Sunnyslope Wins First Open Boys Basketball State Title

Sunnyslope holds St. Mary's to just one field goal in the final quarter to capture the championship.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Sunnyslope High School's boys basketball team won its first-ever Open Division state championship, defeating Phoenix St. Mary's in a hard-fought game. Senior Rider Portela led the way with 17 rebounds, playing a key role in Sunnyslope's stifling defense that held St. Mary's to just one field goal in the final quarter.

Why it matters

The Open Division is the highest level of high school basketball competition in Arizona, making this Sunnyslope's first state title at the premier level. The victory caps off a successful four-year career for Rider Portela, who had come close to winning the championship in previous years.

The details

Sunnyslope's defense was the difference-maker, as they held St. Mary's to just one field goal in the final quarter to secure the victory. Rider Portela, a 6'8" senior, was a dominant force on the boards with 17 rebounds. This was Sunnyslope's third appearance in the Open Division championship game, having fallen short in their previous two attempts.

  • The game was played on March 8, 2026.

The players

Rider Portela

A 6'8" senior at Sunnyslope High School who led his team to their first-ever Open Division state championship.

Phoenix Sunnyslope

The top-seeded high school basketball team that won the Open Division state championship.

Phoenix St. Mary's

The opponent that Sunnyslope defeated in the championship game.

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What they’re saying

“It took 17 rebounds from him in a gritty display of defense and toughness to overcome Phoenix St. Mary's and give top-seed Phoenix Sunnyslope its first Open boys basketball state championship in three attempts during his four-year high school career.”

— Richard Obert, Author (azcentral.com)

The takeaway

Sunnyslope's first-ever Open Division state championship is a testament to the team's hard work and defensive intensity, led by senior Rider Portela. The victory caps off a successful high school career for Portela and solidifies Sunnyslope as a basketball powerhouse in Arizona.