In a series of gripping matches, three Arizona high schools — Cienega, ALA Queen Creek, and Phoenix Northwest Christian — distinguished themselves by capturing their respective boys' volleyball state championships. Each victory was marked by impressive teamwork, strategic plays, and the determination of young athletes reaching the pinnacle of their high school careers, making for an unforgettable day in Arizona high school sports.
The Cienega Bobcats delivered a commanding performance in the 5A boys volleyball championship, defeating Chandler Arizona College Prep in three straight sets. The entire match, held at Mesa Skyline, lasted approximately an hour, as the Bobcats were motivated to conclude quickly. With nine seniors on the team needing to attend their high school graduation ceremonies later that evening, there was an added incentive to secure the win efficiently. Senior setter Caiden Mott, standing at 6-foot-4, was a standout player, earning the Most Valuable Player award for his dominant presence at the net with numerous blocks. Mott expressed the team's excitement, stating, "We were like, we'll stay here as long as we can to win a state championship, but we go to graduation after this. We're just super excited." Junior Chase Briggs also played a crucial role, contributing significantly with powerful attacks that secured three points in the first set, which Cienega won 25-16. The Bobcats continued their strong showing, winning the subsequent sets 25-9 and 25-21. This victory served as a form of redemption for Cienega, as they had been eliminated by Arizona College Prep in the semifinals the previous year. Coach Heather Mott emphasized the collective effort, noting that the team had no single MVP because every player contributed to their success. She highlighted their shared commitment, saying, "There are numbers on the backs of their shirts, and those numbers represented that loss. These kids got together the next week, and said, 'That won't happen to us again.' Our mantra was, 'Buzzsaw.' Every team that went up against us are going to feel like they ran into a buzzsaw. These kids worked their tails off. There was never one controversy. These kids played together. They went to lunch together. Everything was together."
The 4A championship saw ALA Queen Creek emerge victorious over rival ALA Gilbert North in a thrilling five-set contest. After dropping the first two sets with scores of 25-19 and 31-29, ALA Queen Creek staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next three sets 26-24, 25-21, and 16-14. Jonathan Reheis, a formidable force at the net, was named the Most Valuable Player, having entered the match with an impressive 308 kills. Britt DeWitt, who also plays quarterback for the football team, delivered the decisive point to seal the victory. This triumph marked ALA Queen Creek's fourth state title and their second consecutive championship.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Northwest Christian claimed their second consecutive 3A state title, defeating American Leadership West Foothills in four sets with scores of 21-25, 25-18, 25-18, and 25-15. Gavin Helmer was recognized as the MVP for his outstanding performance. Northwest Christian had previously beaten the same opponent in a five-set final the year before. The Crusaders have a strong recent history in the championship, having been state runner-up in 2024, 2023, and 2021.
The weekend's volleyball championships showcased intense competition and impressive displays of athletic talent across Arizona's high schools. From Cienega's swift victory driven by their seniors' graduation plans, to ALA Queen Creek's dramatic five-set comeback, and Northwest Christian's consistent dominance, each team demonstrated the culmination of hard work and team spirit. These victories are a testament to the dedication of the players and coaches, leaving a lasting mark on the state's high school sports landscape.
