The stakes are clear tonight night at Safford High School.
When the Pima Roughriders face the Window Rock Fighting Scouts in the quarterfinal round of the Girls Copper Open Tournament, the outcome carries major postseason implications. The winner advances and is locked into the Copper Open bracket for the remainder of the postseason. The loser drops back into their respective conference tournament.
There is no middle ground.
Pima enters at 24–4, riding a four-game win streak and carrying one of the strongest defensive resumes in the field. The Roughriders average 54 points per game while allowing just 26 per contest. Over the course of the season, they have outscored opponents 1,516 to 740.
Defense has been the foundation. Pima forces 16 steals per game and averages 29 rebounds per night, creating extra possessions and transition opportunities. Junior Hanna Ashby leads the way at 11.7 points and 3.6 steals per game. Senior Macy Allred adds 9.3 points per contest, and junior Morgan Russell controls the glass at 5.6 rebounds per game.
Window Rock (19–8) arrives battle-tested from the 3A North. The Fighting Scouts average 50 points per game and rely heavily on freshman standout Tiana Edison, who leads the team at 14.8 points per game, along with senior Kourtney Bitselley at 11.7 per contest.
Win and stay on the Copper Open path.
Lose and head back to conference tournament play.
Hear tonight’s game on KATO 1230AM in the Gila Valley.
