The Copper Open Championship tips off Tuesday night and immediately puts every team on the clock. Sixteen teams from 1A through 3A enter one bracket, with higher seeds hosting and no margin for error once the ball goes up.
Early losses come with a safety net. Lose in the first or second round and teams drop back into their conference tournament starting next week. Reach the semifinals, though, and that door closes. From there on out, it is Copper Open or bust.
With that in mind, here is a deeper look at every first-round matchup.
First Round Matchups
Tuesday, February 10
No. 3 Pima vs No. 14 Alchesay
7 pm at Pima High School, Listen Live on KATO 1230AM
Pima opens at home after earning the No. 3 seed and has been comfortable winning games that stay under control. The Roughriders lean on defense and patience, with Hanna Ashby leading the offense at nearly 12 points per game.
Alchesay prefers a faster pace and looks to score in transition. The Falcons are led by Kylie Mansfield, who averages 11 points per game and sets the tone offensively. If Alchesay can speed this up early, it could get interesting. If Pima keeps it in the half court, the Roughriders are right where they want to be.
No. 13 Fort Thomas at No. 4 Valley Christian
7 pm at Valley Christian High School
Fort Thomas heads on the road after a season built on discipline and defense. The Apaches are comfortable in tight games, with Jamie Johnson leading the scoring at just over nine points per game.
Valley Christian brings more pace and scoring punch. The Trojans are led by Abby Grier, who averages 19 points per game and can take over stretches quickly. How well Fort Thomas limits her touches and slows the game down will go a long way in deciding this one.
No. 5 San Carlos vs No. 12 Yuma Catholic
7 pm at San Carlos High School
San Carlos opens postseason play at home. The Braves have multiple players capable of contributing and will look to spread the floor and apply pressure defensively.
Yuma Catholic arrives with a strong record and a clear offensive leader. Sadie Estes averages 16 points per game and fuels a Shamrocks offense that thrives off turnovers and quick decisions. This game feels like it could swing on which team handles pressure better.
No. 1 Snowflake vs No. 16 Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
7 pm at Snowflake High School
Snowflake enters as the top seed and has been the most consistent team in the bracket. The Lobos are led offensively by Ryah Denhalter, who averages just over 13 points per game and helps set the tone on both ends.
Pusch Ridge returns for a rematch and will look to stay competitive behind Nicole Njoroge, who averages more than 16 points per game. Snowflake controlled the earlier meeting, and the Lobos will look to establish control early once again.
No. 8 Page vs No. 9 Mohave Accelerated
6 pm at Page High School
Mohave Accelerated enters with one of the better records in the field and an aggressive defensive approach. The Patriots are led by Tanner Banks, who averages 19 points per game and can score in bunches when momentum swings.
Page will lean on home court and look to stay composed offensively. Tayla Franklin leads the Sand Devils at nearly 15 points per game and will be key in keeping Page within reach as the game develops.
No. 6 Window Rock vs No. 11 Joseph City
7 pm at Bee Holdzil Fighting Scouts Event Center
Joseph City brings one of the strongest resumes in the bracket and has been disruptive defensively all season. Audrey Neill leads the Wildcats with nearly 17 points per game and creates problems on both ends.
Window Rock hosts and will counter with Tiana Edison, who averages almost 15 points per game and provides a steady scoring presence. Protecting the ball and limiting transition chances will be critical for the Fighting Scouts.
No. 7 St. Johns vs No. 10 Fountain Hills
7 pm at St. Johns High School
These teams met earlier in the season in a close neutral site game. St. Johns has been strong at home and is led offensively by Avalon Udall, who averages nine points per game while contributing across the board.
Fountain Hills brings scoring balance and pace. Taleigha Bonnaha leads the Falcons at nearly 14 points per game and will look to stretch the defense and keep pressure on St. Johns throughout the night.
No. 2 Tuba City vs No. 15 Round Valley
5:30 pm at Tuba City High School
Tuba City opens with the early tip and has been one of the most explosive teams in the bracket. Layla Curtis leads the Warriors with more than 20 points per game and can change a game quickly.
Round Valley brings physicality and rebounding and is led by Kelci Walker, who averages just over 14 points per game. If the Elks can slow the pace and control the glass, they give themselves a chance to hang around.
Quarterfinals are set for Thursday and will again be played at the higher seed. Once teams reach the semifinals, there is no dropping back into conference play.
That is postseason basketball, and it starts now.
