The AIA state basketball playoffs tip off this week, with Pima, Fort Thomas, Thatcher, Morenci, and Duncan preparing for crucial postseason matchups. With win-or-go-home games ahead, local teams are looking to extend their seasons and compete for a state championship.
This year’s Copper Division format impacts 2A and 3A teams, giving top-ranked small schools a chance to compete in an open tournament while allowing early-round losers to re-enter their respective conference playoffs. However, the 1A tournament remains mostly unchanged, as no 1A boys teams and only one 1A girls team (Joseph City) qualified for the Copper Division.
Fans unable to attend the action can listen live on KATO 1230 AM, which will broadcast Fort Thomas vs. El Capitan, and Thatcher vs. Highland Prep this week.
Playoff Matchups
2A Copper State Championship (Boys)
- Pima (#11) at San Tan Charter (#6), Feb. 12, 7 p.m.
- Pima looks to avenge a 68-54 regular-season loss to San Tan Charter. A win advances them to the quarterfinals on Feb. 14, while a loss sends them to the 2A Conference Tournament.
3A State Championship (Boys – Pool Play)
- Thatcher (#16) vs. Highland Prep (#19), Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Live on KATO 1230 AM
- Thatcher hosts Highland Prep in a win-or-go-home pool play game. The winner advances to Round 1 on Feb. 18, while the loser is eliminated.
2A Conference Play-In (Boys)
- Morenci (#8) vs. Scottsdale Prep (#23), Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
- The 2A South champions are favored to advance, but must avoid an upset against Scottsdale Prep.
1A Conference Play-In (Boys)
- Fort Thomas (#2) vs. Antelope Union (#23), Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
- Fort Thomas looks to secure a spot in the 1A State Championship tournament as a top contender in their classification.
2A Conference Play-In (Girls)
- Pima (#7) vs. Lincoln Prep (#24), Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
- Pima dominated Lincoln Prep 61-11 in their last meeting and is expected to advance.
- Morenci (#22) at Tombstone (#9), Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
- Morenci is looking for an upset victory after losing to Tombstone twice in the regular season.
1A Conference Play-In (Girls)
- Fort Thomas (#2) vs. El Capitan (#25), Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Live on KATO 1230 AM
- Fort Thomas, the 1A East champion, is heavily favored in this matchup.
- Duncan (#6) vs. Hayden (#21), Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
- Duncan has defeated Hayden twice this season and looks to secure a spot in the 1A state bracket.
Winners will advance to their respective state tournament brackets, with quarterfinals scheduled for Feb. 22. Teams competing in the Copper Division will drop back into their conference brackets if eliminated early, giving some 2A and 3A teams a second chance at a title. Fans can follow the action live on KATO 1230 AM for key playoff broadcasts.
