EDITOR'S NOTE: To view the full state program, click here. To view the state playoff bracket and results, click here.

Two-time defending state champ Valley Christian seems primed for a chance at an historic three-peat as the 3A Boys Basketball State Championships get underway this week.

Defeating Coolidge in 2022 and Monument Valley a season ago for back-to-back titles, the Trojans (25-2, 11-0 3A South Central) have won 12 straight and are once again the No. 1 seed.

Led by senior Luke Shaw, who leads the state in scoring average at 25.4 points per game, Valley Christian hasn’t lost since the calendar turned 2024 and they went a perfect 18-0 in power point games this season.

An always-competitive 3A field may have something to say about the Trojans’ hopes for three straight, however, so here’s a look at some teams to watch when bracket play gets underway Feb. 14.

GILBERT CHRISTIAN

The No. 2-seeded Knights (20-5, 10-2 3A South Central) have no shortage of talent with senior Keon Talgo (19.6 ppg) and junior Jace Olson (15.3 ppg) leading the way. And let’s not forget 6-foot-4 senior forward Lopemi Omole, who nearly averages a double-double with 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.

“Talent, depth and camaraderie,” head coach Jason Pasquariello said when asked why his club has been so successful this year.

And when it comes to No. 1 Valley Christian, which beat the Knights twice this season, Pasquariello said nobody outside his own program really believes the Knights can beat Valley Christian.

“Our theme for the year is based around James 1:6, having no doubts in our faith. Extended to basketball, we go into every game with no doubts, and we will compete and play to the best of our God-given abilities,” Pasquariello said.

YUMA CATHOLIC

At No. 3, the Shamrocks (17-4, 12-0 3A West) have won 14 straight heading into the playoffs this week, their last loss coming against University Heights on Dec. 20, 2023.

“The success we’ve had so far has several layers. We have some talent, but I tribute our success up to this point with how solid and consistent our seniors have been,” Yuma Catholic head coach Pat Rafferty said.

Those seniors include Sebi Patane, Arturo Vargas and Landen Urquijo.

“They have different roles but all three have been solid and consistent,” Rafferty said.

CHINLE

Claiming a 3A North region title is no small feat, but the Wildcats (19-6, 11-1 3A North) were able to do so in 2023-24 thanks to the play of standout senior Jostaiah Harvey, who averaged 21.5 (tied for 2nd in 3A) points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

With a No. 8 seed and first-round bye in hand, Chinle coach C.J. Woods said it all started last summer.

“This Chinle Wildcats team has succeeded this year based on our depth and commitment to being a team,” Woods said. “This group of young men had a phenomenal summer.”

Coach Woods said his club usually finds time for 13 players to get minutes every game, something most programs have no bandwidth for.

“Every member of this team has contributed valuable minutes throughout the year,” Woods said.

COOLIDGE

After a trip to the Elite 8 ended their 2022-23 campaign with an 82-54 loss as a No. 3 seed to Monument Valley, the Bears (21-7, 8-3 3A South Central) are looking to find that magic once again that propelled them to a title two seasons ago.

At No. 9, Coolidge is led by standout sophomore Tory Gholston, who averaged 18.4 points and 6.2 assists per game this season.

“We have three players in our rotation, all seniors, who are playing only their second year of high school basketball [in] Blake Jones, Thomas Nelson and Isaiah Slaughter,” Coolidge head coach Dave Glasgow said.

The Bears gave Valley Christian all they could handle and more Feb. 5, but came up short, 72-57.

FOUNTAIN HILLS

The Falcons (17-9, 10-2 3A North Central) are led by Keaton Ort, who averaged 18.8 points per game this season as a senior.

Head coach Jeffrey Bonner believes his club’s success this season can be attributed to the four factors of basketball.

“Emphasizing the importance of shooting high-percentage shots, rebounding, taking care of the basketball and excelling in free throws has been the cornerstone of our approach,” Bonner said.

Fountain Hills earned a No. 2 seed last season, only to lose in the Elite 8 to a good ALA-Ironwood club, 73-50. Coach Bonner’s club is No. 12 this season, but he still expects to do well.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our journey and achieving even greater heights in the games to come,” Bonner said.

SHOW LOW

Rebounding from a 12-19 record a season ago, Show Low (20-9, 5-5 3A East) made some noise along the way this season with early wins over Monument Valley, Round Valley, Thatcher and a close 56-48 loss to Chinle, signaling this group had turned things around quickly.

Despite losing four of their last five heading into the state tournament, coach James Simmons is confident his group will step up as a No. 15 seed.

“Role players from last year have stepped up and really elevated their game,” Simmons said. “They are playing with confidence, and they believe in each other.”

MORE TEAM NOTES

Holbrook features one of the premier scorers in 3A with Tyler Tapaha averaging 21.4 points per game. … ALA-Ironwood finished fourth in their region but big wins over Flagstaff, Payson, Northwest Christian and Fountain Hills have the Warriors sitting at No. 5. … Northwest Christian won 17 games and a 3A North Central region title this season. … Snowflake Asher Brewer leads the Lobos with 15.2 points per game. … Camp Verde may have an upset card brewing as the No. 22 seed takes on No. 11 Winslow. Cowboys forward Jordan McMahon-Fullmer was fourth in 3A scoring at 21.1 points per game.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.