Cameron Williams has already done what most Arizona high school basketball players only dream of. He is a state champion, a five star recruit, and a Duke signee. Yet as his senior season unfolds, the St Mary’s forward is focused on something far bigger than individual accolades.
Williams wants to lead a 4A program to an Open Division state championship.
That pursuit has turned St Mary’s into one of the most compelling stories in Arizona boys basketball this season.
A Senior Season Built for the Biggest Stage
Williams entered the year as the top rated player in the state, and he has played like it. Night after night, the 6 foot 11 forward has anchored St Mary’s against elite competition, combining interior dominance with perimeter skill and defensive presence.
In early January, the Knights delivered one of their most important wins of the season with a dramatic 67 to 66 road victory over 6A power Brophy Prep. Williams controlled the final minutes, drawing defensive attention and making winning plays down the stretch. The win pushed St Mary’s firmly into the Open Division conversation and proved the Knights could handle pressure against top tier opponents.
A week later, Williams showed his full offensive ceiling by scoring 22 points in the first half of a decisive win over Mesquite. His ability to score efficiently from multiple areas of the floor continues to separate him from opposing big men and forces defenses into difficult choices.
St Mary’s has also tested itself outside Arizona, facing national competition during the holiday season. While those games came with challenges, head coach Damin Lopez has emphasized their importance.
“Those games show us exactly where we are,” Lopez said. “They prepare us for the type of basketball you have to play in the Open Division.”
That preparation has translated to results. As January progresses, St Mary’s sits among the top teams in the Open Division rankings and stands as the highest ranked 4A program in the state.
From 4A Champions to Open Division Contenders
Williams’ push toward Open Division history builds on last season’s championship foundation. In the 2025 4A title game, he delivered a performance that defined his rise, finishing with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and several crucial defensive plays. His late shot in overtime sealed the championship and cemented his place in program history.
But the Knights were not finished. St Mary’s also earned a spot in the Open Division bracket last season, advancing past the first round before falling to Sunnyslope. That loss became motivation rather than discouragement.
“We learned how small the margin is at that level,” Lopez said. “That experience stayed with us.”
Williams took that lesson personally. Over the offseason, he continued to develop his game, expanding his perimeter skill set and becoming a more consistent decision maker. His summer performances at elite national events elevated him into five star status and confirmed his place among the top players in the country.
When Williams signed with Duke in November, the recruiting process officially ended. For him, that moment brought clarity.
“Once that decision was made, everything became about finishing this season the right way,” Williams said. “This is where my focus is.”
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
Williams’ impact extends far beyond scoring totals. As a senior, he has embraced the responsibility of leadership and accountability, setting the tone for St Mary’s on and off the court.
“I try to lead by example,” Williams said. “That means working every day and doing the little things right.”
Teammates have responded to that approach. Senior guard Brody Postorino has played a key role alongside Williams, providing perimeter scoring and vocal leadership.
“We all know what the goal is,” Postorino said. “Cam pushes us, and we push each other.”
Williams has also grown into a more complete offensive presence, drawing double teams and finding teammates in rhythm. His willingness to pass has helped St Mary’s maintain balance and avoid becoming predictable.
“When defenses load up on me, my job is to make the right read,” Williams said. “That’s how you win in March.”
A Legitimate Open Division Threat
The Open Division field will feature the top 32 teams in Arizona regardless of classification. Historically dominated by 6A programs, the tournament rarely allows room for error. This season, St Mary’s is positioned to challenge that trend.
With increased parity across the state and several traditional powers experiencing roster turnover, the Open Division race feels wide open. Sunnyslope and Millennium remain the benchmarks, but St Mary’s continues to close the gap.
The Knights have built a resume that supports their belief. They have beaten high level 6A opponents, navigated a demanding schedule, and feature a player capable of controlling games at both ends of the floor. Williams’ size and versatility create matchup problems for any opponent, but his competitiveness has become his defining trait.
“He works every day,” said longtime trainer Paul Suber. “That has never changed.”
As February approaches, St Mary’s understands the challenge ahead. The Open Division offers no safety net. Every possession matters. Every mistake is magnified.
Williams welcomes that reality.
“We are going after the Open Division championship,” he said. “That’s the goal.”
If Cameron Williams can lead St Mary’s to that title, his legacy will extend beyond classification lines. It will stand as one of the most significant individual and team achievements in Arizona high school basketball history.
