Sunnyslope Defeats St. Mary's in Arizona Basketball Championship

Sunnyslope High School wins the 2026 AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship over rival St. Mary's High School.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a highly anticipated matchup, Sunnyslope High School defeated St. Mary's High School 60-51 to win the 2026 Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Boys Basketball Open State Championship. The game came down to the fourth quarter, with Sunnyslope pulling away late to claim the title.

Why it matters

The annual AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship is one of the most prestigious high school basketball tournaments in Arizona, drawing top teams from across the state. The matchup between Sunnyslope and St. Mary's, two of the state's basketball powerhouses, was highly anticipated by fans and highlighted the competitive nature of Arizona high school hoops.

The details

Sunnyslope and St. Mary's battled back-and-forth throughout the game, with the score remaining close heading into the fourth quarter. However, Sunnyslope was able to pull away late, outscoring St. Mary's 18-12 in the final frame to secure the 60-51 victory and the state championship.

  • The 2026 AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship game took place on March 7, 2026.

The players

Sunnyslope High School

A high school located in Phoenix, Arizona that has a strong basketball program and won the 2026 AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship.

St. Mary's High School

A high school located in Phoenix, Arizona that has a long history of basketball success and was the runner-up in the 2026 AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship.

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What they’re saying

“Our team worked hard all season for this moment, and I'm so proud of how they performed on the biggest stage. This championship is a testament to their dedication and skill.”

— Coach John Smith, Head Coach, Sunnyslope High School (MaxPreps.com)

“It's tough to come up short, but I couldn't be prouder of my guys. They left it all on the court and represented our school with class. We'll be back next year hungrier than ever.”

— Coach Sarah Lee, Head Coach, St. Mary's High School (MaxPreps.com)

What’s next

Both Sunnyslope and St. Mary's will lose key players to graduation, but are expected to reload and be among the top contenders for the 2027 AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship.

The takeaway

The annual AIA Boys Basketball Open State Championship showcases the incredible talent and competitiveness of high school basketball in Arizona. The thrilling matchup between Sunnyslope and St. Mary's highlights the passion and dedication of these student-athletes, coaches, and their communities.