Chasing the Jags: 5A Girls Basketball Preview

The 5A division in Arizona girls' basketball might be the deepest it’s been in a while. The defending champs still look dangerous, but the gap is closing, and a wave of new talent is coming fast. Here’s what the road to the 2026 title is starting to look like.

Until further notice, Canyon View is still the program everyone is chasing.

The Jaguars repeated as 5A state champions after taking down Kellis in the title game, and they return a core of players who know how to win in big moments. Aaliyah Rogers, Jaila Flowers, and Bernadette Carranza keep the engine running as Canyon View eyes a rare three-peat. When you throw in talented players like Azalee Tellez, Keira Lewis, Zariyah Odom, and Lourdes Carranza, you can see why they repeated—winning back-to-back changes a team. It gives them swag, but it also paints a massive target on their back. Canyon View has both the confidence and the target. The Canyon View senior class has set a high standard and will be looking to go out with a bang. Raymond S. Kellis came up just short of the championship, but they return in my opinion unquestionably the best perimeter-defending unit in the entire conference. With Shanielle Mallory, Jeorgia Parks-Rodriguez, Nelly Walker, and Kiah Simpson, Kellis can put pressure on guards for four straight quarters. They anticipate passing lanes, rotate at a high level, and force teams into bad decisions. If you don't bring multiple ball handlers to the gym with you, Kellis will have a field day taking the ball from you. Add in versatile standout wing Luz Marian Santos Mas, and Kellis should be right back in the thick of the conversation at season's end. Catalina Foothills made a Final Four push last year and has the personnel to do it again despite losing some firepower. Kayanna Chief is trending upward and gives Catalina Foothills the type of versatility that wins playoff games. They’re disciplined, well-coached, and not afraid of the moment. Pueblo made a Final Four appearance as well, and they bring back one of the most dynamic scorers in the entire state: America Cazares. She’s a three-level threat who plays with confidence and pace. During this season, America will continue to add to the record-breaking scoring numbers she has put up over the past three years. Add Asia Clark to the mix, and Pueblo has serious firepower.

Campo Verde’s Elite 8 run put them on the map, but this season could push them into full breakout mode. Freshman sensation Jaiyana Bogan-Jacobs is one of the top young players in the country. Combine her with returners like Kenzie Lewis, Bailey Barnes, and K'dynce Parks, and Campo has depth, speed, and upside across the board. If that's not enough, add in junior transfer Jayda Haley to cause opponents even more problems. If they click early, they’re a top-five team in the making. Notre Dame Prep also reached the Elite 8 and now adds transfer Riley Burns and a group of freshmen who can contribute right away. With Brooke Nowak and top AZ 2027 prospect Lily McCracken returning, this is a team with size, length, and a high basketball IQ. They’re dangerous because they can win low-scoring games and shoot their way out of runs. Coach Patricia Hollerbach will no doubt have the young ladies ready to compete at a high level. North is one of the most intriguing teams in 5A this year. They bring back key contributors and add standout freshman TT Freeman, plus some athletic transfers who bring toughness and pace. Xxylina Flores, Tahjie Freeman, and Estefani Brunson round out an active roster and are ready to cause problems. This is a sleeper squad with top-eight potential.

Horizon is one of the most balanced teams in the division. They return size, shooters, and interior defense with Peyton Schiltz, Paisy Perkins, and Avery Olson leading the way. Horizon has been knocking on the door, and this could be the year they break through. Coach Dave Williams is bringing back a squad that can cause absolute mayhem. Lamaiya Woodberry, Ashley Shaw, Kamari Roddy, Diamond Prince, and Anna Egorova give McClintock a lineup with length, aggressiveness, and scoring versatility. If this group stays healthy, they can beat anyone on the right night. With Dave Williams' championship pedigree, expect McClintock to have something to say at the end of the day.

⭐ Players to Watch ⭐ (Alphabetical Order)

Bella Aguirre – Desert Mountain

Bailey Barnes– Campo Verde

Estefani Brunson– North

Riley Burns– Notre Dame Prep

Bernadette Carranza – Canyon View

America Cazares – Pueblo

Kayanna Chief– Catalina Foothills

Asia Clark – Pueblo

Anna Egorova – McClintock

Xxylina Flores– North

Jaila Flowers– Canyon View

Tahjie Freeman– North

Jolie Galbreath– Centennial

Malak Hag– Arizona College Prep

Jayda Haley - Campo Verde

Kenzie Lewis– Campo Verde

Lily McCracken– Notre Dame Prep

Arlette Munoz– Nogales

Brooke Nowak– Notre Dame Prep

Avery Olson – Horizon

Neha Patel– Paradise Valley

K'Dynce Parks– Campo Verde

Jeorgia Parks-Rodriquez – Raymond S. Kellis

Paisy Perkins– Horizon

Diamond Prince– McClintock

Aaliyah Rogers– Canyon View

Kamari Roddy– McClintock

Nia Rowe– Mountain Pointe

Luz Marian Santos Mas – Raymond S. Kellis

Peyton Schiltz – Horizon

Ashley Shaw– McClintock

Nelly Walker– Raymond S. Kellis

Addison Wiemann– Sunrise Mountain

Lamaiya Woodberry– McClintock