Who Runs 3A?

The 3A girls basketball landscape in Arizona is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Between defending champs looking to repeat, programs returning deep veteran cores, and a handful of emerging freshmen who could shift the balance of power, this season is stacked with storylines from top to bottom. Expect a fast, physical, and wide-open race to the finish.

Snowflake enters the year as the reigning 3A champion after ending a 28-year title drought last season. The Lobos return several key pieces from that historic run, including standout forward Ryah Denhalter, giving them the toughness and experience needed to make another deep playoff push. But 3A is never a one-team race. There's a long list of contenders, such as Valley Christian, Ganado, Show Low, Yuma Catholic, Coolidge, Page, and Pusch Ridge, and you’re looking at a field with no clear favorites—only legitimate contenders. Powerhouse Chinle, often one of the strongest programs in the state, I'm sure, will somehow be in the middle of the conversation.

Yuma Catholic may have lost star Amanda Wiley. Still, they return enough scoring and perimeter depth to remain a threat, especially with shooters like Sadie Estes and post player Gwen Thrower ready to take on bigger roles. Coolidge is one of the most complete teams coming back, returning its top four scorers from a 20-win season, including Alaysia and Alanna White. Tuba City has a strong returning core as well, but adds perhaps the biggest new name entering 3A hoops this season: freshman phenom Layla Curtis, a player whose skillset and poise are already turning heads statewide. People like me have been waiting years to watch Layla on the high school level.

Last year’s small-school Open Division semifinalist Show Low returns its entire roster after a 23-win campaign, highlighted by the dynamic duo of Jaylee and Jordyn Boyce, who bring consistency, length, and big-game experience. Pusch Ridge is also built for a breakthrough year, with Nicole Njoroge leading a versatile group capable of defending, spacing the floor, and competing with the state’s top programs. Meanwhile, Page—last year’s runner-up in the inaugural small-school Open Division championship—comes out of the rugged 3A North battle-tested and disciplined. With Tayla Franklin returning and the addition of transfer Trece Tsingine, expect the Sand Devils to once again be right in the middle of the title picture.

Players to Watch in the 3A Conference (2025–2026 Season)

These returning standouts will have a significant impact on the 3A landscape this year.

• Alaysia White (Coolidge).

• Alanna White (Coolidge)

• Ellie Phillips (Valley Christian)

• Ryah Denhalter (Snowflake)

• Jasah McIntosh (Ganado)

• Channing Harrington (Holbrook)

• Abby Grier (Valley Christian)

• Tayla Franklin (Page)

• Sadie Estes (Yuma Catholic)

• Gwen Thrower (Yuma Catholic)

• Nicole Njoroge (Pusch Ridge)

• Jayanna White (Ganado)

• Layla Curtis (Tuba City)

• Jaylee Boyce (Show Low)

• Jordyn Boyce (Show Low)

• Trece Tsingine (Page)