length and great lateral quickness, a formidable shooter, and tough to get past at half-court when she is on defense. Henry has offers from D-1 schools such as Missouri, San Diego State, Southern Utah, Utah, Colorado State, San Jose State, and Kansas State.

20. Emma Dasovich, Valley Vista, senior forward

The New Mexico State commit is difficult to box out from the glass with her big frame at 6 feet tall, and is one of the state’s best passing bigs. She’s averaging 12.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks.

21. Thalia Daniels, Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor, senior guard

Too quick for bigs, and too strong for small defenders. Daniels is a physical specimen at 5-foot-9 who balances power with finesse on drives, smartly creates separation to shoot over defenders when they play too close, and is a defensive pest. She’s averaging the respectable 6A team SDOC (8-2) team-best 18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, the Eagles’ second-most three steals and 3.1 assists, plus 1.1 blocks per game.

22. Bella Burcar, Perry, sophomore guard

Burcar was one of the state’s highly anticipated transfers after leading Flagstaff to the 4A title as a freshman, the program’s first in over 30 years. That accomplishment established her identity as an elite player rather than just relying on clout as the daughter of Northern Arizona men’s basketball coach Shane Burcar. She’s 5-foot-10 with a high basketball IQ and can fill out his individual stat sheet among top competition. She had to sit out several of Perry’s initial games this season from the transfer rule, and is beginning to find her stride in 6A.

23. Callie “CJ” Hinder, Hamilton, sophomore center

The tallest player on this list and the state at 6-foor-6 transferred from Tempe Corona del Sol and is producing well right away. Hinder doesn’t just rely on her height. She’s scrappy in the paint, knows how to get others open, can shoot from mid-range, and is an elite shot-blocker who brings lots of skill to Hamilton’s stacked roster.

24. Meisha Caserio, Gilbert, senior guard

Gilbert has one of 6A’s best records (10-1), the most continuity and experience with its roster next to Xavier in 6A, and Caserio is Gilbert’s leader who’s most efficient player for four seasons. She’s gotten better every year and has made herself and her teammates better along the way. Caserio is a lightning-fast point guard, dangerous in the Tiger’s point of attack, and has blue-collar style defense. producing 14.3 points, 6A’s current ninth-best 4.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.

25. Mackenzie Buckner, Laveen Betty H Fairfax, junior forward

Buckner is a 6-foot-1 jack of all trades who’s a walking double-double. She’s the top player on Fairfax (4-4) who is a nightmare to keep off the boards, handles the ball well in the open floor, and has comfort playing multiple positions. She also checks all boxes on her effective spin moves in the post, ball movement and screens to teammates for better shots when she draws double teams, and soft shooting touch.

26. Norah Moo, Pinnacle, junior center

A transfer big from 2A power Scottsdale Christian, who is the center that Pinnacle needed to improve its inside presence. Moo was in the nation's top 10 in rebounding last season averaging a monstrous 17.8 per game with her 15.4 points, and is doing similar marks at Pinnacle producing a double-double this season.

27. Aniyah Riddell, Desert Vista, senior center

LMU-commit who is tough to battle against in the paint at 6 feet and has albatross-like arms, soft hands, and is an immense space eater in the post. Riddell transferred from Phoenix Mountain Pointe to Desert Vista this season to bring the Thunder more height and rim protection. Her numbers have dropped this season because Desert Vista has so much talent and the ball can only be shared so much among its highly talented roster. Riddell is averaging 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and assists in 13 minutes per game, but she's still one of the best bigs around.

28. Kinsey Murray, Valley Vista, freshman guard

A group of freshmen has taken the state by storm early this year. Murray is among the leaders of that cohort, averaging 16.0 points per game. She's a three-level scorer, but most of her contributions early on have come inside as she's showcased her quickness and ball-handling ability.

29. Aspen McClees, Gilbert, sophomore forward

McClees is the perfect complement to Caserio for a Gilbert team that has impressed in the early going. At 5-foot-10, she's an interior force who leads the Tigers in scoring, rebounding and blocks.

30. Ava Pautz, Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, senior forward

Pautz has developed as a scorer over the past two years, going from 15.3 points per game as a sophomore to 18.5 as a junior and now 19.1 to start her senior season. The Missouri Southern State commit added a jump shot that makes her even more difficult to defend.

