The Arizona girls basketball scene just got a lot more intriguing. One of the state’s most talented young players, Tessa Rhude, has officially transferred to Cactus Shadows High School, injecting new energy and expectations into an already promising program. A rising star in the Class of 2028, Rhude’s arrival is a game-changer for both the school and the broader basketball community.
At 6-foot-3, Rhude is a rare blend of size, skill, and basketball savvy. She’s not just tall—she’s talented. With a polished offensive arsenal, Rhude is a true three-level scorer who can knock down perimeter shots, pull up in the midrange, and absorb contact at the rim. Her scoring is impressive, but it’s her demeanor and decision-making that often leave the biggest impression.
What separates Rhude from many of her peers is her maturity and basketball IQ. Whether orchestrating the offense, facilitating from the wing, or anchoring the defense, she plays with a calm, composed presence that belies her age. Coaches and scouts routinely praise her versatility, noting her ability to guard multiple positions, rotate on help-side defense, and make reads that are usually reserved for upperclassmen.
Defensively, Rhude is already a disruptor. Her length and timing make her a shot-blocking threat in the paint, and her agility allows her to switch out onto wings and guards effectively. She anticipates well, closes space quickly, and competes with a motor that elevates her team on both ends of the floor.
Though still in middle school, Rhude has already made waves on the recruiting trail. San Jose State became the first Division I program to offer her last fall—a clear indication that her potential is being recognized at the next level. The Gems In the Gym Fresh Faces Camp really helped elevate her recruiting stock. Her play with the Bay City club program has only amplified her visibility, as she continues to shine against elite competition and in front of college scouts.
But Rhude’s value goes beyond the box score. Her approach to the game has quickly earned the respect of coaches. She’s described as highly coachable, humble, and relentlessly driven. She puts in the extra work, embraces challenges, and stays focused on improving every facet of her game. That mindset, combined with her physical tools, makes her one of the most promising long-term prospects in Arizona’s 2028 class.
Her transfer to Cactus Shadows is a strategic move—a signal that Rhude is seeking not just playing time, but a competitive environment that will stretch her. With a strong coaching staff led by Marcel Santelli and a program on the rise, the stage is set for her to make an immediate impact and continue her trajectory as one of the region’s elite young players.
As the 2025-2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cactus Shadows. And with Tessa Rhude in the lineup, the Falcons are not just adding talent—they’re adding a potential future star who is already rewriting expectations for what this sophomore can do.
