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TEMPE, AZ — Arizona College Prep left no doubt in the 5A State Championship.

The Knights put together a complete performance on Tuesday night, powering past Horizon 11-3 to capture the 5A state title and close their season at 25-8. On the biggest stage of the year, ACP’s lineup delivered from top to bottom, its pitching staff kept Horizon from building any major momentum, and the Knights turned a championship matchup into one of their strongest wins of the season.

Horizon entered the title game looking to finish off a cinderella-like postseason run, but Arizona College Prep took control with consistent offensive pressure. The Knights finished with 12 hits, 10 RBIs, two doubles, a triple and two home runs, creating separation with extra-base power and timely production throughout the order.

Ashton Sanchez helped lead the way for ACP, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and two RBIs. C. Groppenbacher also had a big night at the plate, finishing with three hits and an RBI, while Jaden Guglielmo went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a double.

CJ Estrella provided another major spark for the Knights, going 2-for-2 with a double, a triple, three RBIs and a run scored. A. Longfellow added one of the biggest swings of the night with a home run and three RBIs, helping ACP continue to stretch the lead and keep Horizon chasing.

While the offense carried the headline, Arizona College Prep also handled business on the mound. Clayton Nachman gave the Knights five strong innings, allowing five hits, two runs, one earned run and striking out four. His start gave ACP control of the game, and Grant McInturf finished it off with two innings of relief, allowing two hits and one run.

Horizon still found ways to produce offensively, finishing with seven hits in the loss. Ben Patton helped lead the Huskies, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base. Hunter Walker also added a strong performance, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Brayden Lee drove in another run for Horizon.

But every time Horizon looked for a way back into the game, ACP had an answer. The Knights’ offense continued to apply pressure, their pitching staff limited the damage, and their defense helped keep the game from tightening late.

For Horizon, the loss ended a postseason run that brought the Huskies all the way to the 5A championship game. Despite finishing the year 16-18, Horizon made its run count when it mattered most and played its way into the final game of the season.

For Arizona College Prep, the night ended with a championship celebration. The Knights finished the season 25-8 and capped it with an 11-3 win, using a balanced lineup, strong pitching and steady execution to claim the 5A state championship.