The Assyrian Basketball of Arizona (ABA) Summer 2026 season has officially come to a close after 13 weeks of competition, culminating in an exciting playoff run and a championship victory for PHX Shimsheh. In the Finals, PHX Shimsheh defeated Dehweh 78–45 to claim the Summer 2026 championship.
Featuring six teams and approximately 45 players, this season brought together members of the Assyrian community for 10 weeks of regular-season competition followed by three weeks of playoffs at Glendale Prep Academy. With plenty of competition, standout individual performances, and unexpected playoff results, Summer 2026 was another memorable chapter in the ABA's history.
An Unpredictable Road to the Finals
This season featured six teams competing for the championship: Corruption, Dehweh, Futures, Where She At FC, PHX Shimsheh, and Jungaleeyeh.
The playoffs delivered one of the most surprising storylines of the season. In a remarkable turn of events, the fifth- and sixth-seeded teams eliminated the first- and second-seeded teams, setting up a Finals matchup that may have been a first in ABA history.
PHX Shimsheh and Dehweh ultimately emerged from the playoffs to compete for the championship, proving that regular-season standings don't always determine how a season will end.
PHX Shimsheh Takes Home the Championship
PHX Shimsheh put together a commanding performance in the championship game, defeating Dehweh 78–45. Led by captain Joey Hormes, Shimsheh controlled the matchup and maintained its advantage throughout the game against a Dehweh team led by captain Mark Hanoosh.
Leading the way offensively was Finals MVP Ninos Daniel, who delivered an outstanding performance with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Congratulations to PHX Shimsheh on capturing the ABA Summer 2026 championship!
PHX Shimsheh – Summer 2026 Championship Roster
Congratulations to the players who helped bring home the championship:
James Babico
Jesse Babico
Ninos Daniel
David Gushaba
Joey Hormes (Captain)
Jonah Khoshaba
Arkad Narssi
Sargis Narssi
2026 Season Award Winners
In addition to the team championship, the season recognized four players for their outstanding individual performances and contributions.
League MVP – David Aysho
David Aysho earned League MVP honors after an impressive season, averaging 30.0 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 0.9 SPG. His ability to contribute across the floor and consistently produce offensively made him one of the league's standout players.
Defensive Player of the Year – Sargon David
Sargon David was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year for his impact on the defensive end. He averaged 14.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, and 0.9 BPG, making his presence felt in the paint and on the defensive boards.
Sixth Man of the Year – Antonio Binyamin
Antonio Binyamin received Sixth Man of the Year honors after providing valuable contributions off the bench. Averaging 8.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 0.5 BPG, Antonio demonstrated the importance of depth and consistent contributions throughout the season.
Finals MVP – Ninos Daniel
After an outstanding championship-game performance, Ninos Daniel was named Finals MVP. His 27-point performance, along with six rebounds, two assists, and one steal, helped lead PHX Shimsheh to its 78–45 championship victory.
Congratulations to all four award recipients for their outstanding seasons!
Two Decades of Assyrian Basketball in Arizona
Established in 2006, Assyrian Basketball of Arizona (ABA) celebrates two decades of bringing the Assyrian community together through basketball. Organized under the Assyrian American Cultural Organization of Arizona (AACO), the league continues to promote community involvement, friendly competition, and opportunities for Assyrians to connect through sports.
The Summer 2026 season was organized by Joey Hormes, Antonio Binyamin, and Steve Awdisho Jr., whose efforts helped bring another successful season to the court.
Over the past two decades, ABA has remained about more than basketball. It has provided an opportunity to build friendships, strengthen community connections, and bring generations of Assyrians together through a shared love of the game.
Looking Ahead to Winter 2027
As the Summer 2026 season comes to an end, anticipation is already building for the next chapter. ABA plans to return with its Winter 2027 season after the new year, with plans to welcome new players and expand the league to include additional teams.
Interested players are encouraged to get involved and be part of the growing league. For schedules, league information, and future registration announcements, visit the official ABA website or follow along on Instagram.
ABA Website: https://assyrianamerican.com/basketball
Instagram: @aaco_sports
Thank you to all the players, team captains, organizers, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this season possible. Congratulations once again to PHX Shimsheh, all the award recipients, and every team that competed this summer.
We look forward to seeing everyone back on the court in Winter 2027!
