Staff Reports
PIMA – Pima head boys basketball coach Cliff Thompson capped a legendary 22-season run at the helm of the Roughriders with the ultimate reward: a second state championship and co-2A Conference Coach of the Year honors. The veteran coach, who announced his retirement before the end of the season, led Pima to the 2A state title with a gritty 40-29 victory over North Valley Christian Academy on Feb. 28, 2026, at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum — his final game as a coach.
Thompson’s Roughriders (26-3) embodied the blue-collar, defense-first identity he preached for more than two decades. From the opening tip of the season, the program drilled its trademark suffocating defense, forcing opponents into low-scoring, grind-it-out contests. That approach paid off in the state final, where Pima held North Valley Christian to just 29 points and flipped the script late with timely offense sparked by senior Keegan Corona, who scored 16 points and earned tournament MVP honors.
The title marked Thompson’s second state championship in three seasons and sent him out on top after 27 total years in coaching and a career record of 475-173 at Pima. Known for developing tough, fundamentally sound teams that bought into his demanding style, Thompson turned the small-town program into a perennial contender. He coached all four of his sons, including his youngest, Isaac, who experienced the championship moment alongside his father in Thompson’s final season.
The 2A Conference also recognized Thompson’s outstanding year by naming him co-Coach of the Year alongside San Tan Charter’s Kyli Crooms. While Pima claimed the 2A crown, San Tan Charter — under Crooms — captured the Copper Division state championship, adding another layer of excellence to the conference.
San Tan Charter dominated the individual awards as well. Senior Jachin Reynolds was named Conference Defensive Player of the Year, while standout Peyton Lubash earned Conference Player of the Year honors. Phoenix Country Day’s JD Jones took home Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Pima’s own players earned well-deserved All-Conference recognition for their roles in the championship run. Keegan Corona was selected to the All-Conference 1st Team. Charlie Richardson landed on the All-Conference 2nd Team, and Joel Mattice received Honorable Mention.
The awards capped a memorable season for the entire 2A Conference, but for Pima and its retiring coach, it was the perfect sendoff. Thompson leaves behind a program built on discipline, toughness, and — above all — defense, with a second gold ball to prove it. As one of his players noted after the title game, it was the ultimate way for a coach who gave everything to the game to finally step away.
Congratulations to Coach Thompson on a Hall of Fame career and a championship finish. The Pima Roughriders — and Arizona high school basketball — will miss him.
