AZ AAU State Championship
- The Show Media
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Xavier Gilkey Named Game MVP as United Skills Academy Wins Arizona AAU State Championship
December 17th, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona — United Skills Academy captured the Arizona AAU State Championship in dramatic fashion, defeating Valley Hoops on a buzzer-beating game-winner by Xavier Gilkey, who was named Game MVP following a clutch championship performance.
With the championship on the line in the closing moments, Gilkey delivered the decisive basket, sealing the victory and finishing with a game-high 19 points. His poise and execution under pressure defined the moment and powered United Skills Academy to the state title.
Logan Pepper provided consistent offensive support with 15 points, while Myles Carter added 5 points, making key plays on both ends of the floor. Carter Campagna contributed 4 points through hustle and defensive effort, and Adam Myhre chipped in 1 point, providing valuable minutes in a tightly contested game. Odell Young III impacted the contest with defense, ball movement, and composure throughout the championship matchup.
Valley Hoops delivered a strong championship performance and was led by Brandon Bay, who scored 15 points, and Cash Luster, who added 11 points. Cooper Randleman finished with 10 points, while Christian Lottich contributed 5 points. Lottich is the son of Kylan (Loney) Lottich, an Arizona State legend who led the Sun Devils to a Women’s Pac-10 Championship in 2001, adding a notable legacy connection to the event. Will McCrory added 2 points, and the remainder of the Valley Hoops squad Graham Krupnik and future protege Cayson Bay played important roles throughout the weekend.
The inaugural AAU event set a strong foundation, delivering high-level competition, memorable moments, and an outstanding championship atmosphere. With the success of this first edition, plans are already underway to build on the momentum. Stay tuned for the official release of the 2026 AAU event schedule, as even bigger and better opportunities are ahead for programs, athletes, and families across the region.
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