Sunnyslope Wins Arizona Open Division Title in Dramatic Fashion

Sunnyslope High School overcomes late deficit to defeat St. Mary's in championship game

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Sunnyslope High School, the No. 5 ranked team in the nation, overcame a late seven-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat St. Mary's and win the Arizona Open Division boys basketball championship. A controversial goaltending call and a 9-0 run in just 25 seconds of game time proved to be the turning point, as Sunnyslope rallied to win 60-51 behind strong performances from Rider Portela and Delton Prescott.

Why it matters

The Open Division championship is the highest level of high school basketball in Arizona, and Sunnyslope's victory solidifies the team as one of the best in the country. The dramatic comeback also highlights the team's depth and ability to make plays when it matters most, overcoming a dominant performance from St. Mary's star player Cameron Williams.

The details

With 2:05 remaining in the third quarter, Sunnyslope wing Rider Portela had a fast-break layup attempt blocked by St. Mary's five-star forward Cameron Williams. However, the officials ruled it a goaltend, giving Portela an and-one opportunity. Portela missed the free throw, but Sunnyslope senior forward Cristian Simmons scored on the offensive rebound. St. Mary's head coach Damin Lopez then earned a technical foul, and Sunnyslope junior guard Delton Prescott hit both free throws. On the ensuing possession, Sunnyslope guard Jaylin Ideran hit a 3-pointer, giving the Vikings a 39-37 lead in just 25 seconds of game time.

  • With 2:05 remaining in the third quarter, the goaltending call occurred.
  • By the 1:40 mark of the third quarter, Sunnyslope had taken a 39-37 lead.

The players

Rider Portela

A wing player for Sunnyslope High School who finished with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and a block in the championship game.

Delton Prescott

A junior guard for Sunnyslope High School who hit a key 3-pointer and layup during the team's third-quarter run.

Cameron Williams

A five-star power forward for St. Mary's High School who scored 23 points in the championship game.

Damin Lopez

The head coach of St. Mary's High School who received a technical foul during the third-quarter momentum shift.

Cristian Simmons

A senior forward for Sunnyslope High School who scored on an offensive rebound following the goaltending call.

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What they’re saying

“That swing proved massive. Sunnyslope won 60-51, securing Arizona's Open Division championship and solidifying itself as one of the best teams nationally.”

— Logan Newman, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Sunnyslope Vikings will look to carry their championship momentum into the national rankings and potentially compete for a national title next season.

The takeaway

Sunnyslope's dramatic comeback victory in the Arizona Open Division championship showcases the team's resilience, depth, and ability to make plays when it matters most, cementing their status as one of the top high school basketball programs in the country.