Bamboo Sports Media

The energy was loud and the competition fierce for tonight’s East Valley rivalry between the Mesa Jackrabbits and the Mountain View Toros. There was no holding back, even during early minutes of the game. Fans chanted across the court, attempting to be louder than their opponents. Despite it being a home match for the Toros, the Jackrabbits felt right at home, practically playing in their backyard.

Arizona high school baseball is stacked with elite talent heading into the season, with powerhouse programs and nationally recognized players setting the stage for another unforgettable year. From 6A title favorites like Casteel and defending champion Corona del Sol to rising contenders across the 5A and 4A divisions, the race for state championships is wide open and filled with storylines worth watching.

The Notre Dame Prep Saints started out the game strong. Nailing field goals to give themselves a 9-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Saints kept this momentum going in the second and took the lead by six points, however it wasn't enough to withhold their opponent's hot winning streak.

The No. 1 Sunnyslope Vikings (19-1) beat the No. 2 Millennium Tigers (17-3) in a regional matchup at home on Wednesday night. With a final score of 61-57, it was a suspenseful battle for the top seed in the state. Tickets sold out before noon on Wednesday, and the gym was packed one hour ahead of game time. 

The Knights looked to prove themselves after a recent unexpected ranking from the AIA that placed them No. 38 in the Open Division and No. 17 in the 6A. However, they struggled to get past the Highland brotherly duo of senior guard Grady Crandall and junior guard Ty Crandall.

Liberty stormed past Red Mountain with a dominant two-way performance, exploding for a 20–3 first-quarter lead and never looking back. Behind a relentless defense and the QB duo of Pico and Stevens, the Lions cemented themselves as Arizona’s top team.

The playoff brackets have officially kicked off, bringing new format changes and controversy as teams fight for every inch. With no margin for error moving forward, each snap now carries the weight of legacy and one ultimate champion remains standing.

Hamilton dominated in a highly anticipated matchup against nationally ranked Basha, powered by the explosive duo of Jax Sculley and Roy Oliver III. With Oliver setting a new AIA 6A record for touchdown receptions, the Huskies’ confidence and grit carried them to a statement win heading into the postseason.

Arizona State fell into an early 10-0 hole, plagued by penalties and the absence of key playmakers, while Houston’s Conner Weigman and Dean Connors orchestrated a relentless offensive assault. Despite a late rally behind Jeff Sims, the Sun Devils’ comeback hopes were dashed, closing the night with a 24-16 defeat and a lesson in discipline—on and off the field.

Mountain Ridge senior athletes are making an impact beyond the field—connecting with the next generation at Copper Creek Elementary through reading, helping, and giving back to their community.

Northern Arizona is proving to be a rising FCS power. Led by QB Ty Pennington and WR Kolbe Katsis, the Lumberjacks sit at 3-1 and tied atop the Big Sky. With a key showdown against Montana State, NAU controls its playoff destiny.

The Sun Devil turns heads seemingly every Saturday, and soon to be every Sunday.