Brothers Kevin and Kallai Patton leave Maricopa to play basketball at Mountain Pointe

Brothers Kevin and Kallai Patton, who gave a major boost to Maricopa High School's basketball program this year, are transferring to Mountain Pointe.

Kevin Patton Sr., said Wednesday that he is petitioning the Arizona Interscholastic Association to get his sons, Kevin Jr., and Kallai, eligible to play basketball at Phoenix Mountain Pointe next season.

His two sons put Maricopa on the map last season when the 6-foot-8 Kevin and the 6-5 Kallai led the Rams to a 24-5 record and a 6A state-play-in game. The Rams won that game against Phoenix Desert Vista behind the strong play of Kevin, while his brother was out with an injury.

Kevin, a coveted 2023 prospect, who was playing point guard, made The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona team after averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.4 steals and 3.9 blocks. Kallai, a top 2024 player, averaged 11 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals.

Since then, Maricopa coach Paul Gretkierewicz stepped down. He recently accepted the job to lead Glendale Copper Canyon's basketball program.

Maricopa has yet to announce a new coach.

Kevin Patton Sr., said his sons will be playing for Mountain Pointe on Friday and Saturday in the Monarch Sports' PrimeTime basketball tournament at Phoenix Brophy Prep, which pits the top returning teams in the state.

If the Patton brothers are deemed eligible by the AIA to play at Mountain Pointe, it would more than likely put the Pride at the top of the state as the team to beat, especially with the Open Division being in its first year.

The Pride features arguably the best player in the state in 6-foot-3 guard Tru Washington, who this week was named MVP of the Pangos All-American Top 30 Cream of the Crop All-Star game in Las Vegas. They also return guard Mark Brown, who has started varsity since his freshman year.

Kevin Patton Jr., averaged a double-double in the Pangos All-American Camp.

Kevin, who possesses off-the-charts athleticism and the ability to impact the game at both ends of the court with his shot-blocking abilities, played his sophomore season at AZ Compass Prep, which is based in Chandler. Kallai was a freshman playing at AZ Compass.

AZ Compass Prep has a national team that travels and plays against the best national prep academies in the country. It is not part of the AIA. It also has a Canyon Athletic Association program, which has no ties to the AIA.

Before that, Kevin spent his freshman year at Gilbert Perry, this year's 6A state champion. But he never played for the Pumas because of a broken foot.

Because of that, the AIA could look at both of the brothers as transfers who would only have to sit out half of the season, per transfer bylaws.

Kevin Sr., is hoping both are granted full eligibility due to circumstances.

"I'm about 80 to 85% prepared," Kevin Sr., said about a case he will present to the AIA. "We'll be able to test everything as we get through the summer.

"Kevin has the opportunity to go to an Ivy League school," Kevin Sr., said. "There is a lot of Ivy League interest. I want to put him in a situation where he is going to be academically challenged.

"There's high turnover at his school. He actually had two teachers quit on him midway through the year."

Mountain Pointe coach Kaimarr Price is ecstatic about the Patton brothers joining his program.

"Not only are they high level basketball players, but they are great young men and top notch students," Price said. "We are excited to fully welcome them into everything we do here at Mountain Pointe and continue to build upon our status as one of the premier basketball programs in the state."

Kevin Sr., said that he won't have his son play in a prep academy program in Arizona if the AIA makes them ineligible. They could go out of state to have a basketball season, Kevin Sr., said, "If we have to."

"I want to get through this sooner than later so I'll know what to do," he said.

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brothers Kevin and Kallai Patton leaving Maricopa to play basketball at Mountain Pointe