Damin Lopez Steps Down as Head Coach of Phoenix St. Mary's Boys Basketball

Damin Lopez has officially announced his resignation as the head coach of the boys basketball team at Phoenix St. Mary's High School. In a letter addressed to the St. Mary's basketball community, which he shared with The Arizona Republic on June 15, Lopez expressed that he has "given my all to rebuilding the program" and feels it is now time for him to pursue new opportunities.

Lopez’s tenure spanned nine years, during which he guided the Knights to two state championships. Most recently, he led the team to the Open Division final, where they finished as runners-up to Sunnyslope. "St. Mary's will always be special to me," he reflected in his letter, adding, "I am so grateful to have been a part of it. Thank you! WE ARE ... SM!"

This past weekend, the Knights participated in the Section 7 national showcase, ending with a record of 1-3. Following his resignation announcement, Lopez did not respond to attempts for further comment from The Republic. The Knights are facing a transition period after graduating standout 7-foot McDonald's All-American Cameron Williams, who has since joined Duke University. However, the team retains a strong core, including guards Mick Riordan and Carter Bagley, and recently welcomed 6-foot-5 wing Martray Bagley, brother of NBA player Marvin Bagley III, from Glendale Dream City.

Lopez has been associated with St. Mary's basketball for over two decades, initially assisting his father, Dave Lopez, who also coached the Knights to state championships in 2001 and 2009. Damin himself was recognized as both Arizona's high school basketball Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, a distinction he shares with former Phoenix Shadow Mountain star Mike Bibby.

Richard Obert, who has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic, continues to report on local athletics. For insights and updates, readers can subscribe to the Azcentral Preps Now newsletter.