Mountain Ridge High School Mens Basketball Season Preview

Glendale, AZ — The 2024-25 season marked a significant step forward for the Mountain Ridge High School boys basketball program, as the team made the state playoffs for the second consecutive year — a feat not accomplished in the past decade. Under the leadership of Head Coach Craig Marcus, the Mountain Lions battled through a season filled with highs, challenges, and clear signs of growth as the program continues to ascend. Season Highlights and Turning Points The team came out strong to open the year, finishing 2nd in their bracket at the Nike Tournament of Champions, a prestigious early-season event that set the tone for a competitive campaign. Though the season included its share of tough losses, the Mountain Lions’ resilience defined them. "We never quit," said Coach Marcus. "We kept battling every game, regardless of injuries or pressure." Standout Contributors Jaiden Thompson (Senior) – The team's leading scorer, top assist man, and steals leader, Jaiden set the pace on both ends of the floor and anchored the team’s success. Dylan Donovan (Junior) and Jagger Cockrell—The duo was key on the boards, bringing physicality and consistency to rebounding. Sam Muller – Known as the team’s “glue guy,” Sam brought intangibles that held the team together through tough stretches. Kaleb Bowen – Emerged as the season progressed and grew into a larger role, providing a promising glimpse into the future of the program. Senior Leadership and Culture Shift This senior class was instrumental in shaping the team’s identity. “They were our leaders,” said Marcus. “They set the tone for how we played and helped inspire our success.” Their contributions helped shift the culture toward consistency and postseason expectations. Future Outlook With a core of returning players and fresh talent on the way, Coach Marcus is optimistic. “They’re bought in. They’re excited for the opportunity ahead,” he said. “We’ve got some good players returning and some coming into the program that will make an impact.” Offseason Focus The offseason agenda is simple: improve in every area. The staff and players are committed to building on this momentum to reach new heights next season. Stats & Info Team statistics are available on MaxPreps.