Small-School Power: Preview of Arizona's 1A & 2A Girls Hoops

The small-school landscape in Arizona girls basketball is starting to heat up again, and if last season taught us anything, it’s that the gap between the top teams in 1A and 2A is closing fast. Programs are loading up, stars are emerging, and several teams are entering the year with unfinished business. Here’s an early look at who’s shaping the conversation heading into the 2025-26 season.

1A

Joseph City walks into the new season with a target on its back — and for good reason. When you return the Neill twins, Audrey and Amber, you’re returning two of the most polished, composed guards in the conference. Their chemistry, shot creation, and ability to take over big moments are the heartbeat of the Wildcats’ title hopes.

But don’t let last year’s championship fool you — 1A is far from a one-team race.

Fort Thomas is coming back just as hungry, led by the formidable two-way tandem of Jamie Johnson and Kaylee Benally. That program is built on tradition and competitiveness, and they remember exactly how last year ended. Expect them to be in the hunt from day one, and don’t be surprised if we see another Joseph City vs. Fort Thomas title showdown at Veteran's Memorial Coliseum on February 27, 2026. The storyline is already writing itself.

And while those two have the spotlight, St. David is quietly assembling a roster that can shake things up. With Emma Hart leading the charge, the Tigers play disciplined, smart basketball — the kind of team that can steal games in February when it matters most.

Players to watch: Audrey Neill (Joseph City), Amber Neill (Joseph City), Jamie Johnson (Fort Thomas), Kaylee Benally (Fort Thomas), Emma Hart (St. David), Brianna Thomas (Salome), Kira Myers (Cicero Prep).

2A

Last season, 2A produced the Small School Open Division champions (Phoenix Country Day), a team that completed a rare three-peat while going 82–10 over three years — the kind of run that becomes part of state history.

This year, all eyes are on the Miami Vandals, who snapped a 38-year title drought and are now tasked with defending the crown. They lost a lot of scoring and veteran presence, but here’s the key: they still return Tamia Pietila, the reigning 2A Offensive Player of the Year and one of the best players in the entire state regardless of classification. When you have a weapon like Pietila, you’re never out of the conversation.

But the Vandals aren’t walking into an easy season. San Carlos is loaded with experience, anchored by senior standout Kylee Juan, who is poised for a breakout year as the undisputed leader of that program. And Pima? They’re Pima — tough, disciplined, and always prepared. They’ll be in the mix whether people are talking about them or not.

The 2A title picture is wide open, and while Miami has the star power, the rest of the field has the depth.

Players to watch: Tamia Pietila (Miami), Kylee Juan (San Carlos), Madison Gordon (Phoenix Country Day), Kelci Walker (Round Valley), Nenah Brown (Rancho Solano Prep), Damaris Alvarez (Tombstone), Audriana Anglada (Horizon Honors), Mattie Droeg (Lincoln Prep), Corynn Foster (Leading Edge Academy GEC), Erin Patterson (Phoenix Country Day).

1A has a potential repeat storyline brewing, and 2A is setting up to be one of the most competitive seasons we’ve seen in years. Between rising stars, powerhouse programs, and teams fighting for respect, Arizona’s small-school girls' basketball scene is on the rise.