Basha football players looking forward to competition in 2025 season
There may be no other high school in Arizona that has received more attention from college football coaches this spring than Basha.
- Eight of the ten players are seniors committed to Division I college programs.
- The list includes players from various high schools, including Peoria Liberty, Goodyear Desert Edge, Chandler Basha, and Chandler High.
- The article highlights key players like Zeth Angel Thues, Camren Hamiel, and Mason Lewis, detailing their accomplishments and college commitments.
This is a part of a continuing series, previewing the 2025 Arizona high school football season. We’ve covered each offensive position and the defensive linemen and linebackers. Now it’s time to look at the defensive backs. This might be the most stacked position in the state, making it hard for The Republic to keep this to a top-10 list. Eight of the 10 listed will be seniors who have committed to Division I programs.
Vote in our poll below for the player you think is top overall HS defensive back entering the 2025 season (print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools).
Read more with polls: QBs | RBs | WRs | Athletes | OL | TEs | Dynamic Duos | DL | LBs
The Republic’s Top 10 defensive backs
1. Zeth Angel Thues, Peoria Liberty, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Thues was The Republic’s Defensive Player of the Year last season, when the safety had 64 tackles, 45 solo, 13.5 tackles for losses, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for the Open state champions. Arizona State scored big, landing a commitment from Thues. Don’t be surprised if he plays right away for the Sun Devils.
2. Camren Hamiel, Goodyear Desert Edge, 6-1, 180, Sr.
He is The Republic’s No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, who is committed to Texas A&M. He’s known for his great speed and skills at a progra producing top college defensive backs. He had 50 tackles and three interceptions last season for the 5A champs.
3. Mason Lewis, Chandler Basha, 6-0, 195, Sr.
Transferred in from Queen Creek Casteel, immediately boosting one of the best secondaries in the state. He’s got a combination of size and athleticism that makes it hard for the best receivers to get open. He has committed to California.
4. Hamisi Juma, Chandler, 6-4, 195, Sr.
This Arizona commit is one of the best two-way players in the state. He could be a great college wide receiver or an incredible safety at the next level. He can take his pick. Wherever teams put him, he’ll impact the game in a big way.
5. Niko Jandreau, Chandler Hamilton, 6-0, 200, Sr.
He has committed to Oklahoma, where his twin brother, Beau, a top linebacker, will also be playing in college. Niko had 51 tackles, two interceptions and 12 pass breakups last season for the Open semifinalists.
6. Mikyal Davis, Desert Edge, 5-10, 170, Jr.
He is among the top 2027 football recruits in the nation with 31 Division I offers. He has a four-star 247Sports Composite ranking. Just another in a great line of top cornerbacks to come through Desert Edge. Electric athlete.
7. Justice Brathwaite, Gilbert Higley, 6-1, 175, Sr.
He has committed to BYU. Great acceleration. Will take on the best receivers in the state and lock them down. Not afraid of contact. Sure tackler. Game changer. He’s added about 15 pounds of muscle since the end of last season.
8. Nasim Eason, Higley, 6-2, 160, Jr.
This three-star cornerback has nine Division I offers, including Arizona State. He’s got speed, skill and a knack for making big tackles. He’ll lock it down in one of the best defensive backfields in Arizona.
9. Marquis Richardson, Hamilton, 6-3, 195
This long, athletic, tough safety has committed to Hawaii. He gives Hamilton one of the best secondaries in Arizona and, teaming up with Niko Jandreau, maybe the best safety duo in the state.
10. Ryan McDonough, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Versatile athlete who returns kicks, plays wide receiver, and locks it down in the secondary. He is also a defenseman in hockey. He has committed to playing football at Georgetown.
(Poll may take a few moments to load. If you are having difficulty voting, click here).
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
