Adrian Higuera Aims for Open Division Championship with Millennium Tigers

In his journey as the point guard for the Millennium Tigers, Adrian Higuera has faced numerous hurdles over his first three seasons. However, he embraced another challenge on Saturday, June 6. With the graduation of Cameron Holmes, who is now pursuing college basketball in Arizona, and teammate Adan Diggs away on Team USA duties, Higuera stepped up to guide the Tigers to victory in the PrimeTime Invitational basketball championship, defeating a restructured Sunnyslope team 58-50 at Millennium's gym.

Sunnyslope, which claimed its first Open Division state championship last year, was missing several key players during this matchup. Notably, point guard Delton Prescott was sidelined due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, although he aims to return for the 2026-27 season. Center Darius Wabbington was also absent, participating in the FIBA U18 Men's AmeriCup in Mexico alongside Diggs. The Sunnyslope lineup included new additions, such as 6-foot-8 forward Donovan Palmer from Chandler and guard Noah Ondoua from St. Mary’s.

Higuera has been a consistent force for the Tigers over the past three years, showcasing his exceptional shooting and ball-handling skills during the PrimeTime final, which earned him the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. With eyes set on a state Open Division title for the upcoming season, Higuera stated, "We haven't won yet, but that's the goal this year," emphasizing his commitment to team success over personal accolades. "I'm ready for the next level and to win this year."

Last season, Higuera faced the disappointment of a narrow loss in the Open state semifinals, where a dramatic 40-foot buzzer-beater by St. Mary’s Mick Riordan sealed the game 66-64. Reflecting on that experience, Higuera noted, "Motivation got even higher after last year, losing on a fadeaway 40-footer," adding that the team is focused on the details they overlooked in the previous season.

Currently, Higuera is awaiting his first Division I scholarship offer. Coach Rich Thornton believes it's only a matter of time for the 6-foot-1-inch player, who is set to participate in the Section 7 event from June 12-14, where college coaches will have the opportunity to assess his skills. Additionally, he will be competing in the EYBL, a prestigious AAU program featuring top national talent. "I've been telling you, he's the most underrated player in the state," Thornton remarked. "To me, he's the best point guard in the state. I love him. He's a pure, throwback point guard. A super tough kid. He really knows how to play the position."