31. Hannah Williams, Salpointe Catholic, junior forward

In the absence of Henderson and Sidney Anderson — who is awaiting her eligibility after transferring — the Lancers needed someone to step up for the early portion of the season. Williams has fit the bill, averaging 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.

32. Caia Campbell, Gilbert, freshman guard

Campbell is an elite shooter from beyond the arc — she's making 44% of her threes so far this year — but she's not a one-trick pony. The freshman also leads Gilbert in assists, with 5.7 per game, while limiting her turnovers. That number is a testament to her ball handling and court vision.

33. Irene “Noelle” Guiamatsia, Xavier Prep, sophomore center

Plays both at the four and five spots for the Gators. Guiamatsia’s not just a project at 6-foot-4 because she’s already got skills around the basket and runs the floor like a guard. She’s posting the team’s third-best 12.1 points, and leads with 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.

34. Trinity Jones, Desert Vista, junior guard

The 5-foot-7 Jones transferred into Desert Vista from Mauldin High School (S. Carolina) in the off-season, has impressive handles, and is already showing her scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc. She's another smart player on a team full of them, complementing Ijiwoye well in the backcourt to fill the void after Jerzy Robinson left Desert Vista for national powerhouse Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Cali.) Jones is putting up solid numbers at 11.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 steals in 17 minutes per contest.

35. Sophie Morales, Seton Catholic, junior guard

As the floor leader for legendary coach Karen Self's Sentinels (8-2) this season, Morales is putting up solid stats with her crafty skill set running the point. Morales is averaging 11 points, distributing well for a team-high five assists, and snaring 2.2 steals.

36. Audrey Bhesania, Sandra Day O'Connor, sophomore guard/forward

Bhesania has provided an excellent complement to Thalia Daniels for O'Connor. She's an incredible passer for a 5-foot-10 sophomore — averaging 5.5 assists per game — and can hit the occasional three, making her a difficult puzzle for opposing defenses. She's scoring 15.9 points per game.

37. Sidney Anderson, Salpointe Catholic, junior guard

Anderson hasn't yet become eligible after transferring to Salpointe Catholic from Tucson Ironwood Ridge in the off-season, but there's no doubting her ability. She has Division I offers from Yale, NAU, Fresno State and more. Last season, she averaged 20.3 points per game as the main piece for Ironwood Ridge.

38. Aila Kaibara, Phoenix Country Day, junior guard

Kaibara is a weapon from beyond the arc, shooting 39% from deep and attempting more than eight per game. That efficiency has helped her average 23.8 points for a 2A PCDS team that would not be out of place in 6A.

39. Bella Abt, Prescott, sophomore forward

Abt might be the best-kept secret because she's at Prescott (5-5), which is in 4A and way up in northern Arizona. She's 6-foot, has an eagle-like wingspan, and is a menace on defense with indefatigable stamina being everywhere on the court. Abt leads the state in rebounds (14.4), leads the team with four assists per game and, 3.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, and posts the Badgers' second-best 14.7 points behind top scorer Addie Prisciandaro's 21.2.

40. Ahdiyah Chee, Mesa Dobson, senior forward

Chee helped lead Dobson to within two points of a 6A title last year as the Mustangs’ leading scorer. She can put the ball in the hoop from all three levels and is the first name that opposing coaches focus on when playing Dobson.

41. Sierra Bomhower, Yuma Cibola, senior forward

Bomhower is an interior force who is also a key piece for Cibola’s volleyball team. She takes that skillset to the basketball court, using her 5-foot-10 frame and athleticism to help her average 18.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

42. Dashia Richardson, Millennium, freshman guard

Richardson has stepped up well for Millennium in Lunan's absence, leading the team in at 3.6 assists, 4.9 steals, the Tigers' second-most 12.1 points on 53% shooting. She's the future of Millennium after the team loses Guiney to graduation next season, and will be playing with Lunan as well.

43. Leila O'Dowd, Tucson Rincon/University, freshman forward

O'Down is a high-level defender, who uses her quick hands to create turnovers, but her stand-out ability is on the offensive end. She's averaging 21.8 points per game and scoring efficiently from all three levels. Even when Rincon/University is outmatched, O'Dowd isn't. She's scored at least 20 points in five of the Rangers' seven losses, showing no struggles against high-level opponents.

