The first AIA power point basketball rankings of the season are out, and early on the Gila Valley is showing exactly why it continues to be a factor across multiple classifications. From 1A through 3A, both boys and girls programs from the area are sitting in strong positions, with several teams already ranked among the best in the state.
In 1A boys basketball, Fort Thomas opens the season ranked number one in the class, along with a number three ranking in the Copper Open, placing them firmly in the statewide conversation regardless of school size. Duncan checks in at number 15, keeping them well within the mix as the season gets rolling. On the girls side in 1A, Fort Thomas is ranked number two in the class and number 11 in the Copper Open, while Duncan follows closely at number five, giving the Gila Valley two of the top teams in the division.
The 2A ranks continue that trend. Pima’s boys are ranked number two in 2A and number six in the Copper Open, while San Carlos opens at number 10 and Morenci at number 27. In 2A girls basketball, the local teams make an even stronger statement, with Pima ranked number two in the class and number five in the Copper Open, and San Carlos right behind at number three in 2A and number six in the Copper Open. Morenci checks in at number 29, rounding out a division that is clearly Valley-heavy near the top.
At the 3A level, Thatcher and Safford are navigating deeper waters but still holding respectable early positions. On the boys side, Thatcher opens at number 10 in 3A with a number 16 Copper Open ranking, while Safford is ranked number 24. In girls basketball, Thatcher checks in at number 19 and Safford at number 26, with both programs positioned to move up as the season progresses.
It is still early in the year, and these rankings will shift as schedules get tougher and region play heats up, but the early message is clear. Across nearly every classification, the Gila Valley is represented near the top, and that kind of consistency across programs does not happen by accident.
