2006 Year Three - The Event Comes Alive!

Pre-game hype was evident in the traditional media outlets including Assistant Director Marc A. Beasley appearing on Channel 12 and Phoenix St. Mary's Coach David Lopez along with Jerryd Bayless on Channel 3. In addition, ArizonaVarsity.com a web page featuring high school sports created a great deal of 'buzz' leading up to the games.

The games did not disappoint. Mesa Mountain View, led by 2006 state Player of the Year Harper Kamp, avenged an earlier loss to Phoenix Desert Vista with a 58-53 victory. These same two teams would meet again in a state semi-final game with Mesa Mountain View again winning a close game. Mountain View would go on to win its second stratight state championship. With strong student sections wearing their school colors, Phoenix Brophy Prep overcame a 49-point effort by 2007 Player of the Year Jerryd Bayless to win 79-76. In the final game of the night, Mesa Red Mountain beat Phoenix St. Mary's 55-53 behind future High School All-America Kayla Pedersen.  Phoenix St. Mary's would gain revenge by beating Mesa Red Mountain in the championship.

All media outlets including every local TV station was on hand for the games. With over 8500 people in attendance, the MLK Basketball Classic was hailed as the premier high school event in the state outside of the state championship games.

Honorees were again presented plaques at half-time. Presenters included ASU Women's Coach CharliTurner-Thorne, Men's Coach Rob Evans, and NBA Official Tommy Nunez.

2007 Year Three