44. Alexa Simpson, Scottsdale Saguaro, junior guard

Simpson broke out as a scorer during her sophomore year, adding a reliable 3-point shot and using her 5-foot-10 frame more effectively inside. She's an excellent athlete and makes it count, averaging 19.6 points per game to go with 6.2 rebounds and a remarkable 5.7 steals.

45. Carmella Gallardo, Seton Catholic, senior guard

On a Seton Catholic team that relies on its balance, Gallardo stands out with her scoring ability. She's averaging 15.3 points per game in the early going and is the Sentinels' best threat from beyond the arc. She's a versatile player who can score in a variety of ways.

46. Maureen Ulrich, Xavier Prep, senior forward

Ulrich has been Xavier's glue player and top defender as a four-year starter for respected coach and former WNBA star Jennifer Gillom's program. Committed to Black Hills State, Ulrich has tough upper body strength, and isn't the fastest but has impeccable timing on passes and defense with the intangible plays that don't always show up on highlight reels. She's averaging 11.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, team-highs 3.3 steals, 58% shooting, and nearly 20 deflections.

47. Cassie Coolidge, Tucson Sahuaro, senior guard

At 6-foot-1, Coolidge's length enables her to be a difference maker on the perimeter, where she causes havoc for opposing offenses. Though she can step out beyond the arc on occasion, her biggest strength offensively is on the interior, where she uses that size to shoot an efficient 64%. She's leading Saguaro with 18.4 points per game.

48. Vanessa Sepulveda, Gilbert Mesquite, senior guard

Sepulveda earned a handful of NAIA offers with her play over the summer and has only shone further since the high school season started. She's averaging 17.7 points per game along with 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals.

49. Claire Greenwade, Gilbert Higley, freshman guard

Higley went 9-17 last winter, but Greenwade's arrival has elevated the entire program, helping lead a 7-2 start. She's aggressive in getting to the basket and the Knights' opponents haven't found a way to stop her. She's averaging 21.5 points per game, more than twice as much as any other Higley player.

50. Lamaiya Woodberry, Tempe McClintock, sophomore guard

Woodberry has developed into a force as a sophomore. She's averaging 21.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, which are both team-highs, while also 3.0 steals per game on the defensive end. She can score from all three levels and is shooting 39% from deep.

Honorable mention

Mia DiPuccio, Seton Catholic, senior guard; Bernadette Carranza, Waddell Canyon View, sophomore guard; Morgan Evenson, Gilbert, senior forward; Deja Strong, Valley Vista, sophomore forward; Ysabel Puente, Dream City Christian, senior guard; Addie Prisciandaro, Prescott, sophomore guard; Kaila Bailey, Tucson Flowing Wells, senior guard; Nayeli Nidez-Acuña, Tucson Sunnyside, senior forward; Brooke Nowak, Notre Dame Prep, sophomore, guard; Olivia Frankel, Notre Dame Prep, junior guard; Alexiz Graise, AZ Compass Prep, junior; Cohen Ridenour, Hamilton, senior guard; Breanna Sommers, Hamilton, senior forward; Grace Beckler, Chandler Basha, junior forward; Rylie Sword, Chandler Basha, junior guard; Reanna Farrington, Hamilton, senior guard; Allison Even, Salpointe Catholic, junior guard; Aalayah Ramirez, Surprise Shadow Ridge, senior, forward; Izzy Majarucon, Glendale Deer Valley, senior guard; Nemo Sidhu, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, freshman guard; Lia Sims, Phoenix Central, senior forward; Makaia Jenkins, Mesa Red Mountain; senior guard; Caitlin Bennally, Seton Catholic, senior forward/center; Bronte Gee, Bullhead City Mohave Accelerated; senior forward; Noelle Mulvanny, Dream City Christian, sophomore forward; Madison Pond, Goodyear Estrella Foothills, senior forward; Zoe Carrillo, Dream City Christian, senior forward/center; Jordan Watts, Salpointe Catholic, junior guard; Shanielle Mallory, Glendale Raymond Kellis, sophomore guard; Jasmine Olivar, Xavier Prep, senior guard; AJ Lual, Salpointe Catholic, senior center; Ava Adams, Phoenix North Canyon, senior guard; Emilee Resendez, Phoenix Paradise Valley, senior forward

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 2023-24 Elite 50 Arizona high school girls basketball players