The Summer 24: Top 24 Players I Saw Across Arizona This Summer

This summer was one of the best we've seen for Arizona high school basketball. From high-level match ups to competitive tournaments and invite-only showcases, the stage was set for players across the state to make a name for themselves. Whether it was at Section 7, the Best in Basketball events, or local team camps, talent was everywhere — and plenty of prospects made the most of their opportunities.   In the next couple articles, I'll be highlighting 24 standouts who caught my eye and made a serious impression this summer. Ready? Here we go.      All summer long, he made it clear why he's one of the top guys in the country. Every event he showed up to, he dominated — attacking the rim with power, moving without the ball, and always finding ways to impact the game. Whether it was spotting up for threes, pulling up in the mid-range, or getting downhill and finishing through contact — he scored it however he wanted.   He didn't just get buckets though, he cleaned up the glass, protected the rim, and made plays defensively with his length and timing. His feel for the game really stood out — making the right reads as a passer and playing under control. Just a complete two-way presence that brought it every single time he stepped on the floor this summer.     Didn't matter where or who he was playing — he brought it every time. One of the most productive wings I saw these past few months, he played with a nonstop motor and made his presence felt on both ends. He attacked the rim with force, lived off strong corner drives, finished through contact, and rose up with ease.   The shot looked good all summer — hitting threes off the catch and creating for himself off the bounce. Whether it was getting to his spots, locking in on defense, or making winning plays in transition, he stayed active and engaged. Easily one of the most consistent and impactful performers I saw.     One of the top point guards I saw this summer — a big-time gamer who always showed up when the lights were the brightest. Played with poise, controlled the tempo, and consistently got to his spots to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.   A gritty defender who took pride in getting stops, and a confident shot-maker from all three levels. Whether it was hitting tough jumpers, making smart reads, or bringing energy on both ends, he consistently made winning plays. Looked like a true two-way threat every time he stepped on the floor.     Put together a strong summer run as one of the most explosive and skilled scorers I came across. Had the jumper rolling from all over — hit shots off the catch, pulled up smooth in the mid-range, and finished plays at the rim with strength. Made smart reads, never rushed, and always found a way to keep defenders guessing.   The athleticism stood out right away. Got off the floor quick, played above the rim, and had a couple dunks that turned heads. Played with a fearless edge and brought juice on both ends of the floor. Every game, he found a way to leave his mark.     The 6'7 wing from the class of 2028 had a really good summer. Shot the ball at a high clip and looked comfortable creating his own looks when needed. Got to his spots, scored it from all three levels, and played with a quiet confidence that stood out.   Used his length to impact the game defensively — blocking and altering shots while covering a ton of ground. Easily looked like one of the top wings in the state regardless of class. If he keeps this up, it won't be long before colleges start calling.     This summer was a turning point for him — especially after a huge showing at Section 7 that had coaches lining the court every time he played. He set the tone with his physicality and poise, constantly getting into the paint and finishing tough plays in traffic. Used his strength and balance to power through defenders and control the game at his pace.   Played fast but under control, especially in the open floor where he was dangerous all summer. Mixed up his scoring — knocked down shots when left open, pulled up with rhythm, and broke defenders down when needed. Defensively, he brought edge and effort, competing hard and staying locked in. It was a statement summer, and he backed it up every time out.     The top freshman in Arizona, and he looked the part all summer. Played with confidence, handled the ball under control, and consistently created offense — whether it was getting downhill, hitting the mid-range, or stepping out and knocking down the three. Scored it off the bounce and the catch, always in rhythm.   Finished through contact, stayed aggressive, and moved without the ball to keep pressure on the defense. Already producing at the varsity level, and the way he played this summer just reinforced why he's in a league of his own for 2029.     Colton put together a strong summer and continued to raise his stock with each event. At 6'6, he brings legit size and versatility — can run the offense or play off the ball and make things happen as a slasher.   He makes smart decisions in transition and uses his handle to create space and get downhill, where he finishes well through contact or above the rim. Played with confidence all summer and continues to show why he's one of the more intriguing prospects in the state.

This summer was one of the best we've seen for Arizona high school basketball. From high-level match ups to competitive tournaments and invite-only showcases, the stage was set for players across the state to make a name for themselves. Whether it was at Section 7, the Best in Basketball events, or local team camps, talent was everywhere — and plenty of prospects made the most of their opportunities.