By Zach Alvira
Head of Content
It’s the end of an era at Perry High School.
Sam Duane Jr., one of Arizona’s best high school basketball coaches and the mastermind behind the Pumas’ dynasty the last four seasons, announced Tuesday he has stepped down.
First reported by the Arizona Republic’s Richard Obert, the news sent shockwaves across the Arizona high school basketball community.
Duane is stepping down with the intention of taking on the role of District Athletic Compliance & Character Coach with Mesa Public Schools, according to the latest agenda for the district’s governing board. Duane’s hire is pending board approval. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night.
“I want to thank Heather Patterson, Jennifer Burks, Dan Serrano and all our administrators for the opportunity and for supporting our program,” Duane said in a prepared statement on X. “Thank you to my assistants, notably Kevin Hartwig, for a tremendous nine years. A huge appreciation to all my fellow coaches, security team, teachers and DC, our equipment man. I am grateful for all of your support and friendship.”
Duane cemented his name in Arizona high school basketball history long before he arrived at Perry.
From 2011-2014, he led Corona del Sol to four straight state championships. He created another dynasty at Perry the last four years, coaching the Pumas to a 6A title in 2022 followed by three Open Division championships.
Duane has been responsible for helping mold four NBA players in his coaching career. He coached Marvin Bagley III and Saben Lee while at Corona del Sol. Recently, he helped mold Cody and Jalen Williams.
Jalen is a rising star for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cody is in his rookie season with the Utah Jazz. Duane also coached Koa Peat the last four seasons, the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year who is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 class.
Rated a five-star, Peat is a shoo-in to be part of an NBA roster in the next two or three years.
“To all our Puma players and families past and present, you have been incredible,” Duane said. “The meaningful relationships we have forged are worth far more than any win we all accomplished. I believe the program is in a great place with a lot of good talent and unwavering support, which will allow it to continue at a high level.”
Duane will undoubtedly find himself in one of Arizona’s Hall of Fames in the near future.
“I have given my best and now believe it is time to transition into a new challenge in my life,” Duane said. “Perry is a special place, and I am thankful to have been a part of it. You will always have a place in my heart.”
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