The Battle for 6A: The Preview

The 2025–2026 season enters with high expectations and plenty of firepower across the 6A conference. Millennium, the reigning Open Division champions, once again looks like the team everyone will need to get through. The addition of T’Maea Eteuati brings versatility to a group already powered by dynamic point guard Dashia Richardson, super sophomore Mariah Brownlee, and explosive freshman Brooklyn Williams. Rival Valley Vista remains a perennial contender with continuity, toughness, and high-level athleticism. Sunnyslope, fresh off an Open Elite Eight appearance, returns leadership with Maggie Luba and looks poised to build on last season’s momentum. Meanwhile, Sandra Day O’Connor features one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in 6A, while Xavier Prep reloads with a new wave of transfers after losing its top-rated player. Tucson Sunnyside, one of the most battle-tested programs outside the Phoenix metro, continues to seek elite competition every year, and that experience pays off come playoff time.

The playoff picture gets even tighter with strong challengers across the valley. Hamilton, the defending 6A state champions, begin the season banged up but still carry one of the best backcourts in the state in Kansas State signee Sage Henry and Destinee Benway. Pinnacle and Desert Vista, both Open Final Four teams last season, will need their youth to grow quickly after losing key starters — especially Pinnacle, which opens without PG Rylee Fraley-Gonzales. Perry, now under new coaching leadership, could be one of the most dangerous teams in Arizona if they stay healthy; with Novelle McQuiston, Bella Burcar, Elleigh Molinar, and Alexis Fenn, their ceiling is as high as anyone’s. Basha, led by standout Grace Beckler, brings substantial depth across positions. Gilbert, last season’s 6A runner-up, may actually be more talented this year, which could make them one of the scariest teams in the conference. Mesa, behind elite prospect Taylor Morris, is a legitimate sleeper capable of shaking up the standings.

A wave of rising programs adds even more intrigue to the conference. Higley rolls into the season as one of the most dangerous and versatile teams in 6A with weapons across the lineup, while Highland features a young, improving roster built to peak as the season progresses. Cesar Chavez, Mountain View, Liberty, Apollo, Cibola, Chandler, and Queen Creek all feature impact players who can keep games competitive night-to-night. With transfers reshaping rotations, freshmen stepping into significant minutes, and every top program reloading in different ways, the 6A landscape is deep, experienced, and built for unpredictability. From top to bottom, this season promises breakout stars and heavyweight matchups.

🔥 Players to Watch

Alexis Fenn - Perry

Amaya Rodgers – Queen Creek

Amira Reynolds – Basha

Angelique Yanez – Sunnyside

Aspen McClees - Gilbert

Audrey Bhesania – Sandra Day O’Connor

Ava Lewis – Casteel

Ava Schooler – Sandra Day O’Connor

Bailey Settle – Highland

Bailey Williams – Highland

Bella Burcar – Perry

Braya Neal-Tiffany - Valley Vista

Brooklyn Williams – Millennium

Cadence Murdough – Higley

Charly Pacheco – Mesa

Claire Greenwade – Higley

Contessa Ivy – Gilbert

Danica Lindemann - Shadow Ridge

Daphne Safo – Rincon

Dashia Richardson – Millennium

Deja Strong – Valley Vista

Destiney Brown – Tucson

Destinee Benway – Hamilton

Dora Medina – Sunnyside

Elleigh Molinar - Perry

Emma Bremer – Valley Vista

Emma Fischbeck – Mountain View

Esabella Barajas – Sunnyside

Francesca Sofia – Sandra Day O’Connor

Grace Beckler – Basha

Grace Cloud – Xavier Prep

Isabella Motter - Queen Creek

Izzy Anderson – Hamilton

Jaida Bosch – Cibola

Jayla Freeman – Higley

Kaitlyn Christensen – Mountain View

Karis Hurd – Chandler

Kinsey Murray – Valley Vista

Leila O’Dowd – Higley

Maci Kerns – Higley

Maggie Luba – Sunnyslope

Makenna Johnson – Liberty

Mariah Brownlee – Millennium

Markayla Shirley - Chandler

Marley Perez – Chandler

Malia Romero – Hamilton

Malia Woodberry – Cesar Chavez

Meekah Nunez – Apollo

Millie Ahlstrom – Mountain View

Murryah Crump - Apolloa

Natalie Yanes – Valley Vista

Novelle McQuiston – Perry

Peyton Jacobsen – Highland

Payton Westra – Red Mountain

Risi Lancaster – Sandra Day O’Connor

Rylee Fraley-Gonzales – Pinnacle

Sade Charles – Xavier Prep

Sage Henry – Hamilton

Saniyah Downing – Cesar Chavez

Shannon McIlroy – Sunnyslope

Sloan Bogardus – Pinnacle

T’Maea Eteuati – Millennium

Taylor Morris – Mesa

Taylor Sipfle – Hamilton

TJ Coleman – Basha

Tylaiah Wily – Gilbert

Unesu Machiri – Perry